Manual of Arms Positions

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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

ORDER ARMS
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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

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

SHOULDER ARMS​
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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

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

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​
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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

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

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