INSTRUCTIONS FOR INFANTRY AND ARTILLERY, UNITED STATES NAVY.
PREPARED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE BUREAU OF NAVIGATION, NAVY DEPARTMENT, BY
Commander C. M. Thomas, U. S. N.,
Lieutenant C. E. Colahan, U. S. N.,
Lieutenant W. F. Fullam, U. S. N.,
Ensign F. J. Haeseler, U. S. N.,
AND
First Lieutenant L. W. V. Kennon, U. S. A.
Bureau of Navigation, Navy Department,
Washington, D. C ,July 15, 1891.
The following instructions for Infantry and Artillery exercises are issued for the use of the Navy.
Officers are requested to suggest such changes as experience may dictate.
F. M. Ramsay,
Chief of Bureau.
DEFINITIONS.
- Alignment.—A straight line, upon which several men or bodies of troops are formed, or are to be formed.
- Base.—The unit on which a movement is regulated ; as, base file, company, or battalion.
- Column.—A formation in which the elements are placed one behind another.
- Deploy.—To extend the front; as, to pass from column into line.
- Depth.—The space from head to rear of any formation, including the leading and rear elements.
- Disposition.—The distribution and formations of the fractions of a body of troops, for the accomplishment of some special object.
- Distance.—Space measured perpendicular to the front. The distance between ranks in the same unit is measured from the breast of the man in rear to the back of the man in front.
- The distance between two subdivisions in column is measured in like manner from guide to guide.
- Between two commands in column, one in rear of the other, each comprised of several fractions, the distance is measured from the rear guide of the command in front to the leading guide of the one in rear.
- Echelon.—A formation in which subdivisions are placed stair-wise, so that each unmasks those in rear, either wholly or in part. In battle formation this term is also employed to designate the different elements or lines in the direction of depth.
- Example: The first echelon, the. Firing line; the second echelon, the support, etc.
- Evolution.—A movement by which troops are enabled to pass from one formation to another.
- File.—Two men, a front-rank man and the corresponding man of the rear rank, whether placed one behind the other or side by side.
- File-leader, the front-rank man of a file. A file is said to be blank when it has no rear-rank man.
- File-Closers.—Officers or petty officers posted in rear of the line, to rectify mistakes and to insure steadiness and promptness in the ranks.
- Flank.—The right or left of a command in line or column; also the element on the right or left of a line.
- Flankers.—Men posted or inarched so as to protect the flank of a column.
- Flank March.—A march, whatever the formation, by which troops move along the front of the enemy's position.
- Formation.—The arrangement of the elements of a command.
- Front.—The space occupied by a command in width, either in line or column. Front also denotes the direction of the enemy.
- Guide.—An officer, petty officer, or man upon whom the command regulates its march.
- Interval.—Space measured between elements of the same line. The interval between two men is measured from elbow to elbow; between two companies, squads, etc., from the left elbow of the left man or guide of the group on the right, to the right elbow of the right man or guide of the group on the left.
- Line.—A formation in which the different elements are abreast of each other; when the elements are in column, the formation is called a line of columns.
- Manoeuvre.—The practical application of the movements prescribed in the drill-book, taken in connection with the nature of the ground, the position and movements of an enemy.
- Order.—
- Close.—The normal formation in which men are habitually arranged in line or column.
- Extended.—The formation in which the men, or the subdivisions, or both, are separated by intervals greater than in close order.
- Pace.—Thirty inches.
- Ploy.—To diminish front, as to pass from line into column.
- Point of Rest.—The point at which a formation begins.
- Rank.—A line of men placed side by side.
- Scouts.—Men detailed to precede a command on the march and when forming for battle, to gather and report information concerning the enemy and the nature of the ground.
- Successive Formation.—An evolution in which the several subdivisions successively arrive in their places.
- Tactics.—The art of handling troops in the presence of an enemy.
- Turning Movement.—An extended movement around the enemy's flank to threaten or attack his flank or rear.
- Wing.—The portion of a command between the center and the flank; the battalion is the smallest body which is divided into wings.
GENERAL REGULATIONS.
- Each ship and squadron will have a permanently organized landing force composed of infantry and artillery. The proportion of infantry to artillery in a naval brigade varies with the nature of the service to be performed.
- When practicable, captains or commanders will act as chief of brigade; lieutenant-commanders as chiefs of battalion; lieutenants as brigade-adjutants, chiefs of company, chiefs of platoon (artillery), quartermasters, and ordnance officers; junior-line officers as battalion-adjutants, chiefs of section, and signal officers; paymasters will act as commissaries.
- The brigade staff consists of a brigade-adjutant, quartermaster, commissary, ordnance officer, medical officer, signal officer, and two aides.
- The battalion staff consists of an adjutant, commissary, and medical officer.
- The section, consisting of one officer, two petty officers, and sixteen men, is the unit of organization. All sections are drilled both as infantry and artillery.
