GEORGE C. THORPE COLOKEL, U, S. MARINE CORP3 AUTHORIZED FOR PUBLICATION BY TBS SECRETARY O'f ' J, B, LIPPINCOTT CC^ > THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES GIFT OF Robert C. Cotton 9 / 9 RECRUIT MANUAL BY GEORGE C. THORPE COLONEL, U. S. MARINE CORPS PREPARED BY DIRECTION OF THE BRIGADE COMMANDER, SECOND PROVISIONAL BRIGADE, U. S. MARINE CORPS AUTHORIZED FOR PUBLICATION BY THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY PHILADELPHIA AND LONDON J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY COPYRIGHT, IQI9, BY J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY PRINTED BY J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY AT THE WASHINGTON SQUARE PRESS PHILADELPHIA, U. S. A. U,tl3 PREFACE THE process of learning to be a private soldier and so be " quit of recruit days " should not be long if atten- tion is given to essentials. The traditional experience of the recruit is that he goes through a course of in- tensive exercises but does not see in print a descrip- tion of the precise movements his body performs. Most men are what the psychologists call " visualists " : they learn more quickly what they see than what they hear. If the recruit has a manual to which he can turn after drill, his training will be expedited. The elements of the recruit's training come from sev- eral branches of military art : infantry drill, description of rifle and its ballistics, signalling, marksmanship, " first aid " for the distressed, military law and regu- lations, laws of war, customs of the service, field engi- neering, etc. Few recruits have textbooks covering any of these branches. With his pack of sixty or seventy pounds to carry, the recruit is not looking for a military library. This Manual is a compilation of selections pertinent to recruit training. The first twenty sections are founded upon experience and cus- tom. Section XXIII presents an easy method of learn- ing Signals. Section XXIV is a codification of salut- 797822 4 PREFACE ing requirements. Sections XXV and XXVI are ex- tracts from Infantry Drill Regulations and marksman- ship instructions. Section XXVII gives such " first- aid " instructions as to cover simple emergency cases, so that, from the first day, the recruit will be prepared to care for himself, or succor others in distress. Two important items of training have been omitted purposely: Setting-up exercises and Bayonet exer- cises. The former because there is no necessity for studying descriptions because the actual practice after each reveille roll call will be sufficient. The civilian intending to enlist would do well to buy the booklet en- titled " My System " by Dr. Muller, a Dane ; or he can invent his own exercises, which should be such as to bring into play all the muscles of the body : rotating the head on the shoulders ; rotating body on hips ; knee stoop ; thrusting fists from the chest to every direction ; lying on back and raising legs stiff-kneed from the hips, and then, with a pillow or something of light weight resting on the feet, and still lying on back, raise and lower body on hips ; resting a la quadruped on toes and hands and then raising and lowering body with back and knees stiff ; and, most Important of all, deep breath- ing in open air several times daily. The Bayonet exer- cises have been omitted because best results are had by giving a wide range to flexibility in movements ; the soldier is taught to use his rifle with bayonet in the handiest way as a club or as a thrusting weapon. PREFACE 5 T When the recruit joins the Colors he finds himself amidst surroundings entirely new and his interest, nat- urally, is at high-water mark. He is then a personified interrogation point. That is the psychological moment to seize upon his interest and to fix a spell upon him that will keep his interest " going." The Manual pro- vides answers to things he will wish to know the first day ; it will tell him how to do things military ; and it will excite further interest. For example : Section XXII gives information about the U. S. rifle, its char- acteristics and capabilities, intended to excite interest and thus cultivate affection for the rifle, as the coquette counts upon exciting the interest of her intended vic- tim as a prelude to his enthrallment. A squad of soldiers is a disputatious unit; physical training develops belligerent spirit which, during the period of training when belligerency cannot be ex- pended upon the enemy, must have a safety-valve ; they argue fiercely about anything and often about some technical point. The lieutenant smiles at such near- disorder, and sends a drill book to the noisy squad room to decide the issue. The Manual, ever present, would be a constant irritant in exciting technical interest. The Manual is also intended for use of the civilian who intends to join the Colors, to save him the embar- rassment of arriving utterly " raw." G. C. T. RECRUIT MANUAL TO THE RECRUIT As soon as you take the oath of service upon enlist- ment firmly resolve to make yourself to the fullest ex- tent useful. As in civil life the employee who takes the most personal interest in furthering the business of his employer is the one who gets ahead, so in military ser- vice a soldier who takes as much interest in the busi- ness of his unit as if he were the commanding officer will gain the promotions. You will best acquit your- self, and thus best serve your country, if you keep con- stantly in view the proposition that military service is an active business and that you have a definite task. In that frame of mind you will see your duties in a prac- tical light and will look for opportunities to make your- self useful. You will also be apt to use good sense in what you do. There are particular ways of doing things in the military organization. Learn these ways as quickly as possible. Learn the soldier way and forget the ci- vilian way. Uniformity of methods aids economy of effort. That is the great purpose of uniformity. Im- agine 100 men lined up for inspection, all the men with 8 RECRUIT MANUAL different clothes and different equipment or adjusted in a different way ! What a lot of time it would take to inspect such a unit! But where all the men are supposed to have the same articles attached in the same way, a glance down the line will reveal a missing can- teen, or other piece of equipment, a bad pair of shoes, or an improper piece of uniform. In other words, uniformity in such a case makes inspection nearly 100 times easier and quicker. In the same way, subordina- tion and obedience aid economy. The Company has a task to do. The captain divides the task among his sub- ordinate units, gives them their orders, and they im- mediately go about their respective parts without knowing the reason why. If the captain has to go to each of his subordinate chiefs and explain his reason, and if they in turn must go to each individual of their units to explain why they should do a certain work, they all will be a long time in starting. But if each in- dividual has the habit of promptly obeying whatever order he receives, the captain's order will start the whole unit at its task. You are, then, a part of a great machine. You must learn your part and do it. The fighting machine in which the parts work the best will be the machine that wins battles. It is largely " up to " the recruit. The following notes may help you to learn your part quickly so that you will soon be able to do your part of the great task of winning battles for your country. RECRUIT MANUAL 9 I. The first thing to appreciate is that you are sub- ject to orders of officers and non-commissioned officers (NCO's) placed over you. Saturate yourself with the idea that you always will promptly, cheerfully and care- fully obey orders. Think much more of your duties than of your rights. A man who thinks much of his rights, instead of his duties, does not make a good soldier. He is called a " sea lawyer," and is detested by everyone. The fellow who thinks only of his rights thinks only of himself, while the fellow who thinks of his duties thinks of others. Doing one's duty to the Government is merely doing one's share of the work.; the man who shirks any part of his duty, unlawfully shifts just that much upon his comrades. The way it works out is that no one wants to do anything for the shirk while everyone wants to do something for the generous willing hand. It is really a paying proposi- tion to think of one's duties and to look for opportuni- ties for helping out instead of shirking. It pays to be willing and anxious to do much more than what is ab- solutely required. II. One of the first steps in the recruit's career is to report for duty. Learn how to report. Assuming that your name is Smith and that you are reporting as or- derly, you say, " Private Smith reports for duty as or- derly, Sir." Making a request: " Private John Smith requests permission to leave the camp, Sir." When re- plying to a question or asking a question or making a 10 RECRUIT MANUAL statement, conclude with " Sir." For example : " Yes, Sir." " The radio operator is here, Sir." The purpose of these forms of address is to further uniformity and cohesion, as a sort of traditional password between military people. When a soldier reports thus, the of- ficer to whom he reports at once recognizes that the soldier is instructed. It is a part of the technique of the military profession. III. From the recruiting office to your first post of duty you will travel as a member of a detachment under the command of the senior member. Of course you will implicitly obey the person in command dur- ing the trip. Upon arrival at your post you will be assigned to a company. You should then: 1. See the First Sergeant of your Company, and get assigned to a bunk. 2. Ask where to go for your uniform and equipment. 3. Draw uniform and be sure to get good fits, par- ticularly comfortable shoes. Draw equipment. 4. Settle yourself in an orderly manner in the space allowed around your bunk, observing post orders as to uniformity and arrangement. 5. Buy a thin pocket-notebook that will fit in a pocket without bulging it. 6. Obtain a copy of garrison regulations if copies are available for general distribution ; if not available, ask the First Sergeant for his copy ; read it through and note in notebook all such items as you might not remember. RECRUIT MANUAL 11 7. Note in notebook also the following: (a) No. of rifle (which No. should always be re- membered). (&) List of articles of uniform supposed to be had according to orders, and the number of such articles actually drawn. Check this list weekly and keep quantity of clothing up to require- ments. (c) List all other articles of Government property supposed to be had and the quantities actually received. Check this list weekly. When any article is lost or broken, report same promptly to First Sergeant in order that responsibility may then and there be fixed, and that the miss- ing article may be replaced. If you delay this procedure you will probably have to pay for the lost or missing or broken articles. (d) Look on Order Board for list of routine calls and copy same in notebook. Note carefully times for drill calls and be particular to be on hand promptly in proper uniform. 