The Drill Pad
Army Drill

Individual Drill with Weapons
Feed ‘em up and give ‘em hell. Teach ‘em where they are. Make ‘em so mad they’ll eat steel rather than get dressing from you. Make ‘em hard but don’t break ‘em.
Laurence Stallings: What Price Glory? 1926
CONTENTS

Section I - MANUAL--M16 SERIES RIFLE

Paragraph

4-1 General

4-2 Order Arms

4-3 Rest Position

4-4 Port Arms

4-5 Present Arms

4-6 Inspection Arms

4-7 Right Shoulder Arms

4-8 Left Shoulder Arms

4-9 Changing Positions

4-10 Fix and Unfix Bayonets

4-11 Carry Position

Section II - SLING ARMS--M16 SERIES RIFLE

4-12 General

4-13 Sling Arms

4-14 Salute at Sling Arms

4-15 Port Arms from Sling Arms

4-16 Inspection Arms for Sling Arms

Section III - SLING ARMS--M203 GRENADE LAUNCHER

4-17 General

4-18 Manual Movements

Section I

MANUAL OF ARMS–M16 SERIES RIFLE
4-1. General
a. This section contains procedures for executing the manual of arms with the M16 series rifle (FM 23-9) in conjunction with individual and unit drill movements (Figure 4-l).
Figure 4-1. Nomenclature, M15 Series Rifle

b. At the halt, all movements are initiated from order arms or sling arms, which are the positions of attention with the rifle.

c. All precision movements are executed in quick-time cadence.

d. For drill purposes, the magazine is not carried in the rifle. When performing duty requiring the use of the magazine, the rifle is carried at sling arms.

e. The command Port, ARMS or Sling, ARMS must be given prior to the command for double time.

f. Facings, alignments, and short-distance marching movements are executed from order arms or sling arms. When these movements are commanded while at order arms, it is necessary to automatically raise the rifle about 1 inch off the marching surface on the command of execution. When the movement has been completed, automatically return the rifle to order arms.

g. Facing movements are executed from order arms or sling arms. When a facing is necessary to establish the direction of march, the facing movement is executed before the command for the manual of arms. After a marching movement has been completed, Order, ARMS or Sling, ARMS is commanded prior to the command for the facing movement.

h. Ready, Port, ARMS must be commanded following inspection arms and before any other movements can be commanded.

i. Port arms is the key position assumed in most manual of arms movements from one position to another except right shoulder arms from order arms and order arms from right shoulder arms.

j. Manual of arms movements are a combination of the position of attention and the procedures for the prescribed movement. Most manual of arms movements are executed with the head, eyes, and body as in the position of attention.

NOTE:
Paragraphs 4-2 through 4-11 refer to slings tight. However, all individual and unit drill movements may be executed with slings loose except when executing fix and unfix bayonets.
4-2. Order Arms
a. Assume order arms on the command FALL IN or from parade rest on the command of execution ATTENTION.

b. At order arms, maintain the position of attention with the rifle. Place the butt of the rifle on the marching surface, centered on the right foot, with sights to the rear. The toe of the butt touches the foot so that the rear sight and pistol grip form a straight line to the front. Secure the rifle with the right hand in a "U" formed by the fingers (extended and joined) and thumb. Hold the rifle above the front sight assembly with the right thumb and forefinger pointed downward, and on line with the flat surface of the handguard. Keep the right hand and arm behind the rifle so that the thumb is straight along the seam of the trouser leg (Figure 4-2).

Figure 4-2. Order Arms and Parade Rest

4-3. Rest Position
The rifle rest positions are commanded and executed the same as individual drill with the following additions:

a. On the command of execution REST of Parade, REST, thrust the muzzle forward, simultaneously changing the grip of the right hand to grasp the barrel, keeping the toe of the butt of the rifle on the marching surface and the right arm straight.

b. Execute stand at ease in the same manner as parade rest with the rifle except turn the head and eyes toward the commander.

c. On the command AT EASE or REST, keep the butt of the rifle in place as in parade rest.