- When acting as infantry, two sections form a company; four companies a battalion; two or more battalions a brigade. Companies and battalions will, as far as practicable, be composed of sections from the same ship.
- When acting as artillery, two sections form a platoon; two platoons a battery ; two or more batteries a battalion. If necessary, two or more additional sections may be detailed to aid the drag men or to maneuver the limber.
- The marines of a squadron will be posted on the right of the line.
- One set of colors only will be carried by any landing force. In a mixed force, the colors will be carried by the infantry.
- The pioneers, consisting of a detail of one man for every section landed, are under the direction of the quartermaster. They will, preferably, be mechanics.
- The ammunition party, consisting ordinarily of a detail of one man for every two sections landed, is under the direction of the ordnance officer.
- One mess-man is detailed as cook for every two sections landed.
- The ambulance party, consisting of a detail of one man for every two sections landed, is under the direction of the medical officer.
- The necessary number of signal men accompany the landing force.
- A petty officer is detailed to assist battalion-adjutants, and if the landing force is so large as to make it necessary, a petty officer is also detailed to assist brigade commissaries and quartermasters.
- Two boat keepers will be detailed for each cutter or smaller boat, and four for each launch or large boat. A junior officer will be sent in charge of the boats and their keepers.
- When fully equipped, each man will carry packed knapsack and haversack, rubber-blanket, webbing belt, filled canteen, and leggings; when lightly equipped, filled canteen, webbing belt, and leggings.
Pioneers will also carry entrenching tools.
One stretcher will be carried by every two men of the ambulance party.
Signal apparatus is carried by the signal party.
- Infantry sections will be armed with the service rifle.
- In the artillery sections, the petty officers and numbers 1 to 8, inclusive, will be armed with the revolver only, the remainder of the section will be armed as infantry. On parades, when a long march may be expected, artillery sections may be armed with the revolver only.
- Battalion staff petty officers will be armed with the cutlass and revolver; color-bearers, guidons, and buglers are armed with the revolver only.
- When a landing is contemplated, the commander-in-chief indicates the character of the landing party from each ship, the number of sections, and the number and kind of pieces of artillery.
- When the brigade is to be landed for parade or drill onshore, the landing force of each ship will proceed, when the signal is made, directly to the point of landing. If the landing is likely to be opposed, the boats will be signaled from the flagship to form in accordance with the proposed plan of attack.
- The infantry boats and those containing light machine guns, will form on the general line of battle.
The boats carrying artillery and powerful machine guns take station in rear of the general line. If necessary, they may be assembled at the extremities and in the center of the line, to cross their fire in front of the flotilla and to protect the flanks.
- Fast-pulling boats, containing the medical officers with assistants and proper outfits, will be stationed in rear of the main line. They will be designated by the hospital flag, and the ambulance party will form their crews.
- The landing force will not be embarked in the steam launches except when absolutely necessary. These boats will be used to cover the landing or re-embarkation. Should the distance to the point of landing be considerable, they may be used for towing.
- The beach having been sufficiently cleared by artillery, a portion of the infantry is landed and at once deployed. It is followed by the main body. A part of the artillery is held back until it is apparent that the force is well established.
- The landing effected, measures will be taken to render the position secure, and outposts and guards established at once.
- If a march into the interior be necessary, the column will be formed with advance and rear guards. Halts of about ten minutes will be made every hour.
- A front attack will not be made when a movement on a flank is practicable, and men must not be exposed in masses to the fire of the enemy. Positions when carried will immediately be made secure.
- Artillery fire will generally be concentrated upon the position to be attacked, sweeping it, if possible, with a cross fire, up to the last moment.
Artillery will not be moved oftener than necessary, as change of position entails loss of range and interruption of fire. As a general rule, guns will not be disturbed as long as they are doing good service; they will not, however, remain in a position where their fire is ineffective. Protection will be sought in undulations of the ground, breastworks, logs, etc.; advantages of position and ability to move quickly will not, however, be sacrificed to security.
- Men of the artillery sections, not working the pieces, will extend upon the flanks with their rifles, to keep off the enemy's sharpshooters.
- As soon as the landing force has left the boats, the latter will be hauled off to their anchors, with stern lines to the beach. Each artillery boat will be made ready to mount its gun in the stern.
- The beach-master will examine the beach with a view of selecting the best position for covering the re-embarkation, and will employ such means as lie in his power to render the position defensible in case of necessity.
- In re-embarking, the artillery is first embarked, and is then used to cover the embarkation of the infantry.
DRILL REGULATIONS FOR INFANTRY.
INFANTRY, General Rules.
- All details, detachments, and other bodies of troops will habitually be formed in double rank.
- Movements which may be executed toward either flank, are explained as toward but one flank, it being necessary to substitute the word left for right, or the reverse, to have the command and explanation of the corresponding movement toward the other flank.
- In movements where the guide may be either right or left, it is indicated in the command thus: Guide right (or left).