8. Mark every article of clothing as prescribed by orders. IV. Keep every button sewed on and promptly mend every rip or tear. Keep shoes well polished and the uniform as smart as it can be kept. The soldier's ap- pearance is an important feature to his success. It has been found that the soldier who is careful about 12 RECRUIT MANUAL his uniform is invariably careful about his duties. Just before important raids at the French front troops in- tended for that great service are taken to the rear for a short intensive training during which great at- tention is paid to the details of personal appearance, exactness of dress, and military deportment. They say that this aids in cohesion; that it creates alertness on the part of the soldier so that he will more quickly and exactly respond to orders of his superiors at the critical moment. V. Shave yourself daily if there is anything to shave ; the daily shaves make one feel well, whereas without a shave one feels as one looks sloppy. Don't depend upon a barber for shaving. VI. Get a military haircut at least every two weeks. A military haircut consists in having the hair clipped for one inch from bottom at sides and back and cut short on top. VII. Bathe daily, and be on the lookout for, and take precautions against, all kinds of vermin. Don't sit with bare skin against seats in the Head (toilet). VIII. See that shoes fit and are kept in excellent repair. On the march the soldier is made miserable by ill-fitting or broken-out shoes. IX. Keep socks darned. Use only undarned, whole socks on long marches. Start the march with one whole pair of strong socks on the feet and two good RECRUIT MANUAL 13 pairs in the pack. Darned or holey socks blister the feet on the march. In barracks and on short marches it is good practice to wear 'thin socks to toughen the feet. X. After bathing the feet daily, dry them very thor- oughly; then rub them briskly with the hands and see that they are perfectly dry between the toes. Dust a little powder between the toes. If any toe-nail inclines to grow in, put a small piece of cotton under the nail where it presses against the flesh, and so train it away from the flesh it cuts. XI. Do your own laundry that you may know how when you get to the front where you may not have a laundry or laundress. You will thus also be independent of dirty laundry workers. XII. If not a strong swimmer, miss no opportunity to go swimming. When there is plenty of time for dry- ing clothes, practice diving in, dressed, and practice res- cuing comrades in feigned distress. XIII. Cultivate your powers of observation and atten- tion. Instead of going through life with eyes shut, keep them wide open. A good way to improve along this line is to go walking with a comrade and compete with him in seeing which one can remember the largest number of details of the street passed through or of the country passed over. XIV. Develop your initiative. Be alert to see what should be done and then do it. Do not be content with always doing no more than ordered to do, except on duty 14 RECRUIT MANUAL with specific orders covering exactly what is to be done. Do not be content with doing only the exercises that come in the unit, but take an interest between drills so as to make yourself more fit than the average. For example, some of the older soldiers spend a great deal of time by themselves practising the position and aiming drills pre- liminary to target practice. XV. Establish good relations with comrades and always be ready to lend a helping hand. Be good-natured. Of course you will not be a tale-bearer, but you must, when on duty or in charge, report all violations of regulations or orders. XVI. Learn to recognize the uniforms of the differ- ent ranks and branches of the service. XVII. Every captain is anxious to get personally ac- quainted with his men. You should be as anxious to get personally acquainted with your officers. The best way to accomplish this is to earn recognition by conspicuously excellent performance of] duty and by earnestness. Go to your officers for advice upon private affairs as well as upon matters pertaining to duty. If you find the officer busy upon your first visit, try again. It usually is re- quired that the soldier first apply to the First Sergeant for permission to see the Captain or Commanding Officer. The reason for this is to help the soldier and to save the officer's time, because in many cases the First Sergeant can tell the soldier what he wants to know, and it must be recognized that the Commanding Officer is a busy man RECRUIT MANUAL 15 and it wouldn't do for him to give one or more interviews with every man of his command every day. If you have news from home upon which you would like advice, see one of your officers. XVIII. If you have some special knowledge or trade that fits you to do some special duty better than it is be- ing done, tell the First Sergeant. XIX. Don't hesitate to ask questions of your Squad Leader or Section Leader. If there is any point in your Drill Regulations or about your duty that you do not understand, first ask your Squad Leader. It is a good thing to discuss points in the Drill Regulations with your comrades. XX. Learn how to make coffee and hot chocolate, and how to mix and cook components of the ration in the meat can. The Practice March offers a good opportunity for experimenting in this line. Be always on the look- out to improvise, and to make best use of the ration. It is remarkable how much better a meal one soldier will make than another, both using the same ration. If bivouacking or resting on the march near a farm, it may be possible to buy for a penny an ear of sweet corn or a big potato, either of which roasted would greatly im- prove the meal. Learn how to build a little fire with minimum of smoke. XXI. You should know that if taken a prisoner of war you should give, if questioned upon the subject, your name and rank, but no other information. Don't allow 16 RECRUIT MANUAL the enemy to pull your leg for anything more. Don't let him scare you into telling one thing more. To give other information would aid the enemy and so be treasonable. XXII. Learn all the parts of the rifle. See page 27, Infantry Drill Regulations, 1911, or get the pamphlet entitled, " Description and Rules for the Management of the U. S. Rifle." Also learn : Rifle caliber is .30. Weight of rifle without bayonet is 9.69 pounds. Bayonet weighs 1 pound. Initial velocity is 2,700 feet per second. Bullet weighs 150 grains (about one-third ounce). Powder charge 50 grains (about one-ninth ounce). Weight of ball cartridge 395.5 grains (about 1 ounce). Weight of one bandolier containing 60 rounds, 3 pounds. Maximum range of rifle, 4,891.6 yards (about 2^4 miles or 5 1-3 kilometers). Time of flight for extreme range is 38 seconds. 25 aimed shots have been fired in 1 minute, and 40 unaimed. At 500 yards the bullet will penetrate 16 inches moist sand, 13 inches dry sand, 2 feet loam, 14 inches seasoned oak. RECRUIT MANUAL 17 At 100 yards, it will penetrate a brick wall nearly 6 inches thick, or one-third inch of boiler plate steel. Its trajectory is so flat that, firing from prone posi- tion at 500 yards range, an infantryman, stand- ing, or mounted man, would be struck anywhere within 500 yards, or anywhere within 125 yards in rear of point of impact with ground; or at 600 yards range anywhere within such range and 95 yards beyond. The rifle has 93 component parts ; the bayonet 12. XXIII. Learn from your Squad Leader how to dis- mount and assemble your rifle. Look each part over care- fully, learn its name, and note that every curve, notch, etc., of each part has its use. You will see that your U. S. Rifle is a remarkable weapon. XXIV. There are two principal codes of signals to learn: the Semaphore Signals (with 2 flags) and the International Morse (with one flag). By adopting schemes as memory aids, you may learn them easily and quickly. The easiest way is by using the Clapp Pocket Signal Disk, manufactured by Melrose Stand- ard Novelty Co., Melrose, Mass. (Cost about 25 cents.) Get a comrade very much interested in signalling and signal to each other at least a short time each day. Sep- arate by about 200 yards with the understanding that the one that fails to read the other's signal will come to the other to receive the message orally. Become ex- 2 18 RECRUIT MANUAL pert signallers. The pay can be increased $3 per month. 1. The Semaphore Code can be learned in another way. Draw in your notebook or on a piece of cardboard the dial of a clock with marks at the following o'clocks : 12 (at the top), 1 :30, 3, 4 :30, 6, 7 :30, 9, 10 :30. Imagine the signaller behind the dial working its hands with a flag at the end of each : (a) Leaving the hour hand at 6, move the minute hand to : 7:30 for A or for Numeral 1 or for " Error " 9 for B or for Numeral 2 10:30 for C or for Numeral 3 12 for D or for Numeral 4 1.30 for E or for Numeral 5 3 for F or for Numeral 6 4:30 for G or for Numeral 7 Thus in two or three minutes you have learned one- third of the code. (&) Now hour hand comes into play; hold hour hand at 7 :30 and move minute hand to : 9 for H or for Numeral 8 10:30 for I or for Numeral 9 12 for K or for word Negative 1 :30 for L or for word Preparatory 3 for M 4:30 for N or for word Annulling You have now, in 5 or 10 minutes, learned half the code. RECRUIT MANUAL 19 (c) Hold hour hand at 9 and move minute hand to : 10:30 for O or for the word Interrogatory 12 for P or for the word Affirmative 1:30 for Q 3 for R or for the word Acknowledge 4:30 for S (rf) Hold the hour hand at 12 and move the minute hand to: 3 for the letter J 4:30 for the letter V (e) Hold hour hand at 10:30 and move minute hand to: 12 for the letter T 1:30 for the letter U (/) Hold hour hand at 1 :30 and move minute hand to : 3 for the letter W 4:30 for the letter X (g) Hold hour hand at 3 and move minute hand to : 10:30 for the letter Y 4:30 for the letter Z (ft) To call the "Attention " of the objective, flutter the 2 flags, one at 10 :30, the other at 1 :30. (i) Between words make " Interval " by bringing both flags to 6. (/) To indicate that numerals follow, cross flags above 12. 20 RECRUIT MANUAL 2. International Morse Code: used for Wig-Wag, Telegraph, Radiograph, Heliograph, Searchlight, Flash Lantern, or Whistle signalling: E . W. L . - .. 1 . I .. D -.. Y -. 7 M S ... U ..- P .- -. 3 ...-- H .... T - G - -. R . - . X -..- V ... - 4 ....- 5 M- - O K - .- r . z - -.. Period . . 6 -.... 7 A .- J B -... Comma . - , ,-.- 8 .. N -. r - F ..-. o ? o, - 3. In Wig-Wag, " position " is with flag held vertically above the head, signalman facing objective. To make a dot, move flag to right of sender from vertical and back to vertical quickly (i.e., from 12 to 9 o'clock). To make dash, move flag from 12 to 3 o'clock and back to 12 quickly. A third motion, called " 3," is from, vertical to the front of feet and back to vertical. To call a station, make its call letter at intervals until acknowledged. In signalling a comrade for practice his call letter would be the first letter of his name. If call letter of objective is unknown, wave your flag until acknowledged. To ac- knowledge a call, signal AA 3 (front). Other abbre- viations are : End of word 3 (i.e., front) End of sentence 33 RECRUIT MANUAL 21 End of message 333 Numerals follow (or numerals end) xx3 Signature follows sig3 Error EE3 Cease signalling AAA3 Wait a moment 1-3 Repeat after (word) CC3A3 (word) Repeat last word CC3 Repeat last message CCC3 Move a little to the right RR3 Move a little to the left LL3 Signal faster .-3 4. In heliograph, a short flash is for dot and long flash for dash. 5. In using code by whistle or trumpet, one short blast is for dot and long blast for dash. XXV. Salutes shall be exchanged between officers and enlisted men not in a military formation, nor at drill, work, games or mess, on every occasion of their meeting, passing near, or being addressed, the officer junior in rank or the enlisted man saluting first: 1. When an officer enters a room where there are several enlisted men, the word "Attention " is given by someone who perceives him, when all rise, uncover, and remain standing at attention until the officer leaves the room or directs " Carry on." Men at mess stop eating and sit at attention. 2. An enlisted man seated rises on the approach of 22 RECRUIT MANUAL an officer, faces toward him, stands at attention, and salutes. If standing, he faces the officer for the same purpose. If the parties remain in the same place or on the same ground, such compliments need not be repeated. 3. Before addressing an officer, a man makes the pre- scribed salute with the weapon with which he is armed, or, if unarmed, with the right hand ; he repeats the sa- lute at the conclusion of the conversation. 4. Officers and men, covered or uncovered, salute military persons as follows: With arms in hand, sa- lute prescribed for that arm (sentinels on interior guard duty excepted) ; without arms in hand, the right hand salute. 