This section contains procedures for executing the manual of arms with the M16-series rifle (Figure 5-1) in conjunction with individual and unit drill movements.
The
following are basic procedures that apply to the M16-series rifle.
a. At
the Halt, all movements are initiated from Order Arms or Sling Arms, which are the
Positions of Attention with the rifle.
b. Al
l precision movements are executed in quick-time cadence.
c. For
drill purposes, the magazine is not carried in the rifle. When performing duty requiring
the use of the magazine, the rifle is carried at Sling Arms.
d. Th
e command Port, ARMS must be given before the command for Double Time.
e. Facings, alignments,
and short-distance marching movements are executed from Order Arms or Sling Arms. When these
movements are commanded while at Order
Arms, automatically raise the rifle about 1 inch
off the marching surface on the command of execution. When the movement has
been completed, automatically return the rifle to Order Arms.
f. 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.
g. Ready, Port, ARMS must be
commanded following Inspection Arms and before any other movements can be commanded.
h. 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.
i. 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.
j. Sling Arms is the
appropriate position assumed to carry the rifle while marching in most
situations. Port Arms is only used when slings are unavailable or unless specifically
required by local conditions.
NOTES:
1. Paragraphs 5-2 through 5-10 refer to
slings tight. However, all individual and unit drill movements may be executed
with slings loose except when executing Fix
and Unfix
Bayonets.
2. Th e manual of arms movements for the
M14, M1903/M1917, and M4 carbine are basically the same as for the M16. The
movements for the
M14 are fully described in Appendix B; the
movements for the
M1903/M1917 are fully described in Appendix
C. The movements for the
M4
carbine are fully described in Appendix D.