- All movements, not specially excepted, may be executed either from a halt or when marching. The statement, at the beginning of a paragraph, of the formation from which a movement is executed, excepts all others, and the movement prescribed is executed from the specified formation only.
- All movements, not specially excepted, may be executed in double time. If from a halt, or if marching in quick time, the command double time precedes the command march; if marching in double time, the command double time is omitted.
- Preparatory commands, such as forward, are those which indicate the movement to be executed.
Commands of execution, such as March, Halt, or Arms, are those which cause the execution of the movement.
A command of execution should be given in a more energetic and elevated tone than the preparatory command which precedes it.
- The signals and bugle calls must be frequently used in the instruction, in order that officers and men may readily recognize them.
- In the text, the posts of the officers and petty officers are specified, but as instructors they go wherever their presence is necessary.
SCHOOL OF THE SQUAD.
- The object of this school is the instruction of the individual recruit, and afterward that of the squad.
- The instructor explains each movement in as few words as possible, at the same time executing it himself.
He avoids keeping recruits too long at the same movement, although each should be understood before passing to another. He exacts by degrees the desired precision and uniformity.
- As the instruction progresses the recruits will be grouped according to proficiency, in order that all may advance as rapidly as their abilities permit. Those who lack aptitude and quickness will be separated from the others, and placed under experienced drillmasters.
- If the instructor wishes to begin a movement anew for the purpose of correcting it, he commands: As you were, at which the former position is resumed.
Individual instruction without arms.
- For this instruction, a few recruits, usually not exceeding four, are placed in a single rank, facing to the front and according to height from right to left, the tallest man on the right. When the recruits have learned how to take their places, they are required to do so without assistance from the instructor, at the command fall in.
Position of attention.
- Heels on the same line, and as near each other as the conformation of the man permits.
Feet turned out equally, and forming with each other an angle of about sixty degrees.
Knees straight, without stuffiness.
Body erect on the hips, inclining a little forward, shoulders falling equally.
Arms and hands hanging naturally, backs of the hands outward, little finger opposite the seams of the trousers, elbows near the body.
Head erect and square to the front ; chin slightly drawn in, without constraint ; eyes straight to the front.
The rests.
- Being at a halt, to rest the men, the instructor commands :
1. Fall out, or Rest, or Stand at ease.
At the command fall out, the men may leave the ranks but will remain in the immediate vicinity. At the command fall in, they resume their former places.
At the command rest, the men keep the left heel in place, but are not required to preserve silence or immobility.
At the command stand at ease, the men keep the left heel in place, and preserve silence, but not immobility.
To resume the attention : 1. Squad, 2. Attention.
- To give the men rest, imposing both steadiness of position and silence: 1. Parade, 2. Rest.
Carry the right foot six inches straight to the rear, the left knee slightly bent ; clasp the hands in front of the center of the body, the left hand uppermost, the left thumb clasped by the thumb and fingers of the right hand.
To resume the attention: 1. Squad, 2. Attention.
To dismiss the squad.
- Being in line at a halt : Dismissed.
Facings.
- To the right or left : 1. Right (or left), 2. Face.
Raise the right heel and left toe and face to the right, turning on the left heel ; place the right foot by the side of the left.
The facings to the left are also executed upon the left heel.
- To the rear: 1. About, 2. Face.
Raise the left heel and right toe and face to the rear, turning to the right on the right heel and the ball of the left foot ; place the left foot beside the right.
Salute with the hand.
- Being at attention: 1. Hand, 2. Salute.
Bring the right forefinger to the lower part of the head-dress above the right eye, thumb and fingers extended and joined, palm to the left, forearm inclined at about forty-five degrees, hand and wrist straight. The salute being returned, drop the arm by the side.
SETTING UP.
- The following movements should be taught to a few recruits at a time, placed in single rank, two paces apart, and without arms.
As the importance of setting up cannot be overestimated, the following exercises should be frequently practiced at first, and continued occasionally after the men are thoroughly drilled.
Each exercise may be continued as long as desired by a repetition of the commands as described, and concluded with the command
Halt, when the position of attention is resumed.
FIRST EXERCISE.
Neck.
- Exercise: Place the hands on the hips, fingers to the front, thumbs to the rear, elbows pressed back.
Front : Incline the head forward, looking down.
Straight: Raise the head to its natural position.
Rear : Throw the head back as far as possible.
Straight : Raise the head to its natural position.
Second exercise.
Rotation of the head.
- Exercise : Place the hands on the hips, fingers to the front, thumbs to the rear, elbows pressed back.
Rear : Throw the head back as far as possible.
Right : Carry the head to the right and down.
Front : Carry the head to the front and down.
Left : Raise and carry the head well to the left. third exercise.
THIRD EXERCISE.
Elbows to the front and rear.
- Exercise : Place the hands on the hips, fingers to the front, thumbs to the rear, elbows pressed back.