5. Sentinels on interior guard duty and on post, con- form to principles herein set forth for saluting, but sa- lute by presenting arms when armed with rifle. They do not salute if saluting unduly interferes with proper per- formance of their duties. 6. A man in formation shall not salute when directly addressed, but shall come to " attention " if at ease or at rest. 7. Saluting distance is that within which recognition is easy in general not over 30 paces. 8. In public conveyances, such as railway trains and street cars, and in public places, such as theatres, salutes may be omitted when palpably inappropriate or apt to disturb civilians present. RECRUIT MANUAL 23 9. A mounted man dismounts before addressing an officer. 10. The hand salute shall be made as follows : Raise the right hand smartly till the tip of the forefinger touches the lower part of the headdress or forehead above the right eye, thumb and fingers extended and joined, palm to the left, forearm inclined at about 45 degrees, hand and wrist straight ; at the same time look toward the per- son saluted. Then drop the arm smartly by the side (with- out any stops or jerks in coming down). (Never salute with left hand.) 11. Officers of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and of foreign services of countries (not at war with the United States) are saluted without prejudice as to the service or branch of the saluting person. 12. Salutes and honors, as a rule, are not paid by troops actually engaged in drill, on the march, or in the field un- der campaign or simulated campaign conditions. Troops on service of security pay no compliments whatever. 13. Whenever the National Anthem is played at any place where persons belonging to the military service are present, all officers and men not in formation shall stand at attention facing toward the music (except at Retreat, when they face toward the flag). If covered, salute at first note of anthem, retaining the position of a salute until the last note of the anthem, if in uniform. If in civilian dress, and covered, uncover at first note of an- them, hold headdress opposite left shoulder and so re- 24 RECRUIT MANUAL main until last note of anthem, except in inclement weather headdress may be slightly raised. The same rules apply when " to the color " or " to the standard " is sounded as when National Anthem is. played. 14. In passing the uncased color, or being passed by such color, render honors as follows : If in uniform, sa- lute as in paragraph 4 above; if in civilian dress and covered, uncover and hold headdress opposite left shoul- der with right hand ; if uncovered, salute by hand salute. 15. Sentinels guarding prisoners at a halt, do not ren- der honors, but escorting prisoners on the march, render rifle salute if armed with rifle ; otherwise, the hand salute. XXVI. As soon as you can obtain for your own use an Infantry Drill Regulations, U. S. A., thoroughly read as far as paragraph 158, of which some parts should be learned by heart. These are the items of your elementary tactical education as a private. Then you should read paragraphs 199 to 231 and 290 to 326 to obtain a general view of the larger tactical task in which you, as a soldier, participate. Your first aim must be to make a good pri- vate soldier; when, from having learned your duties in that capacity and from having had some experience, you are capable of instructing others, and leading them, you must think of becoming a corporal. Then you will study the Drill Regulations with a view to commanding a squad. When you are a corporal and, having shown your quali- fications for leadership, you will advance to higher and higher rank, and with each advance you will study Drill RECRUIT iMANUAL 25 Regulations with special attention to the requirements imposed by these increased responsibilities. The first items of your tactical education will be covered by the following instructions taken from Infantry Drill Regu- lations, U. S. Army, 1911, the numbers at beginning of paragraphs being the numbers of paragraphs in such Drill Regulations dealing with the item presented : 1. Success in battle is the ultimate object of all mili- tary training; success may be looked for only when the training is intelligent and thorough. 6. (a) Drills executed at Attention and the cere- monies are disciplinary exercises designed to teach pre- cise and soldierly movement, and to inculcate that prompt and subconscious obedience which is essential to proper military control. To this end smartness and precision should be exacted in the execution of every detail. (&) The purpose of extended order drill is to teach the mechanism of deployment, of the firings, and, in general, of the employment of troops in combat. Such drills are in the nature of disciplinary exercises and should be frequent, thorough and exact in order to hab- ituate men to the firm control of their leaders. Ex- tended order drill is executed at ease. The Company is the largest unit that executes extended order drill. (c) Field exercises are for instruction in the du- ties incident to campaign. Assumed situations are employed. 26 RECRUIT MANUAL (d) Combat exercise, a form of field exercise of the company, battalion, and larger units, consists of the application of tactical principles to assumed situations, employing in the execution the appropriate forma- tions and movements of close and extended order. 10. Any movement may be executed either from the halt or when marching, unless otherwise prescribed. If at a halt, the command for movements involving marching need not be prefaced by forward, as: 1. Column right (left), 2. MARCH. 11. Any movement not specially excepted may be executed in double time. 14. To stay the execution of a movement when marching, for the correction of errors, the command: 1. In place, 2. HALT, is given. All halt and stand fast, without changing the position of the pieces. To re- sume the movement the command: 1. Resume, 2. MARCH, is given. 15. To revoke a preparatory command, or, being at a halt, to begin anew a movement improperly begun, command, AS YOU WERE, at which movement ceases and former position is resumed. 16. Unless otherwise announced, the guide of a com- pany or subdivision of a company, in line is right; of a battalion in line or line of subdivisions or of a deployed line, center; of a rank in column of squads, toward side of the guide of the company. To march with guide other than as just prescribed, or to change the guide, RECRUIT MANUAL 27 command : Guide (right, left or center). In successive formations into line, the guide is toward the point of rest; in platoons or larger subdivisions it is so an- nounced. The announcement of the guide, when given in connection with a movement, follows the command of execution for that movement, except: 1. As skirmish- ers, guide right (left or center), 2. MARCH. 18. Execute partial changes of direction by insert- ing the word " half " in the preparatory command, as Column half right, or Right half turn. A change of 45 degrees is executed. Slight changes of direction effected by command : " Incline to the right (left) : The guide or guiding element moves in indicated direc- tion and remainder of command conforms. 21. In close order, all details, detachments, and other bodies of troops are habitually formed in double rank. To insure uniformity of interval between files when falling in, and in alignments, each man places the palm of the left hand upon the hip, fingers pointing downward. In the first case, hand is dropped by the side when next man on left has his interval; in second case, at command front. 38. There are two kinds of commands: (1) Pre- paratory, such as forward, indicates the movement that is to be executed. (2) Execution, such as MARCH, HALT, or ARMS, causes the execution. Preparatory commands are indicated by black face lower case ; those of execution by BLACK FACE CAPITALS. 28 RECRUIT MANUAL 50. POSITION OF THE SOLDIER, or ATTEN- TION : Heels on the same line and as near each other as the conformation of the man permits. Feet turned out equally and forming an angle of about 45 degrees. Knees straight without stiffness. Hips level and drawn back slightly ; body erect and resting equally on hips ; chest lifted and arched; shoulders square and falling equally. Arms and hands hanging naturally, thumb along the seam of the trousers. Head erect and squarely to the front, chin drawn in so that the axis of the head and neck is vertical; eyes straight to the front. Weight of the body resting equally upon the heels and balls of the feet. 52. RESTS. Being at halt, at command FALL OUT, men may leave ranks but must remain in imme- diate vicinity ; they resume their former places, at at- tention, at command FALL IN. At command, REST, each man keeps one foot in place but need not preserve silence or immobility. At command AT EASE, each man keeps one foot in place and preserves silence but not immobility. 53. 1. Parade, 2. REST. Carry right foot 6 inches straight to the rear, left knee slightly bent; clasp the hands, without constraint, in front of center of body, fingers joined, left hand uppermost, left thumb clasped by thumb and forefinger of the right hand; preserve silence and steadiness of position. RECRUIT MANUAL 29 54. To resume attention: 1. Squad, 2. ATTEN- TION. The men take the position of the soldier. 55. 1. Eyes, 2. RIGHT (LEFT), 3. FRONT. At command right, turn head to right oblique, eyes fixed on the line of eyes of the men in, or supposed to be in, same rank. At command front, turn head and eyes to front. 56. FACINGS. To the flank: 1. Right (left), 2. FACE. Raise slightly left heel and right toe ; face to the right, turning on the right heel, assisted by a slight pressure on the ball of the left foot; place the left foot by the side of the right. Left face is executed similarly on the left heel. Right (left) half face is executed similarly, facing 45 degrees. " To face in marching " and advance, turn on ball of either foot and step off with the other foot in the new line of direction ; to face in marching without gaining ground in the new direction, turn on the ball of either foot and mark time. 57. To the rear: 1. About, 2. FACE. Carry toe of right foot about a half foot-length to the rear and slightly to the left of left heel without changing posi- tion of left foot ; face to rear, turning to the right on left heel and right toe ; place right heel by side of left. 59. STEPS and MARCHINGS. All steps and marchings, executed from halt, except right step, begin with left foot. 60. Length of full step in quick time is 30 inches, measured from heel to heel, and the cadence is at rate 30 RECRUIT MANUAL of 120 steps per minute. Length of full step in double time is 36 inches and cadence is 180. Instructor, when necessary, indicates cadence by calling, one, two, three, four, or left, right, the instant the left and right foot, respectively, should be planted. 61. All steps and marchings and movements involv- ing march are executed in quick time unless squad be marching in double time or double time be added to the command; in the latter case double time is added to preparatory command. Example: 1. Squad right, double time, 2. MARCH. 62. QUICK TIME. Being at a halt, to march for- ward in quick time : 1. Forward, 2. MARCH. At com- mand forward, shift weight of body to right leg, left knee straight. At command MARCH, move left foot smartly straight forward 30 inches from the right, sole near the ground, and plant it without shock; next, in like manner, advance right foot and plant it as above ; continue the march. The arms swing naturally. 63. Being at halt, or in march in quick time, to march in double time: 1. Double time, 2. MARCH. If at halt, at first command shift weight of body to right leg. At command MARCH, raise the forearms, ringers closed, to a horizontal position along the waist line; take up an easy run with step and cadence of double time, allowing natural swinging motion to arms. If marching in quick time, at command march, given as RECRUIT MANUAL 31 either foot strikes the ground, take one step in quick time, and then step off in double time. 64. To resume quick time: 1. Quick time, 2. MARCH. At command march, given as either foot strikes the ground, advance and plant the other foot in double time ; resume quick time, dropping hands by the sides. 