4-4. Port Arms
a. Port arms from order arms is a two-count movement. The command is Port, ARMS. On the command of execution ARMS, grasp the rifle barrel with the right hand and raise the rifle diagonally across the body, keeping the right elbow down (without strain). With the left hand, simultaneously grasp the handguard just forward of the slipring so that the rifle is about 4 inches from the waist. On the second count, regrasp the rifle at the small of the stock with the right hand. Hold the rifle diagonally across the body, about 4 inches from the waist, the right forearm horizontal, and the elbows close to the sides (Figure 4-3).
Figure 4-3. Port Arms

b. Order arms from port arms is executed in three counts. The command is Order, ARMS. On the command of execution ARMS, move the right hand up and across the body to the right front of the front sight assembly, grasp the barrel firmly without moving the rifle, and keep the right elbow down without strain. On the second count, move the left hand from the handguard and lower the rifle to the right side until it is about 1 inch from the marching surface. Guide the rifle to the side by placing the forefinger of the left hand at the flash suppressor, fingers and thumb extended and joined, palm to the rear. On the third count, move the left hand sharply to the left side, lower the rifle gently to the marching surface, and resume the position of order arms (Figure 4-4).
Figure 4-4. Order Arms

4-5. Present Arms
a. Present arms from order arms is a three-count movement. The command is Present, ARMS. On the command of execution ARMS, execute port arms in two counts. On the third count, twist the rifle with the right hand so that the magazine well is to the front, and move the rifle to a vertical position with the carrying handle about 4 inches in front of and centered on the body. Lower the rifle until the left forearm is horizontal; keep the elbows in at the sides.

b. Order arms from present arms is a four-count movement. The command is Order, ARMS. On the command of execution ARMS, return the rifle to port arms. Counts two, three, and four are the same as order arms from port arms.

c. Port arms is assumed en route to or from present arms when going to or from right shoulder or left shoulder arms.Present arms from or to port arms is a one-count movement.
d. When rendering reports or courtesy to an individual from order arms, execute present arms and turn the head and eyes toward the individual addressed. Order arms is executed automatically upon acknowledgment of the salute.

e. When rendering courtesy to an individual with the rifle at right shoulder, left shoulder, or port arms and not in formation, execute present arms. Upon acknowledgment of the salute, automatically return to the original position.

f. To render courtesy with the rifle at the carry position, execute present arms from either the right or left-hand carry position. Bring the rifle in the most convenient manner to port arms, and then execute present arms in one count. To assume the carry position from present arms, execute port arms in one count and then return the rifle in the most convenient manner to the carry position (Figure 4-5).
Figure 4-5. Present Arms

g. When double timing (not in formation), come to quick time prior to rendering the courtesy.

4-6. Inspection Arms
a. Inspection arms from order arms is a seven-count movement. The command is Inspection, ARMS. On the command of execution ARMS, execute port arms in two counts. On the third count, move the left hand from the handguard and grasp the pistol grip, thumb over the lower portion of the bolt catch. On the fourth count, release the grasp of the right hand, unlock the charging handle with the thumb, and sharply pull the charging handle to the rear with the thumb and forefinger. At the same time, apply pressure on the lower portion of the bolt catch, locking the bolt to the rear. On the fifth count, without changing the grasp of the right hand, sharply push the charging handle forward until it is locked into position; then regrasp the rifle with the right hand at the small of the stock. On the sixth count, remove the left hand, twist the rifle with the right hand so that the ejection port is skyward, regrasp the handguard with the left hand just forward of the slipring, and visually inspect the receiver through the ejection port. On the seventh count, with the right hand, twist the rifle so that the sights are up and come to inspection arms (Figure 4-6).

Figure 4-6. Inspection Arms

NOTE:
The method for inspecting the rifle by an inspecting officer is explained in Chapter 7.
b. Ready, Port, ARMS is the only command given from inspection arms. On the command Ready, move the left hand and regrasp the rifle with the thumb and fingers forming a "U" at the magazine well and trigger guard, the thumb (without pressure) on the upper part of the bolt catch, fingertips placed below or under the ejection port cover. On the command Port, press the bolt catch and allow the bolt to go forward. With the fingertips, push upward, and close the ejection port cover. Grasp the pistol grip with the left hand and place the left thumb on the trigger. On the command ARMS, pull the trigger and resume port arms.

