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).

SHOULDER STABILITY DRILL

EXERCISE 2: “T” RAISE

Purpose: This exercise develops shoulder strength and stability (Figure 6-16).

Starting Position: Prone position with the head slightly elevated and in line with the spine. Feet are together and toes are pointed to the rear. The arms remain on the ground and are extended sideward at 90 degrees to the trunk, forming a “T”. The hands are in a neutral position (perpendicular to the ground) with the thumbs and fingers extended and joined

Cadence: SLOW

Count:

1. Raise both arms 3-6 inches off the ground.

2. Return to the starting position.

3. Repeat count 1.

4. Return to the starting position.

Figure 6-16. “ T ” raise.

Check Points:

􀁺 At the starting position, tighten the abdominals to stabilize the trunk. The head is slightly elevated and in line with the spine.

􀁺 On counts 1 and 3, keep the back generally straight with the head up.

􀁺 Throughout the exercise, the arms should be fully extended and the trunk and legs should also be in line.

Precaution: Keep the head slightly elevated throughout the exercise and do not jerk the body into the up positions on counts 1 and 3.