65. To mark time. Being in march: 1. Mark time, 2. MARCH. At command march, given as either foot strikes the ground, advance and plant other foot ; bring up the foot in rear and continue the cadence by alter- nately raising each foot about 2 inches and planting it on the line with the other. Being at halt, at com- mand march, raise and plant the feet as described above. 66. 1. Half step, 2. MARCH. Take steps of 15 inches in quick time, 18 inches in double time. 67. Forward, half step, halt, and mark time may be executed one from the other in quick or double time. To resume the full step from half step or mark time : 1. Forward, 2. MARCH. 68. Side step. Being at halt or mark time: 1. Right (left) step, 2. MARCH. Carry and plant right foot 15 inches to right; bring left foot beside it and continue movement in the cadence of quick time. The side step is used for short distances only and is not executed in double time. If at order arms, the side step is executed at trail without command. 69. Back step. Being at halt or mark time: 1. Back- 32 RECRUIT MANUAL ward, 2. MARCH. Take steps of 15 inches straight to the rear. Back step is used for short distances only and is not executed in double time. If at order arms, back step is executed at trail without command. 70. TO HALT. To arrest the march in quick or double time: 1. Squad, 2. HALT. At command halt, given as either foot strikes the ground, plant the other foot as in marching ; raise and place the first foot by the side of the other. If in double time, drop the hands by the sides. 71. TO MARCH BY THE FLANK. Being in march : 1. By the right (left) flank, 2. MARCH. At command march, given as the right foot strikes the ground, ad- vance and plant the left foot, then face to the right in marching and step off in the new direction with the right foot. 72. TO MARCH TO THE REAR. Being in march: 1. To the rear, 2. MARCH. At command march, given as right foot strikes the ground, advance and plant left foot; turn to right about on balls of both feet and immediately step off with left foot. If marching in double time, turn to right about, taking 4 steps in place, keeping the cadence, and then step off with left foot. 73. CHANGE STEP. Being in march: 1. Change step, 2. MARCH. At command march, given as right foot strikes ground, advance and plant left foot ; plant toe of right foot near heel of the left and step off with RECRUIT MANUAL 33 left foot. The change on the right foot is similarly ex- ecuted, the command march being given as left foot strikes the ground. MANUAL OF ARMS 74. As soon as practicable, recruit is taught use, no- menclature, and care of his rifle; when fair progress has been made in instruction without arms, he is taught manual of arms; instruction without arms and that with arms alternate. 75. Following rules govern carrying the piece : First. Piece is not carried with cartridges in either the chamber or magazine except when specially ordered. When so loaded, or supposed to be loaded, it is habitu- ally carried locked; that is, with safety lock turned to " safe." At all other times it is carried unlocked, with trigger pulled. Second. Whenever troops are formed under arms, pieces are immediately inspected at 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 chamber or magazine they are removed and placed in belt. Third. The cut-off is kept turned " off " except when cartridges are actually used. Fourth. Bayonet is not fixed except in bayonet exer- cise, on guard, or for combat. Fifth. Fall in is executed with piece at order arms. Fall out, rest, and at ease are executed as without arms. On resuming atten- 3 34 RECRUIT MANUAL tion the position of order arms is taken. Sixth. If at order arms, unless otherwise prescribed, the piece is brought to the right shoulder at command march, the three motions corresponding with the first 3 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 command march. When facings, alignments, open and close ranks, taking interval or distance, and assem- blings 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 order on halting. Execution of the order begins when the halt is com- pleted. Eighth. A disengaged hand in double time is held as when without arms. 76. Following rules govern the execution of manual of arms : First. In all positions of 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 doWnVard, all fingers of RECRUIT MANUAL 35 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 ; recruits are first re- quired 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 in- struction, divided into motions and executed in detail ; in this case the command of execution determines the prompt execution of the first motion, and the com- mands, 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 move- ments 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. 36 RECRUIT MANUAL 77. Position of order arms standing : The butt rests evenly on the ground, barrel to the rear, toe of the butt on a line with the toe of, and touching, right shoe, arms and hands hanging naturally, right hand holding piece between thumb and fingers. 78. Being at order arms: 1. Present, 2. ARMS. With right hand carry piece in front of center of body, barrel to the rear and vertical, grasp it with left hand at balance, forearm horizontal and resting against the body. (TWO) Grasp small of stock with right hand. 79. Being at order arms: 1. Port, 2. ARMS. With right hand raise and throw piece diagonally across the body, grasp it smartly with both hands ; the right, palm down, at the small of the stock; the left, palm up, at the balance ; barrel up, sloping to the left and cross- ing opposite junction of the neck with the left shoulder ; right forearm horizontal ; left forearm resting against the body; the piece in a vertical plane parallel to the front. 80. Being at present arms: 1. Port, 2. ARMS. Carry piece diagonally across body and take the posi- tion of port arms. 81. Being at port arms: 1. Present, 2. ARMS. Carry piece to a vertical position in front of center of body and take position of present arms. 82. Being at present or port arms: 1. Order, 2. ARMS. Let go with right hand ; lower and carry piece to the right with left hand ; regrasp it with right hand RECRUIT MANUAL 37 just above lower band; let go with left hand, and take the next to the last position in coming to the order. (TWO) Complete the order. 83. Being at order arms: 1. Right shoulder, 2. ARMS. With right hand raise and throw piece diag- onally across body; carry right hand quickly to the butt, embracing it, the heel between the first two fin- gers. (TWO) Without changing the grasp of right hand, place the piece on the right shoulder, barrel up and inclined at an angle of about 45 degrees from the horizontal, trigger guard in the hollow of the shoulder, right elbow near the side, the piece in a vertical plane perpendicular to the front ; carry the left hand, thumb and fingers extended and joined, to the small of the stock, tip of the forefinger touching the cocking piece, wrist straight and elbow down. (THREE) Drop left hand by the side. 84. Being at right shoulder arms : 1. Order, 2. ARMS. Press the butt down quickly and throw piece diagon- ally across body, right hand retaining the grasp of the butt. (TWO), (THREE) Execute order arms as de- scribed from port arms. 85. Being at port arms: 1. Right shoulder, 2. ARMS. Change right hand to the butt. (TWO), (THREE) As in right shoulder arms from order arms. 86. Being at right shoulder arms : 1. Port, 2. ARMS. Press butt down quickly and throw piece diagonally across the body, right hand retaining its grasp of the 38 RECRUIT MANUAL butt. (TWO) Change right hand to small of the stock. 87. Being at right shoulder arms: 1. Present, 2. ARMS. Execute port arms. (THREE) Execute pre- sent arms. 88. Being at present arms: 1. Right shoulder, 2. ARMS. Execute port arms. (TWO), (THREE), (FOUR) Execute right shoulder arms as from port arms. 89. Being at port arms : 1. Left shoulder, 2. ARMS. Carry the piece with right hand and place it on the left shoulder, barrel up, trigger guard in hollow of the shoulder; at same time grasp butt with left hand, heel between first and second fingers, thumb and fingers closed on the stock. (TWO) Drop right hand by the side. Being at left shoulder arms: 1. Port, 2. ARMS. Grasp piece with right hand at small of stock. (TWO) Carry piece to right with right hand, regrasp it with left, and take position of port arms. Left shoulder arms may be ordered directly from the order, right shoul- der or present, or the reverse. At command arms execute port arms and continue in cadence to the posi- tion ordered. 90. Being at order arms: 1. Parade, 2. REST. Carry right foot 6 inches straight to the rear, left knee slightly bent; carry muzzle in front of center of body, barrel RECRUIT MANUAL 39 to the left ; grasp piece with left hand just below stack- ing swivel, and with right hand below and against left. Being at parade rest: 1. Squad, 2. ATTENTION. Resume the order, the left hand quitting the piece op- posite the right hip. 91. Being at order arms : 1. Trail, 2. ARMS. Raise piece, right arm slightly bent, and incline the muzzle forward so that the barrel makes an angle of about 30 degrees with the vertical. When it can be done with- out danger or inconvenience to others, the piece may be grasped at the balance and the muzzle lowered until the piece is horizontal; a similar position in the left hand may be used. 92. Being at trail arms: 1. Order, 2. ARMS. Lower piece with right hand and resume order. Rifle Salute 93. Being at right shoulder arms: 1. Rifle, 2. SA- LUTE. Carry left hand smartly to small of stock, forearm horizontal, palm of hand down, thumb and fingers extended and joined, forefinger touching end of cocking piece ; look toward the person saluted. (TWO) Drop left hand by the side ; turn head and eyes to the front. 94. Being at order or trail arms: 1. Rifle, 2. SA- LUTE. Carry left hand smartly to the right side, palm of the hand down, thumb and fingers extended and joined, forefinger against piece near the muzzle; 40 RECRUIT MANUAL look toward the person saluted. (TWO) Drop left hand by the side ; turn the head and eyes to the front. The Bayonet 95. Being at order arms: 1. Fix, 2. BAYONET. If the bayonet scabbard is carried on the belt: Exe- cute parade rest ; grasp bayonet with right hand, back of hand toward the body ; draw bayonet from scabbard and fix it on the barrel, glancing at muzzle; resume order. If bayonet is carried on haversack : Draw bayo- net with left hand and fix it in most convenient manner. 96. Being at order arms: 1. Unfix, 2. BAYONET. If bayonet is carried on belt : Execute parade rest ; grasp handle of bayonet firmly with right hand, pressing the spring with forefinger of right hand; raise bayonet until handle is about 12 inches above muzzle of piece ; drop point to the left, back of hand toward the body, and, glancing at scabbard, return bayonet, blade pass- ing between left arm and the body; regrasp the piece with right hand and resume the order. If bayonet scabbard is carried on haversack: Take bayonet from rifle with left hand and return it to scabbard in most convenient and expeditious manner. If marching or lying down, bayonet is fixed and unfixed in most expe- ditious and convenient manner and the piece returned to the original position. Fix and unfix bayonet are 41 executed with promptness and regularity but not in cadence. 97. CHARGE BAYONET. Whether executed at halt or in motion, the bayonet is held toward the op- ponent as in the position of guard in the Manual for Bayonet Exercise. The Inspection 98. Being at order arms: 1. Inspection, 2. ARMS. At second command take position of port arms. (TWO) Seize the bolt handle with thumb and forefinger of right hand, turn handle up, draw bolt back, and glance at chamber. Having found chamber empty, or having emptied it, raise the head and eyes to the front. 