Front : Bring the elbows forward, in line with the hips.
Rear : Throw the elbows back until the shoulder blades meet, expand the chest, small of the back in, head erect.
FOURTH EXERCISE.
Arms.
- Up : Raise the arms laterally until horizontal, palms of the hands upward, fingers extended, chest well out.
Down : Gradually lower the arms to the sides.
FIFTH EXERCISE.
Extension of the arms.
- Raise: Place the closed fists against the breast, knuckles down, thumbs out, elbows well to the rear.
Front: Extend the arms horizontally and briskly forward.
Back : Resume the first position.
Up: Raise the arms vertically, knuckles to the front.
Down: Force the arms obliquely back, and gradually let them fall to the sides.
SIXTH EXERCISE.
Arms in circle.
- Exercise: Raise the arms laterally until horizontal, fists closed, knuckles down, thumbs out.
Circle : Swing the arms circularly, upward and backward, from front to rear, body erect, arms not to pass in front of the line of the breast.
SEVENTH EXERCISE.
Arms over head.
- Exercise : Raise the arms laterally until horizontal, palms of the hands upward.
Head : Raise the arms circularly over the head, tips of fingers touching top of head, backs of fingers touching their full length, thumbs pointing to the rear, elbows pressed back.
Up: Extend the arms vertically, palms to the front.
Down : Force the arms obliquely back, and gradually let them fall to the sides.
EIGHTH EXERCISE.
Arms alternately to the front,
- Exercise : Close the fists.
Right : Raise the right fist and thrust briskly forward to the full extent of the arm, knuckles to the front; at the same time raise the left fist to the left breast, elbow close to and well to the rear of the body.
Left: Thrust the left fist briskly forward, and bring the right fist to the right breast.
Down: Drop both arms by the sides.
NINTH EXERCISE.
Swinging the arms to the front and rear.
- Exercise : Raise the arms laterally until horizontal, palms of the hands up.
Front : Swing the arms, extended, horizontally to the front, palms
touching.
Rear : Swing the arms, extended, well to the rear, inclining them slightly downward, raising the body on the toes.
Down : Drop both arms by the sides.
TENTH EXERCISE.
Chest
- Exercise : Place the hands on the hips, fingers to the front, thumbs to the rear, elbows pressed back.
Up : Raise the upper part of the body from the hips, inflate the chest and throw it well forward, the small of the back in, shoulders square, head erect without straining the cords of the neck.
Down : Gradually lower the upper part of the body on the hips.
ELEVENTH EXERCISE
Hips.
- Exercise : Place the hands on the hips, fingers to the front, thumbs to the rear, elbows pressed back.
Right : Bend the body to the right ; turn the head to the left, looking up; chest out, shoulders square.
Straight : Place the body erect on the hips.
Left : Bend the body to the left ; turn the head to the right, looking up ; chest out, shoulders square.
TWELVETH EXERCISE
Bending the body forward and back.
- Exercise : Place the hands on the hips, fingers to the front, thumbs to the rear, elbows pressed back.
Front: Bend the body forward, raise and press the elbows back, chest out, head erect, eyes to the front.
Rear : Raise the body and bend back, chest out.
Straight : Place the body erect on the hips.
THIRTEENTH EXERCISE.
Rotation of the hips.
- Exercise: Place the hands on the hips, fingers to the front, thumbs to the rear, elbows pressed back.
Front: Bend the body forward, raise and press the elbows back, chest out, head erect, eyes to the front.
Left : Bend the body to the left ; turn the head to the right, looking up ; chest out, shoulders square.
Rear: Raise the body and bend back, chest out.
Right : Bend the body to the right ; turn the head to the left, looking up; chest out, shoulders square.
Straight: Place the body erect on the hips.
FOURTEENTH EXERCISE.
Full swing.
- Exercise : Raise the arms laterally until horizontal, palms of the hands up, fingers extended.
Right: Bend the body to the right; turn the head to the left, looking up ; chest out, shoulders square ; gradually drop the right arm to the side, raise the left arm up vertically.
Left: Reverse the motion.
Straight: Place the body erect on the hips.
FIFTEENTH EXERCISE.
Arms and hips.
- Exercise: Raise the arms laterally until horizontal, fists closed, knuckles down.
Up: Raise the arms vertically over the shoulders, nails to the front, knuckles up.
Front : Bend the body forward until the knuckles touch the floor, legs straight, feet square on the floor.
Straight: Raise quickly the body, the arms being kept vertically over the shoulders, body erect on the hips.
Down : Force the arms obliquely back and gradually let them fall to the sides.
SIXTEENTH EXERCISE.
Legs.
- Exercise: Place the hands on the hips, fingers to the front, thumbs to the rear, elbows pressed back.
Down : Lower the body slowly by bending the legs, raise on the toes, heels together, forcing the knees outward, trunk erect.
Up : Raise the body slowly, knees together, lower the heels.
