Section 1 – Manual of Arms-M4-Series Carbine

5-1. This section contains procedures for executing the manual of arms with the M4-series carbine (see figure 5-1 on page 5-2) in conjunction with individual and unit drill movements. Only conduct drills with the M4-series carbine with the standard handguards with the stock fully extended.

Note. The manual of arms movements for the M16-series, M14, M1903 or M1917 rifle are basically the same as for the M4 carbine. The movements for the M16 are fully described in appendix B; the movements for the M14 are fully described in appendix C; the movements for the M1903or M1917 are fully described in appendix D.

Figure 5-1. Nomenclature, M4-series carbine

Basic Procedures

5-2. The following are basic procedures that apply to the M4-series carbine:

  • At the Halt, all movements are initiated from Order Arms or Sling Arms, which are the Positions of Attention with the carbine.
  • All precision movements are executed in quick-time cadence.
  • For drill purposes, the magazine is not carried in the carbine. When performing duty requiring the use of the magazine, the carbine is carried at Sling Arms.
  • The command Port, ARMS must be given before the command for Double Time.
  • Facings, alignments, and short-distance marching movements are executed from Order Arms or Sling Arms. When the movement has been completed, automatically return the carbine to Order Arms.
  • Facing movements are executed from Order Arms or Sling Arms. When a Facing is necessary to establish the direction of march, the Facing movement is executed before the command for the manual of arms. After a marching movement has been completed, Order, ARMS or Sling, ARMS is commanded before the command for the facing movement.
  • Ready, Port, ARMS must be commanded following Inspection Arms and before any other movements can be commanded.
  • Port Arms is the key position assumed in most manual of arms movements from one position to another except Right Shoulder Arms from Order Arms and Order Arms from Right Shoulder Arms.
  • Manual of arms movements are a combination of the Position of Attention and the procedures for the prescribed movement. Most manual of arms movements are executed with the head, eyes, and body as in the Position of Attention.
  • Sling Arms is the appropriate position assumed to carry the carbine while marching in most situations. Port Arms is only used when slings are unavailable or unless specifically required by local conditions.

Note. Paragraphs 5-2 through 5-9 refer to slings tight. However, all individual and unit drill movements may be executed with slings loose except when executing Fix Bayonets and Unfix Bayonets.

Order Arms

5-3. Order Arms is the Position of Attention with a carbine or rifle. To execute Order Arms, use the following procedures:

  • Assume Order Arms on the command FALL IN or from Parade Rest on the command of execution ATTENTION (see figure 5-2 on page 5-4).
  • At Order Arms, maintain the Position of Attention. Grasp the weapon by cupping the butt of the carbine with the right hand, fingers joined with the thumb on the toe of the butt. Hold the carbine vertical with the magazine well to the front with the trailing edge of the right hand on line with the seam of the trousers.
Figure 5-2. Order Arms and Parade Rest

Rest Position

5-4. The Rest Positions are commanded and executed the same as individual drill with the following additions:

  • On the command of execution REST of Parade, REST, execute the movement as an individual drill without moving the right hand or the carbine.
  • Execute Stand at Ease in the same manner as Parade Rest except turn the head and eyes toward the person in charge of the formation.
  • On the command AT EASE or REST, keep the carbine in place as in Parade Rest.

Port Arms

5-5. To execute Port Arms (see figure 5-3) use the following procedures:

  • Port Arms from Order Arms is a two-count movement. The command is Port, ARMS.
  • On the command of execution ARMS (count one), reach across the body with the left hand and grasp the handguards just above the slip ring.
  • On count two, release the grasp of the right hand and raise the carbine diagonally across the body so that the carbine is about 4 inches from the waist. At the same time, grasp the small of the stock with the right hand.
  • Hold the carbine diagonally across the body about 4 inches from the waist, right forearm horizontal, and the elbows close to the sides.
Figure 5-3. Port Arms from Order Arms

5-6. To execute Order Arms from Port Arms (see figure 5-4 on page 5-6), use the following procedures:

  • Order Arms from Port Arms is a two-count movement. The command is Order, ARMS.
  • On the command of execution ARMS (count one), release the grasp of the right hand and move the carbine to the side as in Order Arms with the carbine. At the same time, move the right hand to the side and then regrasp the butt of the carbine as in Order Arms.
  • On count two, release the grasp of the left hand and return it sharply to the side and in the Position of Attention.
Figure 5-4. Order Arms from Port Arms

Present Arms

5-7. To Present Arms from Order Arms (see figure 5-5), use the following procedures:

  • Present 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 carbine with the right hand so that the carbine is vertical and centered on the body about 4 inches from the waist with the magazine well to the front. Lower the carbine until the left forearm is horizontal and keep the elbows tight against the sides.
Figure 5-5. Present Arms

5-8. Orders Arms from Present Arms is a three-count movement. The command is Order, ARMS. On the command of execution ARMS, twist the carbine back to the Port Arms position. Counts two and three are executed the same as from Port Arms.