99. Being at inspection arms: 1. Order (Right shoulder, Port), 2. ARMS. At preparatory command push bolt forward, turn handle down, pull trigger, and resume port arms. At command arms complete move- ment ordered. To Dismiss the Squad 100. Being at halt: 1. Inspection, 2. ARMS, 3. Port. 4. ARMS, 5. DISMISSED. School of the Squad 101. Soldiers are grouped into squads for instruc- tion, discipline, control and order. 102. Squad proper consists of a corporal and 7 pri- 42 RECRUIT MANUAL vates. The movements in the School of the Squad are designed to make the squad a fixed unit and to facili- tate control and movement of the company. If the number of men grouped is more than 3 and less than 12, they are formed as a squad of 4 files, the excess above 8 being posted as file closers. If number grouped is greater than 11, 2 or more squads are formed and the group is termed a platoon. For the instruction of re- cruits these rules may be modified. 103. The corporal is the squad leader, and when ab- sent is replaced by a designated private. If no private is designated, the senior in length of service acts as leader. The corporal, when in ranks, is posted as left man in front rank of the squad. When the corporal leaves the ranks to lead the squad, his rear rank man steps into the front rank, and the file remains blank until the corporal returns to his place in ranks, when his rear rank man steps back into the rear rank. 104. In battle officers and sergeants endeavor to pre- serve the integrity of squads ; they designate new lead- ers to replace those disabled, organize new squads when necessary, and see that every man is placed in a squad. Men are taught the necessity of remaining with the squad to which they belong and, in case it be broken up or they become separated therefrom, to at- tach themselves to the nearest squad and platoon leaders, whether these be of their own or of another or- ganization. RECRUIT MANUAL 43 105. The squad executes the halt, rests, facings, steps, and marchings, and the manual of arms as ex- plained in the School of the Soldier. To Form the Squad 106. To form the squad the instructor places him- self 3 paces in front of where the center is to be and commands : FALL IN. The men assemble at attention, pieces at the order, and are arranged by the corporal in double rank, as nearly as practicable in order of height from right to left, each man dropping his left hand as soon as the man on his left has his interval. The rear rank forms with distance of 40 inches. The instructor then commands: COUNT OFF. At this command all except the right file execute eyes right, and, beginning on the right, the men in each rank count one, two, three, four ; each man turns his head and eyes to the front as he counts. Pieces are then inspected. Alignments 107. To align the squad, the base file or files having been established: 1. Right (Left), 2. DRESS, 3. FRONT. At the command dress all the men place the left hand upon the hip (whether dressing to the right or left) ; each man, except the base file, when on or near the new line executes eyes right and taking steps of 2 or 3 inches, places himself so that his right arm rests lightly against the arm of the man on his right, and so 44 RECRUIT MANUAL that his eyes and shoulders are in line with those of the men on his right ; the rear-rank men cover in file. The instructor verifies the alignment of both ranks from the right flank and orders up or back such men as may be in rear, or in advance, of the line ; only the men desig- nated move. At the command front, given when the ranks are aligned, each man turns his head and eyes to the front and drops his left hand by his side. In the first drills the basis of the alignment is established on, or parallel to, the front of the squad ; afterwards in oblique directions. Whenever the position of the base file or files necessitates a considerable movement by the squad, such movement will be executed by marching to the front or oblique, to the flank or backward, as the case may be, without other command, and at the trail. 108. To preserve the alignment when marching: GUIDE RIGHT (LEFT). The men preserve their intervals from the side of the guide, yielding to pres- sure from that side and resisting pressure from the opposite direction; they recover intervals, if lost, by gradually opening out or closing in ; they recover align- ment by slightly lengthening or shortening the step; the rear-rank men cover their file leaders at 40 inches. In double rank, the front-rank man on the right, or designated flank, conducts the march; when march- ing faced to the flank, the leading man of the front rank is the guide. RECRUIT MANUAL 45 To Take Intervals and Distances 109. Being in line at halt: 1. Take interval, 2. To the right (left), 3. MARCH, 4. Squad, 5. HALT. At second command rear-rank men march backward 4 steps and halt; at command march all face to right and the leading man of each rank steps off; the other men step off in succession, each following the preced- ing man at 4 paces, rear-rank men marching abreast of their file leaders. At command halt, given when all have their intervals, all halt and face to the front. 110. Being at intervals, to assemble the squad: 1. Assemble, to the right (left), 2. MARCH. The front- rank man on the right stands fast, the rear-rank man on the right closes to 40 inches. The other men face to the right, close by the shortest line, and face to the front. 111. Being in line at halt and having counted off: 1. Take distance, 2. MARCH, 3. Squad, 4. HALT. At command march, No. 1 of front rank moves straight to the front; Nos. 2, 3 and 4 of front rank and Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4 of rear rank, in order named, move straight to the front, each stepping off so as to follow the preced- ing man at 4 paces. Command halt is given when all have their distances. In case more than 1 squad is in line, each squad executes the movement as above. The guide of each rank of numbers is right. 112. Being at distances, to assemble the squad: 1. 46 RECRUIT MANUAL Assemble, 2. MARCH. No. 1 of front rank stands fast ; the other numbers move forward to their proper places in line. To Stack and Take Arms 113. Being in line at halt: STACK ARMS. Each even number of front rank grasps his piece with left hand at upper band and rests butt between his feet, barrel to front, muzzle inclined slightly to the front and opposite center of the interval on his right, the thumb and forefinger raising the stacking swivel ; each even number of the rear rank then passes his piece, barrel to the rear, to his file leader, who grasps it be- tween the bands with his right hand and throws the butt about 2 feet in advance of that of his own piece and opposite the right of the interval, the right hand slipping to the upper band, the thumb and forefinger raising the stacking swivel, which he engages with that of his own piece; each odd number of the front rank raises his piece with the right hand, carries it well for- ward, barrel to the front; the left hand, guiding the stacking swivel, engages the lower hook of the swivel of his own piece with the free hook of that of the even number of the rear rank ; he then turns the barrel out- ward into the angle formed by the other two pieces and lowers the butt to the ground, to the right of and against the toe of his right shoe. The stacks made, the lo*ose pieces are laid on them by the even numbers of RECRUIT MANUAL 47 the front rank. When each man has finished handling pieces, he takes position of the soldier. 114. Being in line behind stacks: TAKE ARMS. The loose pieces are returned by the even numbers of the front rank; each even number of the front rank grasps his own piece with the left hand, the piece of his rear-rank man with his right hand, grasping both between the bands ; each odd number of the front rank grasps his piece in the same way with the right hand, disengages it by raising the butt from the ground and then, turning the piece to the right, detaches it from the stack; each even number of the front rank dis- engages and detaches his piece by turning it to the left, and then passes the piece of his rear-rank man to him, and all resume the order. 115. Should any squad have Nos. 2 and 3 blank files, No. 1 rear rank takes the place of No. 2 rear rank in making and breaking the stack; the stacks made or broken, he resumes his post. Pieces not used in mak- ing the stack are termed loose pieces. Pieces are never stacked with bayonet fixed. The Oblique March 116. For instruction of recruits, the squad being in column or correctly aligned, the instructor causes the squad to face half right or half left, points out to the men their relative positions, and explains that these are to be maintained in the oblique march. 48 RECRUIT MANUAL 117. 1. Right (left) oblique, 2. MARCH. Each man steps off in a direction 45 degrees to the right of his original front. He preserves his relative position, keep- ing his shoulders parallel to those of the guide (the man on the right front of the line or column), and so regulates his step that the ranks remain parallel to their original front. At command halt the men halt faced to the front. To resume the original direction : 1. Forward, 2. MARCH. The men half face to the left in marching and then move straight to the front. If at half step or mark time while marching, the oblique march is resumed by commands: 1. Oblique, 2. MARCH. To Turn on Moving Pivot 118. Being in line: 1. Right (left) turn, 2. MARCH. The movement is executed by each rank successively and on the same ground. At second command, the pivot man of front rank faces to right in marching and takes the half step ; the other men of the rank oblique to the right until opposite their places in line, then exe- cute a second right oblique and take the half step on arriving abreast of the pivot man. All glance toward the marching flank while at half step and take full step without command as the last man arrives on the line. Right (left) half turn is executed in a similar man- ner. The pivot man makes a half change of direction RECRUIT MANUAL 49 to the right and the other men make quarter changes in obliquing. To Turn on Fixed Pivot 119. Being in line, to turn and march: 1. Squad right (left), 2. MARCH. At second command, right flank man in front rank faces to the right in marching and marks time ; the other front-rank men oblique to the right, place themselves abreast of the pivot and mark time. In the rear rank the third man from the right, followed in column by the second and first, moves straight to the front until in rear of his front- rank man, when all face to the right in marching and mark time; the other number of the rear rank moves straight to the front 4 paces and places himself abreast of the man on his right. Men on the new line glance toward the marching flank while marking time and, as the last man arrives on the line, both ranks execute forward, MARCH, without command. 120. Being in line, to turn and halt: 1. Squad right (left), 2. MARCH, 3. Squad, 4. HALT. The third command is given immediately after the second. The turn is executed as prescribed in the preceding para- graph except that all men, on arriving on the new line, mark time until the fourth command is given, when all halt. The fourth command should be given as last man arrives on line. 121. Being in line, to turn about and march: 1. 4 50 RECRUIT MANUAL Squad right (left) about, 2. MARCH. At second com- mand, front rank twice executes squad right, initiating the second squad right when the man on the marching flank has arrived abreast of the rank. In the rear rank the third man from the right, followed by the second and first in column, moves straight to the front until on the prolongation of the line to be occupied by the rear rank; changes direction to the right; moves in the new direction until in rear of his front-rank man, when all face to 1 the right in marching, mark time, and glance toward the marching flank. The fourth man marches on the left of the third to his new position ; as he arrives on the line, both ranks execute forward, march, without command. 