SEVENTEENTH EXERCISE.
Calves.
- Exercise : Place the hands on the hips, fingers to the front, thumbs to the rear, elbows pressed back.
Up : Raise the body upon the toes, force the calves back, heels and knees together, body erect, shoulders square.
Down: Gradually lower the heels until they touch the floor, calves well back.
EIGHTEENTH EXERCISE.
Trunk, legs, and arms.
- Exercise: Half face to the left, feet at right angles, right toe square to the front.
Forward: Raise and extend the right arm its full length, hand about six inches above the shoulder, fist closed, nails up, and at the same time extend quickly the left leg ; carry the right foot forward about thirty -six inches, toe to the front, foot grazing the floor, knee outward and vertically over the right foot, body erect, head thrown back, left arm extended to the rear and about three inches from the thigh, fingers extended and joined.
Backward: Raise the body, bring the right foot back against the left, heels together, drop both hands by the sides.
This exercise may be practiced with the left foot to the front by making the half face to the right, and reversing the motions as described.
THE STEPS.
- The length of the full step in quick time is thirty inches, measured from heel to heel, and the cadence is at the rate of one hundred and twenty steps per minute.
- The instructor places himself eight or ten paces in front of the recruits, and facing toward them executes the step slowly, at the same time explaining its principles; he then commands: 1. Forward, 2. March.
At the first command, throw the weight of the body upon the right leg without bending the left knee.
At the second command, carry the left foot straight forward thirty inches from the right, measuring from heel to heel, the sole near the ground, the knee straight and slightly turned out ; at the same time throw the weight of the body forward, and plant the foot without shock, the weight of the body resting upon it; then advance and plant the right foot, and, in like manner, continue the march. The instructor indicates the cadence of the step from time to time by calling one, two, three, four, or left, right, the instant the left and right foot, respectively, should be planted.
The cadence is at first slow, and is gradually increased to quick time.
- To arrest the march: 1. Squad, 2. Halt.
At the second command, given the instant either foot is brought to the ground, the foot in rear is brought up and planted without shock by the side of the other.
Double time.
- The length of the full step in double time is thirty-six inches; the cadence is at the rate of one hundred and eighty steps per minute.
- To march in double time: 1. Forward, 2. Double time, 3. March.
At the first command, throw the weight of the body on the right leg; at the second command, raise the hands until the forearms are horizontal, fingers closed, nails toward the body, elbows to the rear;
at the third command, carry forward the left foot, and plant it thirty-six inches from the right; then advance and plant the right foot, and, in like manner, continue the march, throwing the weight of the body forward and allowing a natural swinging motion to the arms.
In marching in double time, and in running, the men breathe as much as possible through the nose, keeping the mouth closed.
Short step.
- Being in march: 1. Short step, 2. March.
The step is shortened to fifteen inches. The full step is resumed at the command : 1. Forward, 2. March.
The length of the short step in double time is eighteen inches.
Side step.
- Being at a halt: 1. Right (or left) step, 2. March.
Carry the right foot six inches to the right ; as soon as the right foot is planted, bring the left foot beside it; continue the movement, observing the cadence as explained for the direct step.
The side step is executed in quick time only.
Back step.
- Being at a halt: 1. Backward, 2. March.
Step back with the left foot fifteen inches to the rear, measuring from heel to heel, then with the right, and so on.
At the command hall, bring back the foot in front to the side of the one in rear. The back step is used for short distances, and in quick time only.
- The short step, side step, and back step may be executed from mark lime, and conversely.
To mark time.
- Being in march : 1. Mark time, 2. March.
At the second command, given the instant either foot is coming to the ground, mark the cadence without gaining ground, by alternately advancing each foot about half its length, and bringing it back on a line with the other.
To resume the full step: 1. Forward, 2. March.
Change step.
- Being in march: 1. Change step, 2. March.
At the second command, given as the right foot comes to the ground, advance and plant the left foot ; bring the right foot near the heel of the left, and step off again with the left.
The change on the right foot is similarly executed, the second command being given as the left foot strikes the ground.
Close order.
- In this instruction, the movements are first executed in a single rank, and without arms. Afterward the recruits will be formed in squads of eight men each, in double rank and with arms.
The explanations are given for the squad in the latter formation.
- In the calculation of distances and intervals, the depth of a man is assumed to be twelve inches, and his front in ranks twenty-four inches.
- In line, facing distance, or the distance between ranks from back to breast, is assumed to be twelve inches ; when the knapsack is worn the distance is increased by the depth of the knapsack ; on rough ground, and when marching in double time, it is increased to thirty-six inches ; the rear rank closes to facing distance upon halting, or on resuming quick time.
- When the guide is announced in a command, the man on the flank designated conducts the march. In their first drills the places of the recruits will frequently be changed.
To form the squad.
- The petty officer places himself in front of where the center of the squad is to be when formed, and commands: Fall in, or makes the signal for the assembly.