4-7. Right Shoulder Arms
a. Right shoulder arms from order arms is a four-count movement. The command is Right shoulder, ARMS. On the command of execution ARMS, grasp the rifle barrel with the right hand and raise it diagonally across the body, keeping the right elbow down without strain. With the left hand, grasp the handguard just forward of the slipring, ensuring that the weapon is about 4 inches from the waist. On the second count, move the right hand from the barrel and grasp the heel of the butt between the first two fingers with the thumb and forefinger touching. On the third count (without moving the head), release the grasp of the left hand (without changing the grasp of the right hand), twist the rifle so that the sights are up, and place the weapon onto the right shoulder, moving the left hand to the small of the stock to guide the rifle to the shoulder. Keep the fingers and thumb (left hand) extended and joined with the palm turned toward the body. The first joint of the left forefinger touches the rear of the charging handle. Keep the left elbow down, and keep the right forearm horizontal with the right upper arm against the side and on line with the back. On the fourth count, sharply move the left hand back to the left side as in the position of attention (Figure 4-7).

Figure 4-7. Right Shoulder Arms

b. Order arms from right shoulder arms is a four-count movement. The command is Order, ARMS. On the command of execution ARMS, without moving the head and without changing the grasp of the right hand, press down quickly and firmly on the butt of the rifle with the right hand and twist the weapon (with the sights up), guiding it diagonally across the body and about 4 inches from the waist. Grasp the rifle with the left hand at the handguard just forward of the slipring. On the second count, move the right hand up and across the body, approaching from the right front of the front sight assembly, and firmly grasp the barrel without moving the rifle; keep the right elbow down without strain. The third and fourth counts are the same as from port arms to order arms (Figure 4-4).

4-8. Left Shoulder Arms
a. Left shoulder arms from order arms is a four-count movement. The command is Left shoulder, ARMS. On the command of execution ARMS, execute port arms in two counts. On the third count, release the grasp of the left hand and (without moving the head) place the rifle on the left shoulder with the right hand (with the sights up), keeping the right elbow down. At the same time, regrasp the rifle with the left hand with the heel of the butt between the first two fingers and with the thumb and forefinger touching. The left forearm is horizontal, and the left upper arm is against the side and on line with the back. On the fourth count, move the right hand to the right side as in the position of attention (Figure 4-8).
Figure 4-8. Left Shoulder Arms

b. Order arms from left shoulder arms is a five-count movement. The command is Order, ARMS. On the command of execution ARMS, move the right hand up and across the body and grasp the small of the stock, keeping the right elbow down. On the second count (without moving the head), release the grasp of the left hand and with the right hand move the rifle diagonally across the body (sights up) about 4 inches from the waist. At the same time, regrasp the handguard just forward of the slipring with the left hand, and resume port arms. Counts three, four, and five are the same as order arms from port arms (Figure 4-4).

4-9. Changing Positions
a. Right shoulder arms from port arms is a three-count movement. The command is Right shoulder, ARMS. On the command of execution ARMS, release the grasp of the right hand and regrasp the rifle with the heel of the butt between the first two fingers, with the thumb and forefinger touching. Counts two and three are the same as counts three and four from order arms. When marching, the command is given as the right foot strikes the marching surface.

b. Port arms from right shoulder arms is a two-count movement. The command is Port, ARMS. On the command of execution ARMS, execute count one of order arms from right shoulder arms. On the second count, release the grasp of the right hand and regrasp the rifle at the small of the stock and come to port arms. When marching, the command is given as the right foot strikes the marching surface.

c. Left shoulder arms from port arms is a two-count movement. The command is Left Shoulder, ARMS. On the command of execution ARMS, execute left shoulder arms in the same manner as counts three and four from order arms. When marching, the command is given as the left foot strikes the marching surface.

d. Port arms from left shoulder arms is a two-count movement. The command is Port, ARMS. On the command of execution ARMS, execute the first two counts of order arms from left shoulder arms. When marching, the command is given as the left foot strikes the marching surface.