122. Being in line, to turn about and halt: 1. Squad right (left) about, 2. MARCH, 3. Squad, 4. HALT. The third command is given immediately after the second. The turn is executed as prescribed in preced- ing paragraph except that all men, on arriving on the new line, mark time until the fourth command is given, when all halt. The fourth command should be given as last man arrives on the line. To Follow the Corporal 123. Being assembled or deployed, to march the squad without unnecessary commands, the corporal places himself in front of it and commands : FOLLOW ME. If in line or skirmish line, No. 2 of the front rank RECRUIT MANUAL 51 follows in the trace of the corporal at about three paces ; the other men conform to movements of No. 2, guiding on him and maintaining their relative posi- tions. If in column, the head of the column follows the corporal. To Deploy as Skirmishers 124. Being in any formation, assembled : 1. As skir- mishers, 2. MARCH. The corporal places himself in front of the squad, if not already there. Moving at a run, the men place themselves abreast of the corporal at half-pace intervals, Nos. 1 and 2 on his right, Nos. 3 and 4 on his left, rear-rank men on the right of their file leaders, extra men on the left of No. 4; all then con- form to the corporal's gait. When the squad is acting alone, skirmish line is similarly formed on No. 2 of the front rank, who stands fast or continues the march, as the case may be; the corporal places himself in front of the squad when advancing and in rear when halted. When deployed as skirmishers, the men march at ease, pieces at the trail unless otherwise ordered. The cor- poral is the guide when in the line; otherwise No. 2 front rank is the guide. 125. The normal interval between skirmishers is one- half pace, resulting practically in one man per yard of front. The front of a squad thus deployed as skirmish- ers is about 10 paces. 52 RECRUIT MANUAL To Increase or Diminish Intervals 126. If assembled, and it is desired to deploy at greater than the normal interval; or if deployed, and it is desired to increase or decrease the interval: 1. As skirmishers (so many) paces, 2. MARCH. Intervals are taken at the indicated number of paces. If already deployed, the men move by the flank toward or away from the guide. The Assembly 127. Being deployed: 1. Assemble, 2. MARCH. The' men move toward the corporal and form in their proper places. If the corporal continues to advance, the men move in double time, form, and follow him. The assembly while marching to the rear is not executed. Kneeling and Lying Down 128. If standing: KNEEL. Half face to the right; carry the right toe about one foot to the left rear of the left heel ; kneel on right knee, sitting as nearly as pos- sible on the right heel ; left forearm across left thigh ; piece remains in position of order arms, right hand grasping it above the lower band. 129. If standing or kneeling: LIE DOWN. Kneel, but with right knee against left heel; carry back the left foot and lie flat on the belly, inclining body about RECRUIT MANUAL 53 35 degrees to the right; piece horizontal, barrel up, muzzle on the ground and pointed to the front ; elbows on the ground; left hand at the balance, right hand grasping the small of the stock opposite the neck. This is the position of order arms, lying down. 130. If kneeling or lying down : RISE. If kneeling, stand up, faced to the front, on the ground marked by the left heel. If lying down, raise body on both knees, stand up, faced to the front, on ground marked by knees. 131. If lying down: KNEEL. Raise body on both knees; take position of kneel. 132. In double rank, the positions of kneeling and lying down are ordinarily used only for the better utilization of cover. When deployed as skirmishers, a sitting position may be taken in lieu of position kneeling. Loadings and Firings 133. Commands for loading and firing are the same whether standing, kneeling or lying down. Firings are always executed at halt. When kneeling or lying down in double rank, the rear rank does not load, aim or fire. Instruction in firing will be preceded by a command for loading. Loadings are executed in line and skirmish line only. 134. Pieces having been ordered loaded are kept loaded without command until command unload or 54 RECRUIT MANUAL inspection arms, fresh clips being inserted when the magazine is exhausted. 135. The aiming point or target is carefully pointed out. This may be done before or after announcing the sight-setting. Both are indicated before giving the command for firing, but may be omitted when the tar- get appears suddenly and is unmistakable ; in such case, battle sight is used if no sight-setting is an- nounced. 136. The target or aiming point having been desig- nated and the sight-setting announced, such designa- tions or announcements need not be repeated until a change of either or both is necessary. Troops are trained to continue their fire upon the aiming point or target designated, and at the sight- setting announced, until a change is ordered. 137. If the men are not already in the position of load, that position is taken at the announcement of the sight-setting; if the announcement is omitted, the posi- tion is taken at the first command for firing. 138. When deployed, the use of the sling as an aid to accurate firing is discretionary with each man. To Load 139. Being in line of skirmish line at halt: 1. With dummy (blank or ball) cartridges, 2. LOAD. At com- mand load each front-rank man or skirmisher faces RECRUIT MANUAL 55 half right and carries the right foot to the right, about one foot, to such position as will insure the greatest firmness and steadiness of the body; raises, or low- ers, the piece and drops it into the left hand at the bal- ance, left thumb extended along stock, muzzle at height of breast, and turns the cut-off up. With the right hand he turns and draws the bolt back, takes the loaded clip and inserts the end in the clip slot, places the thumb on the powder space of the top car- tridge, the fingers extending around the piece and tips resting on the magazine floor plate ; forces the car- tridges into the magazine by pressing down with the thumb; without removing the clip, thrusts the bolt home, turning down the handle ; turns the safety lock to the " safe " and carries the hand to the small of the stock. Each rear-rank man moves to the right front, takes a similar position opposite the interval to the right of his front-rank man, muzzle of the piece ex- tending beyond the front rank, and loads. A skirmish line may load while moving, the pieces being held as nearly as practicable in the position of load. If kneel- ing or sitting, the position of the piece is similar; if kneeling, the left forearm rests on the left thigh; if sitting, the elbows are supported by the knees. If ly- ing down, the left hand steadies and supports the piece at the balance, the toe of the butt resting on the ground, the muzzle off the ground. For reference, these posi- 56 RECRUIT MANUAL tions (standing, kneeling, and lying down) are desig- nated as that of load. 140. For instruction in loading: 1. Simulate, 2. LOAD. Executed as above described except that the cut-off remains " off," and the handling of cartridges is simulated. The recruits are first taught to simu- late loading and firing ; after a few lessons dummy car- tridges may be used. Later, blank cartridges may be used. 141. The rifle may be used as a single loader by turn- ing the magazine " off." The magazine may be filled in whole or in part while " off " or " on " by pressing cartridges singly down and back until they are in the proper place. The use of the rifle as a single loader is, however, to be regarded as exceptional. To Unload 142. UNLOAD. Take the position of load, turn the safety lock up and move both alternately back and forward until all the cartridges are ejected. After the last cartridge is ejected, the chamber is closed by first thrusting the bolt slightly forward to free it from the stud holding it in place when the chamber is open, pressing the follower down and back to engage it under the bolt and then thrusting the bolt home ; the trigger is pulled. The cartridges are then picked up, cleaned, and returned to the belt and the piece is brought to the order. RECRUIT MANUAL 57 To Set the Sight 143. RANGE, ELEVEN HUNDRED (EIGHT- FIFTY), or BATTLE SIGHT. The sight is set at the elevation indicated. The instructor explains and veri- fies sight-setting. To Fire by Volley 144. 1. Ready, 2. Aim, 3. Squad, 4. FIRE. At com- mand ready turn safety lock to the " ready " ; at com- mand aim raise the piece with both hands and support the butt firmly against the hollow of the right shoul- der, right thumb clasping the stock, barrel horizontal, left elbow well under the piece, right elbow as high as the shoulder; incline the head slightly forward and a little to the right, cheek against the stock, left eye closed, right eye looking through the notch of the rear sight so as to perceive the object aimed at, second joint of forefinger resting lightly against front of trigger and taking up the slack; top of front sight is care- fully raised into, and held in, the line of sight. Each rear-rank man aims through the interval to the right of his file leader and leans slightly forward to advance the muzzle of his piece beyond the front rank. In aim- ing kneeling, th : left elbow rests on the left knee, point of elbow in front of knee-cap. In aiming sitting, the elbows are supported by the knees. In aiming lying down, raise the piece with both hands; rest on both elbows and press the butt firmly against the right 58 RECRUIT MANUAL shoulder. At the command fire press the finger against the trigger ; fire without deranging the aim and without lowering or turning the piece; lower the piece in the position of load and load. 145. To continue the firing: 1. AIM, 2. Squad, 3. FIRE. Each command is executed as previously ex- plained. Load (from magazine) is executed by draw- ing back and thrusting home the bolt with the right hand, leaving the safety lock at the " ready." To Fire at Will 146. FIRE AT WILL. Each man, independently of the others, comes to the ready, aims carefully and delib- erately at the aiming point or target, fires, loads, and continues the firing until ordered to suspend or cease firing. 