The men form in double rank, from right to left, with arms at the order.
Alignments.
- The alignments are first taught by requiring the recruits to align themselves, man by man, upon two files established as a base.
Being at the order: 1. Two files from the right (or left), three paces to the front, 2. March, 3. Next, 4. Front.
At the second command the two files on the right step three paces to the front, halt, and turn the head and eyes slightly to the right; the instructor aligns them, sees that the rear-rank men cover, and then causes the remaining files to move up successively on this alignment, by the command next, at which the succeeding file leader steps three paces to the front, shortening the last step so as to find himself about six inches in rear of the new alignment, which must never be passed ; he then turns his head and eyes slightly to the right, and, taking steps of two or three inches, moves up, placing his elbow lightly against that of the man on his right, and so that his eyes and shoulders shall be in line with those of the men on his right. The rear-rank man conforms to the movement of his file leader.
When the last file has arrived on the line, the instructor verifies the alignment from the right flank, and orders up or back such men as may be in rear or in advance of the line; only the men designated move up or back.
At the command front, given when the ranks are aligned, the men look to the front, and all movement in the ranks ceases.
- The recruits having learned to align themselves man by man, the instructor establishes the base files and aligns the squad by the commands: 1. Right (or left), 2. Dress, 3. Front.
At the second command, the men simultaneously move forward and dress up to the line, as previously explained.
- Alignments to the rear are executed on the same principles by the commands: 1. Right (or left) backward, 2. Dress, 3. Front.
The men step backward, halt a little in rear of the line of the base files, and immediately dress up by steps of two or three inches.
- To execute the alignments, using the side step, the instructor establishes the base files a few paces from the flank, in line with the ranks, and commands: 1. Right (or left) step, 2. Right (or left), 3. Dress, 4. Front.
At the third command, the men execute the side step, close toward the base files ; when closed they halt and dress, as already explained.
- When the squad has learned to dress quickly and well, the guide alone is first established, the two or three files on the flank are accurately aligned as promptly as possible, to afford a base for the remainder of the squad.
MARCHINGS.
To march in line,
- Being in line, at a halt: 1. Forward, 2. Guide (right or left), 3. March.
The squad steps off, the guide marching straight to the front; the rear-rank men cover their file leaders, and follow them at facing distance.
The instructor will see that the men yield to pressure from the side of the guide, and resist pressure from the opposite direction; that they gradually recover the alignment, if lost, by slightly shortening or lengthening the step ; and that while habitually keeping the head direct to the front, they occasionally glance toward the side of the guide to assure themselves of the alignment.
To change the guide : Guide (left or right).
To halt the squad: 1. Squad, 2. Halt.
To march backward.
- Being at a halt: 1. Backward, 2. Guide (right or left), 3. March.
To march to the rear.
- Being in march, in quick time : 1. Guide (right or left).
At the second command, given as the right foot strikes the ground, advance and plant the left foot ; turn on the balls of both feet, face to the right about and immediately step off with the left foot.
To march by the flank.
98. Being in line, at a halt: 1. Right (or left), 2. Face, 3. Forward, 4. March. Being in march : 1. By the right (or left) flank, 2. March.
At the second command, given as the right foot strikes the ground, advance and plant the left foot, face to the right in marching, and step off with the right foot.
99. Marching in column of files, to march in line : 1. By the right (or left) flank, 2, March, 3. Guide right (or left).
To change direction in column of files.
100. Being in march: 1. Column right (or left); or, 1. Column half right (or half left), 2. March.
At the second command, the leading file wheels to the right, or half right, the pivot man shortening two or three steps and moving over a quarter or an eighth of a circle whose radius is about twenty-four inches ; the other files follow the first and wheel on the same ground.
If at a halt: 1. Forward, 2. Column right (or left); or, 2. Column half right (or half left), 3. March.
The oblique march.
101. Being in line, at a halt or in march : 1. Right (or left) oblique, 2. March.
At the second command, each man half faces to the right, and steps off in the new direction. He preserves his relative position, keeping his shoulders parallel to those of the man next on his right, and so regulates his step as to make the head of this man conceal the heads of the other men in the rank ; the ranks remain parallel to their original front.
Each rear-rank man marches so as to cover his file leader upon resuming the original direction.
At the command halt, the men halt, facing to the front.
To resume the original direction : 1. Forward, 2. March, 3. Guide right (or left).
The men half face to the left in marching and continue to the front. If marking time while obliquing, the oblique march is resumed
by the command: 1. Oblique, 2. March.
The short step will not be used in the oblique march, and the guide is always, without indication, on the side toward which the oblique is made. The column of files obliques by the same command.
To march in double time.
102. Being in line, at a halt : 1. Forward, 2. Guide right (or left), 3, Double time, 4. March.
To pass from quick to double time, and the reverse.
103. Marching in quick time : 1. Double time, 2. March.
At the second command, given as the left foot strikes the ground, advance the right foot in quick time, and step off with the left foot in double time.
