Part 8 (1/2)

[Ill.u.s.tration: THE CORRECT POSITION OF LEFT SHOULDER ARMS]

The incorrect positions are usually the same as are found in the right shoulder arms, and as ill.u.s.trated here.

[Ill.u.s.tration]

Being at left shoulder arms: 1. Port, 2. ARMS. It is executed in two counts.

At the command arms, grasp the piece with the right hand at the small of the stock.

At the command two, carry the piece, with the right hand to the position of port arms, regrasp it with the left.

Left shoulder arms may be ordered from the order, right shoulder or present, or the reverse. At the command arms, execute port arms and continue to the position ordered.

Being at order arms: 1. Parade, 2. REST. It is executed in one count.

At the command rest, carry muzzle in front of the center of the body, barrel to the left. Grasp piece with the left hand just below the stacking swivel, and with the right hand below and against the left.

Left knee slightly bent. Carry the right foot 6 inches straight to the rear.

[Ill.u.s.tration: CORRECT POSITION OF PARADE REST]

Being at parade rest: 1. Squad, 2. ATTENTION. Executed in one count.

At the command attention (it is a custom of the service to execute the movement at the last syllable of the command), resume the order, the left hand quitting the piece opposite the right hip.

Being at order arms: 1. Trail, 2. ARMS.

At the command arms, raise the piece, right arm slightly bent, and incline the muzzle forward so that the barrel makes an angle of about 30 with the vertical.

When it can be done without danger or inconvenience to others, the piece may be grasped at the balance and the muzzle lowered until the piece is horizontal; a similar position in the left hand may be used.

[Ill.u.s.tration: CORRECT POSITION OF TRAIL ARMS

Being at trail arms: 1. Order, 2. ARMS.

At the command arms, lower the gun with the right hand and resume the order.]

Being at right shoulder arms: 1. Rifle, 2. SALUTE. It is executed in two counts.

At the command salute, carry the left hand smartly to the small of the stock, forearm horizontal, palm of hand down, thumb and fingers joined, forefinger touching end of c.o.c.king piece. Look toward the person saluted. At the command two, drop the hand by the side; turn the head and eyes to the front.

[Ill.u.s.tration: THE CORRECT POSITION OF RIFLE SALUTE, BEING AT RIGHT SHOULDER ARMS.]

[Ill.u.s.tration: COMMON ERRORS IN RIFLE SALUTE AT RIGHT SHOULDER ARMS.

No. 1. Left elbow too low. Forearm should be horizontal.

No. 2. Left elbow too high. Fingers not extended and joined.]

Being at order or trail arms: 1. Rifle, 2. SALUTE.