147. To increase (decrease) the rate of fire in prog- ress the instructor shouts: FASTER (SLOWER). Men are trained to fire at the rate of about three shots per minute at effective ranges and five or six at close range, devoting the minimum of time to loading and the maximum to deliberate aiming. To illustrate the necessity for deliberation, and to habituate men to combat conditions, small and comparatively indistinct targets are designated. To Fire by Clip 148. CLIP FIRE. Executed in same manner as fire at will, except that each man, after having ex- RECRUIT MANUAL 59 hausted the cartridges then in the piece, suspends firing. To Suspend Firing 149. The instructor blows a long blast of the whistle and repeats same, if necessary, or commands : SUS- PEND FIRING. Firing stops ; pieces are held, loaded and locked, in a position of readiness for instant re- sumption of firing, rear sights unchanged. The men continue to observe the target or aiming point, or the place at which the target disappeared, or at which it is expected to reappear. This whistle signal may be used as a preliminary to cease firing. To Cease Firing 150. CEASE FIRING. Firing stops; pieces not already there are brought to the position of load ; those not loaded are loaded ; sights are laid, pieces are locked and brought to the order. Cease firing is used for long pauses, to prepare for changes of position, or to steady the men. 151. Commands for suspending or ceasing fire may be given at any time after the preparatory command for firing whether firing has actually commenced or not. 628. Under "Marches," note: "The drinking of water on the march should be avoided. The thirst should be thoroughly quenched before starting on the 60 RECRUIT MANUAL march and after arrival in camp. On the march the use of water should, in general, be confined to gargling the mouth and throat or to an occasional small drink at most." Inspections 745. Being in line at halt : 1. Open ranks, 2. MARCH. At command march the front rank executes right dress ; the rear rank and the file closers march back- ward four steps, halt, and execute right dress; the lieutenants pass around their respective flanks and take post, facing to the front, three paces in front of center of their respective platoons. Captain aligns front rank, rear rank, and file closers, takes post three paces in front of right guide, facing to the left, and commands: 1. FRONT, 2. PREPARE FOR INSPEC- TION. At second command lieutenants carry saber; captain returns saber and inspects them, after which they face about, order saber, and stand at ease ; upon completion of inspection they carry saber, face about, and order saber. Captain may direct lieutenants to accompany or assist him, in which case they return saber and, at close of inspection, resume their posts in front of company, draw and carry saber. Having inspected lieutenants, captain proceeds to right of com- pany. Each man, as captain approaches him, executes inspection arms. Captain takes the piece, grasping it with his right hand just above rear sight, the man drop- RECRUIT MANUAL 61 ping his hands. The captain inspects the piece, and, with the hand and piece in same position as in receiv- ing it, hands it back to the man, who takes it with left hand at balance and executes order arms. As captain returns piece the next man executes inspection arms, and so on through the company. Should piece be in- spected without handling, each man executes order arms as soon as captain passes to the next man. The in- spection is from right to left in front, and from left to right in rear, of each rank and of the line of file clos- ers. When approached by captain, the first sergeant executes inspection saber. Enlisted men armed with pistol execute inspection pistol by drawing pistol from holster and holding it diagonally across the body, barrel up, and 6 inches in front of the neck, muzzle pointing up and to the left. Pistol is returned to holster as soon as captain passes. Upon completion of inspec- tion captain takes post facing to the left in front of the right guide and on line with lieutenants and com- mands : 1. Close ranks, 2. MARCH. At command march lieutenants resume their posts in line ; rear rank closes to 40 inches, each man covering his file leader ; file closers close to 2 paces from rear rank. 746. If company is dismissed, rifles are put away. In quarters, headdress and accoutrements are removed and the men stand near their respective bunks ; in camp they stand covered, but without accoutrements, in front of their tents. If the personnel field equipment 62 RECRUIT MANUAL has not been inspected in ranks and its inspection in quarters or camp is ordered, each man will arrange the prescribed articles on his bunk, if in quarters or per- manent camp, or in front of his half of the tent, in shel- ter tent camp, in the same relative order as directed in paragraph 747. Captain accompanied by lieutenants then inspects quarters or camp. The first sergeant pre- cedes captain and calls the men to attention on entering each squad room or on approaching the tents ; the men stand at attention but do not salute. FOR TROOPS EQUIPPED WITH INFANTRY EQUIPMENT, MODEL 1910: 747. If inspection is to include an examination of the equipment while in ranks, captain, after closing ranks, causes company to stack arms, to march backward un- til 4 paces in rear of the stacks and to take intervals. He then commands: 1. UNSLING EQUIPMENT, 2. OPEN PACKS. At first command, each man unslings his equipment and places it on the ground at his feet, haversack to the front end of the pack 1 foot in front of toes. At second command, pack carriers are un- strapped, packs removed and unrolled, the longer edge of the pack along the lower edge of the cartridge belt. Each man exposes shelter tent pins, removes meat can, knife, fork and spoon from meat-can pouch, and places them on the right of haver- RECRUIT MANUAL 63 sack, knife, fork and spoon in the open meat can ; re- moves canteen and cup from cover and places them on the left side of haversack ; unstraps and spreads out haversack so as to expose its contents ; folds up carrier to uncover cartridge pockets ; opens same ; unrolls toilet articles and places them on the outer flap of haver- sack; places underwear carried in pack on the left half of the open pack, with round fold parallel with front edge of pack; opens first aid pouch and exposes contents to view. Special articles carried by individual men, such as flag kit, field-glasses, compass, steel tape, notebook, etc., will be arranged on the right half of the open pack. Each man then resumes the attention. The captain then passes along ranks and file closers as before, in- spects the equipment, returns to the right, and com- mands: CLOSE PACKS. Each man rolls up his toilet articles and underwear, straps up his haversack and its contents, replaces the meat can, knife, fork and spoon, and the canteen and cup ; closes cartridge pock- ets and first aid pouch ; restores special articles to their proper receptacles; rolls up and replaces pack in car- rier; and, leaving the equipment in its position on the ground, resumes the attention. All equipments being packed, captain commands: SLING EQUIPMENT. Equipments are slung and belts fastened. Captain then causes company to assemble and take arms. The inspection is completed as already explained. 64 RECRUIT MANUAL FOR TROOPS WITH SHELTER HALF ROLLS INSTEAD OF INFANTRY EQUIPMENT, MODEL 1910, substitute the following: 747. If inspection is to include an examination of blanket rolls captain, before dismissing company and after inspecting the file closers, directs lieutenants to remain in place, closes ranks, stacks arms, dresses com- pany, back to 4 paces from the stacks, takes intervals, and commands: 1. Unsling, 2. PACKS, 3. Open, 4. PACKS. At second command each man unslings his roll and places it on ground at his feet, rounded end to front, square end of shelter half to his right. At fourth command the rolls are untied, laid perpendicular to the front with the triangular end of the shelter half to the front, opened, and unrolled to the left; each man prepares the contents of his roll for inspection and re- sumes the attention. Captain then returns saber, passes along the ranks and file closers as before, in- spects the rolls, returns to the right, draws saber and commands: 1. Close, 2. PACKS. At second command each man, with his shelter half smoothly spread on the ground with buttons up and triangular end to the front, folds his blanket once across its length and places it upon the shelter half, fold toward the bottom, edge one-half inch from square end, the same amount of canvas uncovered at the top and bottom. He then RECRUIT MANUAL 65 places the parts of the pole on the side of the blanket next the square end of shelter half, near and parallel to the fold, end of pole about 6 inches from edge of blanket and distributes the other articles carried in the roll ; folds triangular end and then the exposed portion of the bottom of the shelter half over the blanket. The 2 men in each file roll and fasten first the roll of the front and then of the rear-rank man. File closers work similarly 2 and 2, or with the front-rank men of a blank file. Each pair stands on the folded side, rolls the blanket roll closely and buckles the straps, pass- ing the end of the strap through both keeper and buckle, back over the buckle and under the keeper. With the roll so lying on the ground that the edge of the shelter half can just be seen when looking vertic- ally downward one end is bent upward and over to meet the other, a clove hitch is taken with the guy rope first around the end to which it is attached and then around the other end, adjusting the length of rope between hitches to suit the wearer. As soon as a file completes its rolls each man places his roll in the position it was in after being unslung and stands at attention. All the rolls being completed, captain com- mands: 1. Sling, 2. PACKS. At second command rolls are slung, the end containing the pole to the rear. The company is assembled, takes arms, and captain com- pletes inspection as before. 5 66 RECRUIT MANUAL Shelter Tent Pitching 792. Being in line or in column of platoons, captain commands: FORM FOR SHELTER TENTS. Offi- cers, first sergeant, and guides fall out; cooks form a file on flank of company nearest the kitchen, the first sergeant and right guide fall in, forming the right file of company; blank files are filled by file closers or by men taken from front rank ; remaining guide, or guides and file closers form on a convenient flank. Before forming column of platoons, preparatory to pitching tents, company may be redivided into 2 or more pla- toons, regardless of size of each. 793. Captain then causes company to take intervals as described in School of the Squad and commands : PITCH TENTS. At command pitch tents, each man steps off obliquely to right with right foot and lays his rifle on the ground, the butt of rifle near the toe of right foot, muzzle to the front, barrel to the left, and steps back into his place ; each front-rank man then draws his bayonet and sticks it in the ground by the outside of the right heel. Equipments are unslung, packs opened, shelter half and pins removed ; each man then spreads his shelter half, small triangle to the rear, flat upon the ground the tent is to occupy, the rear-rank man's half on the right. The halves are then buttoned together; the guy loops at both ends of the lower half are passed through buttonholes provided in RECRUIT MANUAL 67 lower and upper halves; the whipped end of the guy rope is then passed through both guy loops and secured, this at both ends of the tent. Each front-rank man in- serts the muzzle of his rifle under the front end of the ridge and holds the rifle upright, sling to the front, heel of butt on the ground beside the bayonet. His rear-rank man pins down the front corners of the tent on the line of bayonets, stretching the tent taut; he then inserts a pin in the eye of the front guy rope and drives the pin at such a distance in front of the rifle as to hold the rope taut; both men go to the rear of the tent, each pins down a corner, stretching the sides and rear of the tent before securing; the rear-rank man then inserts an intrenching tool, or a bayonet in its scab- bard, under the rear end of the ridge inside the tent, the front-rank man pegging down the end of the rear guy ropes ; the rest of the pins are then driven by both men, the rear-rank man working on the right. The front flaps of the tent are fastened down, but thrown back on the tent. As soon as the tent is pitched each man arranges his equipment and the contents of his pack in the tent and stands at attention in front of his own half on the line with the front guy-rope pin. To have a uniform slope when the tents are pitched, the guy ropes should all be of the same length. In shelter-tent camps, in localities where suitable material is procur- able, tent poles may be improvised and used in lieu of 68 RECRUIT MANUAL the rifle and bayonet or intrenching tool as supports for the shelter tent. 794. When the pack is not carried the company is formed for shelter tents, intervals are taken, arms are laid aside or on the ground, the men are dismissed and proceed to the wagon, secure their packs, return to their places, and pitch tents as heretofore described. 