To resume the quick time : 1. Quick time, 2. March.
At the second command, given as either foot is coming to the ground, the squad resumes the quick time.
TURNINGS.
To turn and halt.
104. Marching in line: 1. Squad, right (or left), 2. March, 3. Front.
At the second command, the right, or pivot file, halts, and faces to the right; the other files half face to the right in marching, and without changing the length or cadence of the step, place themselves successively upon the alignment established by the right file; all dress to the right without command. The instructor verifies the alignment from the pivot flank and commands : Front.
The rear-rank men conform to the movements of their file leaders.
If at a halt, the movement is executed in similar manner ; if at the order, and the movement is executed in quick time, the pieces are held at the trail while in motion.
Squad half right or half left is executed in the same manner, except that the pivot makes a half face to the right.
To turn and advance.
105. Being in line : 1. Right (or left) turn, 2. March, 3. Forward, 4. March, 5, Guide right (or left).
At the second command, the man on the right marches by the right flank, and takes the short step without changing the cadence ; the other men half face to the right in marching, and, moving by the shortest line, successively place themselves on the new line, when they take the short step.
The rear-rank men conform to the movements of their file leaders. As soon as the last man has arrived on the new line, the fourth command is given, when all resume the full step.
Right (or left) half turn is executed in similar manner, except that the guide makes a half face to the right.
Should the command halt be given during the execution of the movement, the men already on the line halt ; the others halt on arriving on the line ; all dress to the right without command. The instructor verifies the alignment from the pivot flank, and commands : Front.
THE MANUAL OF ARMS.
106. When fair progress has been made in the individual instruction of recruits, they will be taught the manual of arms, instruction with and without arms alternating. A part of each drill with arms will be devoted to marching.
107. The manual of arms is explained for double rank, but for instruction, recruits are first placed in single rank.
108. The instructor will, at first, cause the men to execute the movements by themselves, without command, until they understand the details; after this he will require them to execute the movements together, at command.
109. The cadence of the motions is the same as that of quick time.
The movements relative to the cartridge, the fixing and unfixing of the bayonet, the adjusting of sights, and the breaking and forming of stacks, are executed with promptness and regularity but not in cadence.
110. Being at a halt, the movements may, for the purpose of instruction, be divided into motions and executed in detail; in this case, the command of execution determines the prompt performance of the first motion, and the command, two, that of the last motion.
111. To execute movements in detail, the instructor first cautions: By the numbers; all movements divided into two motions are then executed as above explained until he cautions: Without the numbers.
112. The piece is habitually carried at halfcock or with the bolt locked,
113. The recruit being in the position of attention, the instructor first causes him to place his piece carefully in the
Position of order arms.
The butt rests evenly on the ground, arms hanging naturally, elbows near the body, the right hand holding the piece between the thumb and fingers, first two fingers in front, the others in rear, and opposite the seam of the trousers ; the barrel to the rear and inclined forward, the toe of the piece about one inch to the right and two inches to the rear of the right toe.
When falling in, recruits habitually take their places in ranks with pieces at the order.
114. Being at the order: 1. Present 2. Arms.
Raise the piece vertically with the right hand, carrying it in front of the center of the body, at the same time grasping it with the left hand at the sight, thumb along the barrel, left forearm horizontal; seize the small of the stock with the right hand.
115. Being at the present: 1. Order, 2. Arms.
Seize the piece with the right hand above the left and lower it gently to the ground, taking the position of order arms.
116. Being at the order : 1. Slope, 2. Arms.
Raise the piece vertically with the right hand, carry it to the left shoulder, right hand above the chin and place the left under the butt, thumb across the heel ; slope the piece to the rear, on the left shoulder, at an angle of about 45 degrees, barrel up, the muzzle in rear of the right shoulder, guard or magazine near the shoulder ; drop the right hand by the side.
117. Being at the slope : 1. Order, 2. Arms.
Lower the piece to a vertical position with the left hand, at the same time grasping it with the right hand above the sight, and take the position of order arms.
118. Being at the order: 1. Shoulder, 2. Arms.
Raise the piece vertically with the right hand; grasp it with the left at the balance, embrace the butt with the right hand, the toe between the first two fingers, the other fingers under the butt; at the same time raise the piece and place it on the right shoulder, the bolt handle or lock plate up, the muzzle elevated and inclined to the left, so that, viewed from the front, the line of stock from the toe to the guard shall appear nearly vertical ; slip the left hand down to the bolt or lock plate ; drop the left hand by the side.
119. Being at the shoulder : 1. Order, 2. Arms.
Lower the piece with the right hand to a vertical position, seizing it with the left hand at the height of the chin ; grasp the barrel with the right hand above the left and take the position of order arms.
