Left Shoulder Arms!

To execute Left Shoulder Arms (Figure 5-8) use the following procedures:

a. Left Shoulder Arms from Order Arms is a four-count movement. The command is Left Shoulder, ARMS.

(1) On the command of execution ARMS, execute Port Arms in two counts.

(2) 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.

(3) On count four, move the right hand to the right side as in the Position of Attention.

b. Order Arms from Left Shoulder Arms is a five-count movement. The command is Order, ARMS.

(1) 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.

(2) 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 handguard just forward of the slip ring with the left hand, and resume Port Arms.

(3) Counts three, four, and five are the same as Order Arms from Port Arms (Figure 5-4, page 5-5).

Section I. MANUAL OF ARMS—M16-SERIES RIFLE

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.