795. Double shelter tents may be pitched by first pitching one tent as heretofore described, then pitch- ing a second tent against the opening of the first, using one rifle to support both tents, and passing the front guy ropes over and down the sides of the opposite tents. The front corner of one tent is not pegged down, but is thrown back to permit an opening into the tent. Single Sleeping-Bag 796. Spread the poncho on the ground, buttoned end at the feet, buttoned side to the left; fold the blanket once across its short dimension and lay it on the poncho, folded side along the right side of the poncho ; tie the blanket together along the left side by means of the tapes provided ; fold the left half of the poncho over the blanket and button it together along the side and bottom. Double Sleeping-Bag 797. Spread one poncho on the ground, buttoned end at the feet, buttoned side to the left; spread the blank- RECRUIT MANUAL 69 ets on top of the poncho ; tie the edges of the blankets together with the tapes provided, spread a second pon- cho on top of the blankets, buttoned end at the feet, buttoned side to the right; button the two ponchos together along both sides and across the end. 798. To strike Shelter Tents, The men standing in front of their tents: STRIKE TENTS. Equipments and rifles are removed from the tent ; the tents are low- ered, packs made up, and equipments slung, and the men stand at attention in the places originally occu- pied after taking intervals. Shelter Tent Pitching for Troops With Equipment of Shelter Half Rolls Instead of Model 1910 792. Same as 792 above. 793. Same as 793 above, as far as period in seventh line. For remainder of paragraph substitute following : All unsling and open the blanket rolls and take out shelter half, poles and pins. Each then spreads his shelter half, triangle to the rear, flat upon the ground the tent is to occupy, rear-rank man's half on the right. The halves are then buttoned together. Each front- rank man joins his pole, inserts the top in the eyes of the halves, and holds the pole upright beside the bayo- net placed in the ground; his rear-rank man, using the pins in front, pins down the front corners of the tent on the line of bayonets, stretching the canvas taut ; he then inserts a pin in the eye of the rope and drives 70 RECRUIT MANUAL the pin at such distance in front of the pole as to hold the rope taut. Both men then go to the rear of the tent ; the rear-rank man adjusts the pole and the front-rank man drives the pins. The rest of the pins are then driven by both men, the rear-rank man working on the right. As soon as the tent is pitched each man arranges the contents of his blanket roll in the tent and stands at attention in front of his own half on line with the front guy-rope pin. The guy ropes, to have a uniform slope when the shelter tents are pitched, should all be of the same length. 794. When the blanket roll is not carried, intervals are taken as described above ; the position of the front pole is marked with a bayonet and equipments are laid aside. The men then proceed to the wagon, se- cure rolls, return to their places, and pitch tents as heretofore described. 795. To pitch double shelter tent, captain gives same command as before, except Take half interval is given instead of Take interval. In taking interval each man follows the preceding man at 2 paces. Captain then commands: PITCH DOUBLE TENTS. The first sergeant places himself on the right of the right guide and with him, pitches a single shelter tent. Only the odd numbers of the front rank mark the line with the bayonet. The tent is formed by buttoning together the square ends of 2 single tents. Two complete tents, RECRUIT MANUAL 71 except one pole, are used. Two guy ropes are used at each end, the guy pins being placed in front of the cor- ner pins. The tents are pitched by Nos. 1 and 2, front and rear rank; and by Nos. 3 and 4, front and rear rank; the men falling in on the left are numbered, counting off if necessary. All the men spread their shelter halves on the ground the tent is to occupy. Those of the front rank are placed with the triangular ends to the front. All 4 halves are then buttoned together, first the ridges and then the square ends. The front corners of the tent are pinned by the front-rank men, the odd number holding the poles, the even number driving the pins. The rear- rank men similarly pin the rear corners. While the odd numbers steady the poles, each even number of the front rank takes his pole and enters the tent, where, assisted by the even number of the rear rank, he ad- justs the pole to the center eyes of the shelter halves in the following order: (1) The lower half of the front tent; (2) the lower half of the rear tent; (3) the upper half of the front tent; (4) the upper half of the rear tent. The guy ropes are then adjusted. The tents having been pitched, the triangular ends are turned back, contents of the rolls arranged, and the men stand at attention, each opposite his own shelter half and facing out from, the tent. 72 RECRUIT MANUAL Tactical Arm Signals 43. " Infantry Drill Regulations, 1911." The follow- ing arm signals are prescribed. In making signals either arm may be used. Officers who receive signals on the firing line " repeat back" at once to prevent mis- understanding. Forward, march. Carry the hand to the shoulder; straighten and hold arm horizontally, thrusting it in direction of march. This signal also used to execute quick time from double time. Halt. Carry hand to shoulder; thrust hand upward and hold arm vertically. Double time, march. Carry hand to shoulder; rap- idly thrust hand upward the full extent of arm several times. Squads right, march. Raise arm laterally until hori- zontal; carry it to a vertical position above head and swing it several times between vertical and horizontal positions. Squads left, march. Raise arm laterally until hori- zontal ; carry it downward to the side and swing it several times between the downward and horizontal positions. Squads right about, march (if in close order), or To the rear, march (if in skirmish line). Extend the arm vertically above the head ; carry it laterally down- RECRUIT MANUAL 73 ward to the side and swing it several times between vertical and downward positions. Change direction, or Column right (left), march. The hand on the side toward which the change of direction is to be made is carried across the body to the opposite shoulder, forearm horizontal ; then swing in horizontal plane, arm extended, pointing in new direction. As skirmishers, march. Raise both arms laterally until horizontal. As skirmishers, guide center, march. Raise both arms laterally until horizontal; swing both simulta- neously upward until vertical and return to horizontal; repeat several times. As skirmishers, guide right (left), march. Raise both arms laterally until horizontal; hold arm on side of the guide steadily in horizontal position ; swing other upward until vertical and return it to the horizontal; repeat several times. Assemble, march. Raise arm vertically to its full extent and describe horizontal circles. Range, or Change Elevation. To announce range, extend arm toward the leaders or men for whom the signal is intended, fist closed ; by keeping the fist closed battle sight is indicated; by opening and closing the fist, expose thumb and fingers to a number equal to the hundreds of yards ; to add 50 yards describe a short horizontal line with forefinger. To change elevation, indicate the amount of increase or decrease by fingers 74 RECRUIT MANUAL as above; point upward to indicate increase and down- ward to indicate decrease. (For example, to indicate a range of 800 yards open the hand exposing thumb and all fingers, close fist and again open exposing thumb and 2 fingers. To add 50 yards, making 850 yards, conclude the signal by making a short horizontal line with the forefinger.) What range are you using? or What is the range? Extend the arms toward the person addressed, one hand open, palm to the front, resting on the other hand, fist closed. Are you ready? or I am ready. Raise hand, fingers extended and joined, palm toward person addressed. Commence firing. Move the arm extended in full length, hand pafm down, several times through hori- zontal arc in front of body. Fire faster. Execute rapidly the signal " Commence firing." Fire slower. Execute slowly the signal " Commence firing." To swing the cone of fire to the right or left. Extend arm in full length to the front, palm to the right (left) ; swing arm to right (left), and point in direction of new target. Fix bayonet. Simulate movement of right hand in " fix bayonet." Suspend firing. Raise and hold forearm steadily in RECRUIT MANUAL 75 horizontal position in front of forehead, palm of hand to the front. Cease firing. Raise forearm as in suspend firing and swing it up and down several times in front of face. Platoon. Extend the arm horizontally toward the platoon leader; describe small circles with the hand. (See Par. 44.) Squad. Extend the arm horizontally toward pla- toon leader; swing hand up and down from the wrist. (See Par. 44.) Rush. Same as double time. 44. Signals platoon and squad are intended primarily for communication between captain and his platoon leaders. Signal platoon or squad indicates that the platoon commander is to cause the signal which fol- lows to be executed by platoon or squad. XXVI. EXTRACTS FROM " SMALL ARMS FIRING MANUAL, 1913 " As the rifle is the soldier's best friend he must culti- vate its acquaintance assiduously. He first gains an intimate acquaintance with all its parts and their uses which acquaintance will be gained in part as explained in Section XXII, above, and in part in Nomenclature of the Rifle Drills. He will then learn the use of the rifle with its bayonet so that his first instinct will be to use the bayonet if in close quarters, as it is said the Boche has great fear of cold steel. Then he will learn 76 RECRUIT MANUAL to use the rifle as a firing weapon. That training is had in three principal stages: (1) Learning how to use the sights; (2) developing the muscles that are used in holding the rifle steady; (3) actually firing the rifle. It is wasting ammunition to -attempt to shoot before the first two stages have been covered thor- oughly. This proposition cannot be stated too emphat- ically to represent the truth. If you would be a good shot and if you would qualify on the Range, give a great deal of attention to the following described exer- cises : Do not be content merely with being attentive at the regular instruction and drills but daily practice the Position and Aiming Drills or Exercises by your- self. Everyone knows that in order to play a game well one must keep one's " hand in " ; that is to say, one must keep exercising the particular muscles one uses in that game. If one " lays off " from playing a game for a considerable time one gets out of practice; that is, one loses control of those muscles used in that par- ticular game. For example: If a baseball pitcher stops playing ball for a time, and, say, does even heavy work that employs his muscles, he will not pitch a good game when he first comes back because he has not been using the special muscles one uses in pitching in the same way that one uses them in pitching. The same is true of tennis and other muscular games. And the same is true of shooting. One must keep practis- ing holding the rifle on the mark and steadily. The RECRUIT MANUAL 77 following paragraphs have the numbers as they appear in the " Small Arms Firing Manual " : Sighting Drills 15. Purpose: (1) To show how to align the sights properly on the mark. (2) To discover and demon- strate errors in sighting. (3) To teach uniformity in sighting. 16. Apparatus and its use. Sighting Bar. To con- sist of: (a) A bar of wood about 1 by 2 inches by 4 feet, with a thin slot 1 inch deep cut across the edge about 20 inches from one end. (b) A front sight of tin or cardboard one-half by 3 inches tacked to the end nearer the slot and projecting 1 inch above bar. (c) An eyepiece of tin or cardboard 1 by 3 inches tacked to the other end of, and projecting 1 inch above, the bar, with a very small hole (0.03 inch) one-half inch from top of part projecting above the bar. (d) An open rear sight of tin or cardboard 1.5 by 3 inches, with a U-shaped notch 0.75 inch wide cut in the middle of one of the long edges. This is placed in the slot on the bar. A slight bend of the part of the tin fitting in the slot will give enough friction to hold the sight in any part of slot in which it is placed. (