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1. ATTENTION - COMPANY

The body is in the position of attention. The right arm is at the side, the right hand gripping the musket, fingers forward. The musket butt is beside the right foot, barrel vertical and along the hollow of the right shoulder.

2. POSITION OF SHOULDER - ARMS

The musket is held in the palm of the left hand, the left elbow slightly bent, the heel of the butt between the forefinger and middle finger, the thumb on the front screw of the butt-plate. The butt is held back so that the barrel is almost vertical. The barrel is to the front with the stock against the hollow of the left shoulder.

3. SUPPORT - ARMS

With the right hand seize the small of the stock and slightly raise the musket. Place the left palm on the chest. Support of the musket by resting the hammer on the crook of the arm and pressing the musket to the shoulder. Drop the right hand to the side.

CARRY - ARMS

Grasp the musket with the right hand at the small of the stock. Place the left hand under the butt as before. Lower the musket slightly and drop the right hand to the side.

The command CARRY - ARMS is always given to return from SUPPORT - ARMS to SHOULDER - ARMS. In all other instances the command is SHOULDER - ARMS. However, in re-enactments, the command SHOULDER - ARMS is often used.

4. PRESENT - ARMS

With the left hand turn the musket to the right so that the lock plate is facing to the front. With the right hand grasp the small of the stock. Bring the piece, vertically, in front of the body, turning the barrel towards the body. With the left hand grasp the musket, thumb is just above the lock plate, keeping the elbow close to the side and forearm horizontal with the ground.

SHOULDER - ARMS

With the right hand turn the musket so that the barrel is now facing out. Raise the musket and place against the left shoulder. Grasp the butt with the left hand and drop the right hand to the side. When done correctly, there should not be any raising or lowering of the musket with the left hand.

5. ORDER - ARMS

Lower the left arm and with the right hand grasp the musket just above the lower band. Bring the musket to the right side, vertically with the rammer to the front, the butt three inches from the ground. Let the musket gently slip to the ground, then grasp the barrel with the thumb and forefinger, arm extended, and the muzzle about two inches from the shoulder.

This is the same position as for ATTENTION - COMPANY.

REST

At this command the soldiers are not required to remain silent or steady. However, they shall not quit their rank without special permission.

ATTENTION - COMPANY

This command is issued to pass from the position of REST, to one of silence and steadiness. On COMPANY, the men will return to the position of Order-Arms and remain firm and silent.

SHOULDER - ARMS

With the right hand raise the musket vertically, turning the barrel to the front and place it against the left shoulder. Grasp the butt with the left palm and slide the right hand down to the lock. Then drop the right hand to the size

6. FIX - BAYONET

Straighten the left arm and with the right hand grasp the musket just above the lower band. Lower the musket with the right hand along the left thigh and with the left hand grasp the musket just above the right hand. Lower the musket gently to the ground with the left hand with the butt just to the left of the left foot and the muzzle in front of the chest. With the right hand grasp the bayonet by the socket and shank. Make sure about one inch of the socket is above the heel of the hand. Draw the bayonet from the scabbard and fix bayonets, turning the clasp with the right thumb. Then extend the left arm along the barrel without dropping the left shoulder.

SHOULDER - ARMS

With the left hand grasp the musket and raise it until the band is up to the level of the chin. The forearm is touching the musket and the barrel is to the front. The right hand is still supporting the musket. Lower the right hand and grasp the musket just above the small of the stock next to the hammer. Raise the musket with the right hand and grasp the butt with the left palm. Press the musket to the left shoulder with the right hand. Move the right foot back on line with the left foot. Drop the right hand to the side.

7. CHARGE - BAYONET

Face oblique to the right and take the first position in About-Face. Turn the musket lock plate to the front and grasp the small of the stock with the right hand making sure the musket is kept vertical and slightly away from the body. Let go of the musket with the left hand and lower the musket with the right hand. Grasp the musket with the left hand at the lower band. The left elbow is against the body, and the right hand against the hip. The barrel is up and the point of the bayonet is at eye level.

SHOULDER - ARMS

Face to the front and bring the right foot alongside the left hand and grasp the butt with the left palm. Drop the right hand to the side.

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