Inspection Arms

5-9. To execute Inspection Arms (see figure 5-6 on page 5-8), use the following procedures:

  • Inspection Arms from Order Arms is a seven-count movement. The command is Inspection, ARMS.
    • On the command of execution ARMS, execute Port Arms in the first two counts.
    • On count three, move the left hand from the handguard and grasp the pistol grip, thumb over the lower portion of the bolt catch.
    • On count four, release the grasp of the right hand, unlock the charging handle with the thumb, and sharply pull the charging handle to the rear with the thumb and forefinger. At the same time, apply pressure on the lower portion of the bolt catch, locking the bolt to the rear.
    • On count five, without changing the grasp of the right hand, sharply push the charging handle forward until it is locked into position; then regrasp the carbine with the right hand at the small of the stock.
    • On count six, remove the left hand, twist the carbine with the right hand so that the ejection port is skyward, regrasp the handguard with the left hand just forward of the slip ring, and visually inspect the receiver through the ejection port.
    • On count seven, with the right hand, twist the carbine so that the sights are up and assume Inspection Arms.
Figure 5-6. Inspection Arms

Note. The method for inspecting the carbine by an inspecting officer is explained in chapter 8.

  • Ready, Port, ARMS is the only command given from Inspection Arms:
    • On the command Ready, move the left hand and regrasp the carbine with the thumb and fingers forming a “U” at the magazine well and trigger guard, the thumb (without pressure) on the upper part of the bolt catch, fingertips placed below or under the ejection port cover.
    • On the command Port, press the bolt catch and allow the bolt to go forward. With the fingertips, push upward and close the ejection port cover. Grasp the pistol grip with the left hand and place the left thumb on the trigger.
    • On the command ARMS, pull the trigger and resume Port Arms. To return to Order Arms the command is Order, Arms.

Right Shoulder Arms

5-10. To execute Right Shoulder Arms (see figure 5-7), use the following procedures:

  • Right Shoulder Arms from Order Arms is a four-count movement. The command is Right Shoulder, ARMS:
    • On the command of execution ARMS, execute count one the same as in Port Arms.
    • On count two, execute the same as Port Arms except move the right hand to grasp the butt of the carbine with 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 carbine 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 carbine 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 charging handle. 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.
Figure 5-7. Right Shoulder Arms
  • Order Arms from Right Shoulder Arms is a three-count movement (see figure 5-8). The command is Order, ARMS:
    • On the command of execution ARMS (count one), without moving the head and without changing the grasp of the right hand, press down quickly and firmly on the butt of the carbine 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 carbine with the left hand at the handguard just forward of the slip ring.
    • On count two, release the grasp of the right hand and move the carbine to the side as in Order Arms, then regrasp the butt with the right hand.
    • On count three, release the grasp of the left hand and return it sharply to the side as in the Position of Attention, resuming Order Arms.
Figure 5-8. Order Arms from Right Shoulder Arms

Left Shoulder Arms

5-11. To execute Left Shoulder Arms, use the following procedures:

  • Left Shoulder Arms from Order Arms is a four-count movement (see figure 5-9). 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 carbine on the left shoulder with the right hand (with the sights up), keeping the right elbow down. At the same time, regrasp the carbine 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.
Figure 5-9. Left Shoulder Arms
  • Order Arms from Left Shoulder Arms is a four-count movement (see figure 5-10 on page 5-12). The command is Order, ARMS:
    • On the command of execution ARMS (count one), 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 carbine diagonally across the body (sights up) about 4 inches from the waist. At the same time, regrasp the handguard just forward of the slip ring with the left hand, and resume Port Arms.
    • Counts three and four are the same as from Port Arms.
Figure 5-10. Order Arms from Left Shoulder Arms

Changing Positions

5-12. To change position with the M4-series carbine, use the following procedures:

  • Right Shoulder Arms from Port Arms is a three-count movement. The command is Right Shoulder, ARMS. On the command of execution ARMS, release the grasp of the right hand and regrasp the carbine with the heel of the butt between the first two fingers, with the thumb and forefinger touching. Counts two and three are the same as counts three and four from Order Arms. When marching, the command is given as the right foot strikes the marching surface.
  • Port Arms from Right Shoulder Arms is a two-count movement. The command is Port, ARMS. On the command of execution ARMS, execute count one of Order Arms from Right Shoulder Arms. On count two, release the grasp of the right hand and regrasp the carbine at the small of the stock and come to Port Arms. When marching, the command is given as the right foot strikes the marching surface.
  • Left Shoulder Arms from Port Arms is a two-count movement. The command is Left Shoulder, ARMS. On the command of execution ARMS, execute Left Shoulder Arms in the same manner as counts three and four from Order Arms. When marching, the command is given as the left foot strikes the marching surface.
  • Port Arms from Left Shoulder Arms is a two-count movement. The command is Port, ARMS. On the command of execution ARMS, execute the first two counts of Order Arms from Left Shoulder Arms. When marching, the command is given as the left foot strikes the marching surface.
  • Left Shoulder Arms from Right Shoulder Arms is a four-count movement. The command is Left Shoulder, ARMS. On the command of execution ARMS, execute the first count the same as executing Order Arms. On count two, remove the right hand from the butt of the carbine and regrasp the small of the stock (Port Arms). Counts three and four are the same movements as from Port Arms. When marching, the command is given as the left foot strikes the marching surface.
  • Right Shoulder Arms from Left Shoulder Arms is a five-count movement. The command is Right Shoulder, ARMS. On the command of execution ARMS, execute Port Arms in two counts. Counts three, four, and five are the same as from Port Arms. When marching, the command is given as the right foot strikes the marching surface.
  • Present Arms from Right Shoulder Arms or Left Shoulder Arms, while in formation, is executed from the Halt only. The command is Present, ARMS. On the command of execution ARMS, come to Port Arms from either shoulder and then execute Present Arms (in one count) from Port Arms.
  • To resume Right (Left) Shoulder Arms from Present Arms, the command is Right (Left) Shoulder, ARMS. On the command of execution ARMS, execute Port Arms in one count and then execute the counts as prescribed from Port Arms.

Note. Experienced Soldiers should be able to execute the 15-count manual of arms in unison from Order, to Right Shoulder, to Left Shoulder, to Present, to Order Arms. The command is Fifteen-Count Manual, ARMS.

Fix and Unfix Bayonets

5-13. The command to Fix or Unfix Bayonets is given from Order Arms only. The movement is executed ina military manner but not in cadence.

Note. The bayonet scabbard is worn on the left side with the tip of the scabbard on line with the trouser leg seam and the barrel ring to the front.

Fix Bayonets

5-14. To fix bayonets the command is Fix, BAYONETS. On the command of execution BAYONETS, grasp the carbine barrel with the right hand, raise the carbine slightly, and place the butt of the carbine between the feet, with the magazine well to the front. Grasp the carbine barrel with the left hand and move the muzzle to the left front. With the right hand, unsnap the scabbard securing strap and withdraw the bayonet. Keeping the eyes on the bayonet point, turn the point skyward and attach the bayonet to the carbine. To engage the bayonet stud on the carbine with the base of the bayonet, grasp the handle, apply downward pressure until a click is heard, and then apply limited upward pressure to ensure that the bayonet is seated securely. Re-snap the scabbard securing strap with the right hand and then come to Order Arms.

Unfix Bayonets

5-15. To unfix bayonets the command is Unfix, BAYONETS. On the command of execution BAYONETS, grasp the carbine barrel with the right hand at the handle of the bayonet and place the carbine butt between the feet with the magazine well to the front. Move the muzzle to the left with the left hand and secure it. Unsnap the scabbard securing strap with the right hand, then grasp the bayonet handle with the left hand and release the bayonet from the carbine muzzle with the left hand. Keeping the eyes on the bayonet point, return the bayonet to the scabbard and insert it with the barrel ring facing to the front. Re-snap the scabbard securing strap and come to Order Arms. For safety, if the bayonet is difficult to remove from the carbine, stick the bayonet point into the marching surface, bend over, and depress the catch mechanism with the left hand while pulling upward on the carbine with the right hand.

Next Page : Section 2 – Sling Arms, M4-Series Carbine

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