Reliving The Life Of A Civil Soldier

Learning the Manual Of Arms

When you begin learning the manual of arms can be very tricky at first, but you will get the hang of it soon enough. When a command is given you move to that position at the word 'arms' or 'rest'. Arms does not mean your physical arms it refers to your rifle or firearm. Your feet should be 30-40 degrees apart with your heels together. Here are a few basic positions:

Order Arms:
-Grab the rifle with your right hand using your index finger and thumb.
-Place the rifle with the trigger guard facing toward the front.
-Make sure the rifle lines up with your right toe.

Shoulder Arms:
-From Order arms grab the rifle with your right hand as far down as you can without bending over.
-Bring the rifle up to eye-level and grab the rifle with your left hand so you can grab the rifle with your right hand.
-Place your right index finger under the trigger guard and your thumb on top of the trigger guard.
-Then place your other fingers under the hammer.

Right Shoulder Shift Arms:
-From Shoulder arms move the rifle onto your right shoulder so that the lock plate is over your shoulder.

Support Arms:
-From Right Shoulder Shift arms move your rifle to your left shoulder and rest the rifle's hammer on your left arm.
-Place your left hand flat across your chest.

In Place Rest:

-From Order arms move your right foot behind your left without moving your rifle.
-Grab your rifle with your right hand and place your left hand on top of your right wrist.

Parade Rest:

-From Order arms move your right foot behind your right and place your rifle against your shoulder then place your right hand on the rifle and your left hand on top.