ance at the magazine and chamber. Having found them
empty, or having emptied them, raise the head and eyes to the front.

Being at inspection arms: 1. Order (Right shoulder, port), 2.
ARMS.

At the preparatory command, push the bolt forward, turn the handle down,
close the magazine gate, pull the trigger, and resume port arms. At the
command arms, complete the movement ordered.

Pieces being loaded and in the position of load, to execute other
movements with the pieces loaded: 1. Lock, 2. PIECES.

At the command Pieces turn the safety lock fully to the right.

The safety lock is said to be at the "ready" when turned to the left,
and at the "safe" when turned to the right.

The cut-off is said to be "on" when turned up and "off" when turned
down.

Being in line or skirmish line at halt: 1. With dummy (blank or ball)
cartridges, 2. LOAD.

At the command load each front-rank man or skirmisher faces 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 lowers the piece and drops it into the left hand at the
balance, left thumb extended along the stock, muzzle at the height of
the breast. With the right hand he turns and draws the bolt back, takes
a cartridge between the thumb and first two fingers and places it in the
receiver; places palm of the hand against the back of the bolt handle;
thrusts the bolt home with a quick motion, turning down the handle, 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 extending 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 kneeling 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 lying 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 positions (standing, kneeling, and lying down) are
designated as that of load.

FILL MAGAZINE.

Take the position of load, if not already there, open the gate of the
magazine with the right thumb, take five cartridges from the box or
belt, and place them, with the bu