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Manual of Arms Positions


Picture
POSITION OF THE SOLDIER:
  • heels on same line, more or less closed, but not touching
  • feet slightly angled outward
  • knees straight but not stiff
  • shoulders square, arms hanging naturally, elbows near the body
  • palm of the hand turned a little to the front, little finger behind the seam of the pants
Picture
ORDER ARMS
​

Use: Position with musket grounded; position taken when called to attention.
  • rammer facing front
  • the right hand low on the barrel; arm almost fully extended
  • barrel between thumb & forefinger; fingers extended and touching
  • barrel not resting on shoulder
  • toe of musket butt in line with, and touching toe of right foot
Picture
PRESENT ARMS

Use: salute while under arms.
  • right hand at small of stock, supporting hammer
  • left hand between guide-sight and lower band, thumb extended along barrel
  • left forearm against body and horizontal; left hand at level of elbow

If properly positioned, middle band is at chin level, hammer just below belt level
Picture
SHOULDER ARMS​
​

Use: base arms carry position; position returned to when halted on march.>
  • piece in right hand, guard facing front
  • barrel resting in hollow of shoulder
  • right arm extended to nearly full length
  • thumb and forefinger of right hand embracing guard
Picture
RIGHT SHOULDER SHIFT

Use: arms carry position; automatic at double quick pace
  • musket on right shoulder; lock plate facing out
  • right hand "split" on butt; toe resting between first two fingers; other two fingers under butt plate
  • right hand as high as right breast, level with elbow
Picture
SUPPORT ARMS

Use: Arms carry position.
  • rifle on left shoulder, barrel facing forward
  • hammer of gun supported against left forearm
  • left hand resting flat on right breast; above level of left elbow
TRAIL ARMS​
​

Use: carry position for moves of short distance or through underbrush; assumed position marching and no arms carry position is ordered.
  • right hand holding rifle between sight and lower band (same position as at order
  • arms) muzzle inclined slightly to front, butt about four inches off ground
  • right hand supported at hip
Picture
SECURE ARMS

​Use: protect and keep nipple area dry in inclement weather; prevent water from entering barrel
  • Musket held upside down under left arm
  • left hand around lower band, thumb extended to hold rammer at base of channel
  • little finger of left hand resting against hip (causing bend in elbow)
  • angle of musket parallel to left arm
Picture
CHARGE BAYONET

​Use: arms position for front rank while closing on enemy or defending with bayonets
  • feet "boxed" (at right angles), left foot moved to rear; hollow of right foot three inches
  • from left heel
  • right hand holding small of stock against right hip
  • left hand holding musket just above lower band, left elbow against body
  • bayonet tip at eye level

140th NY VI

1335 Jefferson Road
Box 92494
​Rochester, NY 14692

Copyright 2017. 140th NY VI
  • HOME
  • Modern
    • Civilians
    • Military
    • In Memoriam
  • Historical
    • Patrick O'Rorke
    • Veteran Research
  • Members
    • Meeting Minutes
    • Treasurer's Report
    • Events
    • Addresses
    • Bylaws
    • Military Fresh Fish Package >
      • Policies
      • Price List
      • Rations for the Reenactor
      • Crackers
      • Frying Pans Get Panned
      • The Manual of Arms
      • Rolling Your Own Cartridges
      • Building Your Own Cartridges
      • Field Cleaning
      • Taking Care of Your Traps
      • Rank Structure
      • Inspection Layout
      • Guard Duty
      • Soldier's Courtesy
      • First Person Impressions
      • What a Reenactor Ought to Know
      • Life on the Homefront
      • Slang
      • Civil War Etiquette
    • Guidelines for Military Participation
    • Policies
    • Guidelines for Civilian Participation
    • Civilian Training Package
    • Forms
  • Events
  • Gallery
    • July 4, 2017
    • Garden Party
    • Sap, Syrup Sugar
    • Elmira
    • High Tide
    • 4th of July
  • CONTACT
    • Become a Member
  • Military Drill and Civilian Seminar