The manual of arms with the M1903 or M1917 rifle (see figure D-1) is executed in the same manner as the manual of arms for the M16-series rifle (see appendix B) except for minor differences with Order Arms, Port Arms, Left and Right Shoulder Arms, Inspection Arms, and Present Arms. For ease of understanding, the movements are fully described.
Note. The term “at the balance” refers to where the trailing edge of the top handguard meets the front edge of the breech. The trailing edge of the hand is placed in this area. Figure D-1 shows the location of the balance.
Order Arms
D-1. Execute Order Arms using the following procedures:
- Assume Order Arms on the command FALL IN or from Parade Rest on the command of execution ATTENTION.
- At Order Arms, maintain the Position of Attention with the rifle. Place the butt of the rifle on the marching surface with sights to the rear and touching the right foot. Place the toe of the butt on line with the front of the right foot. Secure the rifle with the right hand in a “U” formed by the fingers (extended and joined) and thumb. Keep the right arm as in the Position of Attention and hold the rifle with the right thumb and fingers with the fingers pointed generally downward and touching the sides of the handguards. Keep the right hand and arm behind the rifle (see figure D-2).
Rest Position
D-2. The rifle Rest positions are commanded and executed the same as individual drill with the following additions:
- On the command of execution REST of Parade, REST, thrust the muzzle forward keeping the toe of the butt on line with the front of the right foot and the right arm straight (see figure D-2).
- Execute Stand at Ease with the rifle in the same manner as Parade Rest except turn the head and eyes toward the commander.
- On the command AT EASE or REST, keep the butt of the rifle in place as in Parade Rest.
Port Arms
D-3. Execute Port Arms from Order Arms using the following procedures:
- Port Arms from Order Arms is a two-count movement. The command is Port, ARMS. On the command of execution ARMS, grasp the rifle with the right hand and raise the rifle diagonally across the body, keeping the right elbow down (without strain). With the left hand, simultaneously grasp the rifle at the balance so that the rifle is about 4 inches from the waist. On count two, regrasp the rifle at the small of the stock with the right hand. Hold the rifle diagonally across the body, about 4 inches from the waist, the right forearm horizontal, and the elbows close to the sides (see figure D-3 on page D-4).
- Order Arms from Port Arms is executed in three counts. The command is Order, ARMS. On the command of execution ARMS, move the right hand up and across the body and firmly grasp the rifle just forward of the lower band without moving the rifle, and keep the right elbow down without strain. On count two, move the left hand from the balance and lower the rifle to the right side until it is about 1 inch from the marching surface. Guide the rifle to the side by placing the forefinger of the left hand at the forward edge of the upper band, fingers and thumb extended and joined, palm to the rear. On count three, move the left hand sharply to the left side, gently lower the rifle to the marching surface, and resume the position of Order Arms (see figure D-3 on page D-4).
Present Arms
D-4. Execute Present Arms using the following procedures:
- Present Arms from Order Arms is a three-count movement. The command is Present, ARMS. On the command of execution ARMS, execute Port Arms in two counts. On count three, twist the rifle with the right hand so that the sights are to the rear, and move the rifle to a vertical position about 4 inches in front of and centered on the body. Lower the rifle until the left forearm is horizontal; keep the elbows in at the sides. Keep the left thumb alongside and touching the handguard.
Note. Incline the barrel slightly backward to ensure that the weapon is vertical.
- Order Arms from Present Arms is a four-count movement. The command is Order, ARMS. On the command of execution ARMS, return the rifle to Port Arms. Counts two, three, and four are the same as Order Arms from Port Arms (see figure D-4).
- Port Arms is assumed en route to or from Present Arms when going to or from Right Shoulder or Left Shoulder Arms. Present Arms from or to Port Arms is a one-count movement. When rendering reports or courtesy to an individual from Order Arms, execute Present Arms and turn the head and eyes toward the individual addressed. Order Arms is executed automatically upon acknowledgment of the Salute.
Right Shoulder Arms
D-5. Execute Right Shoulder Arms using the following procedures:
- Right Shoulder Arms from Order Arms is a four-count movement. The command is Right Shoulder, ARMS. Execute count one, the command of execution ARMS, the same as in executing Port Arms. On count two, release the grasp of the right hand and grasp the heel of the butt between the first two fingers with the thumb and forefinger touching. On count three (without moving the head), release the grasp of the left hand (without changing the grasp of the right hand), twist the rifle so that the sights are up, and place the weapon onto the right shoulder, moving the left hand to the small of the stock to guide the rifle to the shoulder. Keep the fingers and thumb (left hand) extended and joined with the palm turned toward the body. The first joint of the left forefinger touches the rear of the cocking piece. Keep the left elbow down, and keep the right forearm horizontal with the right upper arm against the side and on line with the back. On count four, sharply move the left hand back to the left side as in the Position of Attention (see figure D-5).
- Order Arms from Right Shoulder Arms is a four-count movement. The command is Order, ARMS. On the command of execution ARMS, without moving the head and without changing the grasp of the right hand, press down quickly and firmly on the butt of the rifle with the right hand and twist the weapon (with the sights up), guiding it diagonally across the body and about 4 inches from the waist. Grasp the rifle with the left hand at the balance. On count two, move the right hand up and across the body and firmly grasp the rifle just forward of the lower band without moving the rifle; keep the right elbow down without strain. Counts three and four are the same as from Port Arms to Order Arms (see figure D-5).
Left Shoulder Arms
D-6. Execute Left Shoulder Arms using the following procedures:
- Left Shoulder Arms from Order Arms is a four-count movement. The command is Left Shoulder, ARMS. On the command of execution ARMS, execute Port Arms in two counts. On count three, release the grasp of the left hand and (without moving the head) place the rifle on the left shoulder with the right hand (with the sights up), keeping the right elbow down. At the same time, regrasp the rifle with the left hand with the heel of the butt between the first two fingers and with the thumb and forefinger touching. The left forearm is horizontal, and the left upper arm is against the side and on line with the back. On count four, move the right hand to the right side as in the Position of Attention (see figure D-6).
- Order Arms from Left Shoulder Arms is a five-count movement. The command is Order, ARMS. On the command of execution ARMS, move the right hand up and across the body and grasp the small of the stock, keeping the right elbow down. On count two (without moving the head), release the grasp of the left hand and with the right hand move the rifle diagonally across the body (sights up) about 4 inches from the waist. At the same time, regrasp the rifle at the balance with the left hand, and resume Port Arms (see figure D-6). Counts three, four, and five are the same as Order Arms from Port Arms.
Inspection Arms
D-7. Execute Inspection Arms using the following procedures:
- Inspection Arms from Order Arms is a five-count movement. The command is Inspection, ARMS. On the command of execution ARMS, execute Port Arms in two counts. On count three, grasp the bolt handle with the thumb and forefinger of the right hand, rotate the handle upward and draw the bolt back. On count four, lower the head and eyes and visually inspect the magazine. On count five, return the head and eyes to the front as in the Position of Attention, and come to Inspection Arms (see figure D-7).
Note. The method for inspecting the rifle by an inspecting officer is explained in chapter 7.
- Port, ARMS is the only command given from Inspection Arms. On the command Port, push the bolt forward and rotate the handle down locking the bolt in place, then release the grasp of the right hand and regrasp the small of the stock with the right forefinger on the trigger. On the command ARMS, pull the trigger and resume Port Arms (see figure D-7).
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