To Dismiss The Squad

Categories: SCHOOL OF THE SQUAD
Military Handbooks: The Plattsburg Manual

Being at a halt: 1. Inspection, 2. ARMS, 3. Port, 4. ARMS, 5.

DISMISSED.



Make a point of becoming sufficiently familiar with the different parts

of the rifle to obey the following general rules governing the manual.



The following rules govern the carrying of the piece:



First. the piece is not carried with cartridges in either the chamber or

the magazine except when specifically ordered. When so loaded, or

supposed to be loaded, it is habitually carried locked; that is, with

the safety lock turned to the safe. At all other times it is carried

unlocked with the trigger pulled.



Second. Whenever troops are formed under arms, pieces are immediately

inspected at the commands: 1. Inspection, 2. ARMS, 3. Order (right

shoulder, port), 4. ARMS.



A similar inspection is made immediately before dismissal.



If cartridges are found in the chamber or magazine they are removed and

placed in the belt.



Third. The cut-off is kept turned off except when cartridges are

actually used.



Fourth. The bayonet is not fixed except in bayonet exercise, on guard,

or for combat.



Fifth. Fall in is executed with the piece at the order arms. Fall

out, rest, and at ease are executed as without arms. On resuming

attention the position of order arms is taken.



Sixth. If at the order, unless otherwise prescribed, the piece is

brought to the right shoulder at the command march, the three motions

corresponding with the first three steps. Movements may be executed at

the trail by prefacing the preparatory command with the words at

trail; as, 1. At trail, forward, 2. MARCH; the trail is taken at the

command march.



When the facings, alignments, open and close ranks, taking interval or

distance, and assemblings are executed from the order, raise the piece

to the trail while in motion and resume the order on halting.



Seventh. The piece is brought to the order on halting. The execution of

the order begins when the halt is completed.



Eighth. A disengaged hand in double time is held as when without arms.



The following rules govern the execution of the manual of arms:



First. In all positions of the left hand at the balance (center of

gravity, bayonet unfixed) the thumb clasps the piece; the sling is

included in the grasp of the hand.



Second. In all positions of the piece, diagonally across the body the

position of the piece, left arm and hand are the same as in port arms.



Third. In resuming the order from any position in the manual, the motion

next to the last concludes with the butt of the piece about 3 inches

from the ground, barrel to the rear, the left hand above and near the

right, steadying the piece, fingers extended and joined, forearm and

wrist straight and inclining downward, all fingers of the right hand

grasping the piece. To complete the order, lower the piece gently to the

ground with the right hand, drop the left quickly by the side, and take

the position of order arms.



Allowing the piece to drop through the right hand to the ground, or

other similar abuse of the rifle to produce effect in executing the

manual, is prohibited.



Fourth. The cadence of the motions is that of quick time; the recruits

are first required to give their whole attention to the details of the

motions, the cadence being gradually acquired as they become accustomed

to handling their pieces. The instructor may require them to count aloud

in cadence with the motions.



Fifth. The manual is taught at a halt and the movements are, for the

purpose of instruction, divided into motions and executed in detail; in

this case the command of execution determines the prompt execution of

the first motion, and the commands, two, three, four, that of the

other motions.



To execute the movements in detail, the instructor first cautions: By

the numbers; all movements divided into motions are then executed as

above explained until he cautions: Without the numbers; or commands

movements other than those in the manual of arms.



Sixth. Whenever circumstances require, the regular positions of the

manual of arms and the firings may be ordered without regard to the

previous position of the piece.



Under exceptional conditions of weather or fatigue the rifle may be

carried in any manner directed.