120. Being at the order : 1. Port, 2. Arms.
Raise and throw the piece diagonally across the body, barrel up; grasp it with both hands, the left with the palm up and the thumb clasping the barrel above the sight, and the right at the small of the stock, the right forearm horizontal. The piece slopes to the left and is opposite the left shoulder.
The position of port arms will be used in making the marching salute.
121. Being at the port : 1. Order, 2. Arms.
Same as from present to order.
122. Being at the shoulder: 1. Port, 2. Arms.
Lower the piece and bring it to the front with the right hand, seizing it with the left and then with the right in the position of port arms, in one motion.
In the same manner the present, the ready, and charge bayonet are taken from the shoulder.
123. Being at the port : 1. Shoulder, 2. Arms.
Change the right hand to the butt, carrying the piece to the position of shoulder, slipping the left hand down to the bolt or lock plate ; drop the left hand by the side.
In the same manner the shoulder may be taken from present, charge bayonet, and ready, the piece being half cocked in the latter case at the first command.
124. Being at the slope: 1. Port, 2. Arms.
Lower the piece and bring it to the front with the left hand, seizing it with the right hand at the small of the stock, and then with the left in the position of port arms.
In the same manner the present, the ready, and charge bayonet are taken from the slope.
125. Being at the port: 1. Slope, 2. Arms.
Change the left hand to the butt, carrying the piece to the position of slope, the right hand remaining at the small of the stock ; drop the right hand by the side.
In the same manner the slope may be taken from the present, charge bayonet, and ready, the piece being half cocked in the latter case at the first command.
125. The positions of port, ready, present, and charge bayonet being practically the same, so far as the position of the hands is concerned, they may be taken one from the other, by simply assuming the required position at the command, and, when necessary, changing the position of the left hand.
127. Fall out, Rest, and Stand at ease are executed as without arms. On resuming the attention, the position of order arms is taken.
128. Being at the order: 1. Parade, 2. Rest.
Carry the right foot six inches straight to the rear, the left knee slightly bent ; carry the muzzle in front of the center of the body,, the barrel to the left ; grasp the piece with the left hand above and with the right hand at the upper band.
To resume the order: 1. Squad, 2. Attention.
129. To dismiss the squad, with arms : 1. Port, 2. Arms, 3. Dismissed.
130. Being at the port: 1. Fix, 2. Bayonet.
Let go with the right hand, slip the left hand slightly up the barrel, and carry the piece with the left hand to the left side, barrel to the front, the butt striking the ground on a line with the heels, the piece inclined to the front, the left wrist pressing the bayonet scabbard against the thigh ; carry the right hand to the shank of the bayonet; draw the bayonet ; fix it on the barrel ; drop the right hand by the side.
131. Being at fix bayonet : 1. Port, 2. Arms.
Raise the piece with the left hand, seize it with the right hand at the small of the stock, bringing it diagonally across the body, slipping the left hand down; take the position of port arms.
132. Being at the port: 1. Unfix, 2. Bayonet.
Carry the piece to the left side as in fix bayonet; unclasp the bayonet; grasp it by the shank, wrest it from the barrel, and, glancing at the scabbard, return the bayonet, the hand falling by the right side.
The port arms is executed as from fix bayonet.
133. Bayonets are fixed and unfixed from the order, by the same commands as from the port, the piece being shifted from the right to the left side.
To return to the order : 1. Order, 2. Arms.
In fixing and unfixing bayonet from the order, and in returning to that position, the hands change in front of the center of the body, the left hand grasping the piece above the right.
134. If marching, the bayonet is fixed and unfixed as is most convenient.
135. Being at the order: 1. Charge, 2. Bayonet.
Raise the piece with the right hand, dropping the muzzle to the front, the point of the bayonet at the height of the eye ; grasp the piece with the left hand, the thumb across the barrel in front of the slight, the right grasping the small of the stock and supporting it firmly against the hip, body inclining slightly forward ; at the same time half face to the right, carry the right heel six inches to the rear and three inches to the right of the left, turning the toes of both feet slightly inward.
136. Being at charge bayonet : 1. Order, 2. Arms.
Face to the front, and resume the order as from the present.
137. Being at any position : 1. Rifle, 2. Salute.
Carry the piece to the right shoulder, the barrel nearly vertical and resting in the hollow of the shoulder, the guard to the front; the right arm near the body, and hanging nearly at full length ; the hand clasping the stock at the guard plate, the thumb and forefinger in front, the remaining fingers closed and in rear of the stock. Then carry the left hand briskly to the hollow of the right shoulder, forearm horizontal, palm of the hand down, thumb and fingers extended and joined, forefinger against the shoulder. The salute being returned, drop the left hand by the side and carry the piece to the former position.
138. The following positions of the piece are intended mainly for use in extended order and route marches. Whenever any of these positions are ordered, the piece will be shifted in the most convenient manner.
1. Trail, 2. Arms.
The piece is grasped with the right hand, at the balance, barrel up, muzzle slightly inclined to the front; a similar position in the left hand may also be used.