e. Left shoulder arms from right shoulder arms is a four-count movement. The command is Left shoulder, ARMS. On the command of execution ARMS, execute the first count the same as executing order arms. On count two, remove the right hand from the butt of the rifle and regrasp the small of the stock (port arms). Counts three and four are the same movements as from port arms. When marching, the command is given as the left foot strikes the marching surface.

f. Right shoulder arms from left shoulder arms is a five-count movement. The command is Right shoulderARMS. On the command of execution ARMS, execute port arms in two counts. Counts three, four, and five are the same as from port arms. When marching, the command is given as the right foot strikes the marching surface.

g. Present arms from right shoulder arms or left shoulder arms, while in formation, is executed from the halt only. The command is Present, ARMS. On the command of execution ARMS, come to port arms from either shoulder and then execute present arms (in one count) from port arms.

h. To resume right (left) shoulder arms from present arms, the command is Right (Left) shoulder, ARMS. On the command of execution ARMS, execute port arms in one count and then execute the counts as prescribed from port arms.

NOTE:
Experienced soldiers should be capable of executing the 15-count manual of arms in unison: from order, to right shoulder, to left shoulder, to present to order arms. The command is Fifteen-count manual, ARMS.
4-10. Fix and Unfix Bayonets
a. The command to fix or unfix bayonets is given from order arms only. The movement is executed in a military manner but not in cadence.
NOTE:
The bayonet scabbard is worn on the left side with the tip of the scabbard on line with the trouser leg seam and the barrel ring to the front.
b. To fix bayonets, the command is Fix, BAYONETS. On the command of execution BAYONETS, grasp the rifle barrel with the right hand, raise the rifle slightly, and place the butt of the rifle between the feet, with the magazine well to the front. Grasp the rifle barrel with the left hand and move the muzzle to the left front. With the right hand, unsnap the scabbard securing strap and withdraw the bayonet. Keeping the eyes on the bayonet point, turn the point skyward and attach the bayonet to the rifle. To engage the bayonet stud on the rifle with the base of the bayonet, grasp the handle, apply downward pressure until a click is heard, and then apply limited upward pressure to ensure that the bayonet is seated securely. Resnap the scabbard securing strap with the right hand and then come to order arms (figure 4-9).

Figure 4-9. Fix Bayonets

c. To unfix bayonet, the command is Unfix, BAYONETS. On the command of execution BAYONETS, grasp the rifle barrel with the right hand at the handle of the bayonet and place the rifle butt between the feet with the magazine well to the front. Move the muzzle to the left with the left hand and secure it. Unsnap the scabbard securing strap with the right hand, and then release the bayonet from the rifle muzzle. Keeping the eyes on the bayonet point, return the bayonet to the scabbard and insert it with the barrel ring facing to the front. Resnap the scabbard securing strap and come to order arms. For safety, if the bayonet is difficult to remove from the rifle, stick the bayonet point into the marching surface, bend over, and depress the catch mechanism with the left hand while pulling upward on the rifle with the right hand.

4-11. Carry Position
The carry position is assumed in the most convenient manner. This position allows a soldier to transport the rifle in a convenient manner when not in formation. For instructional purposes, the command ASSUME THE RIGHT (LEFT) CARRY is given when teaching the procedures for executing present arms from the carry position (figure 4-10).
Figure 4-10. Carry Position, Right or Left Hand


Section II
SLING ARMS–M16 SERIES RIFLE
4-12. General
a. This section contains the procedures for executing manual of arms movements while at sling arms.

b. Remain at sling arms during all rest movements.

c. All individual and unit drill movements can be executed at sling arms except stack arms and fix and unfix bayonets, which are executed from order arms.

d. When in formation at sling arms, execute the hand salute on the command Present, ARMS.

e. Platoon leaders and platoon sergeants carry their rifles at sling arms during all drills and ceremonies, and from this position they execute present arms only. They do not execute unsling arms. This also applies to squad leaders when squads drill as separate units.

f. When all members of a unit are carrying their rifles at sling arms, the platoon leaders and platoon sergeants execute present arms only. They do not execute unsling arms.

4-13. Sling Arms
a. From order arms with the sling(s) loose, the command for sling arms is Sling, ARMS. On the command of execution ARMS, grasp the rifle barrel with the right hand and raise it vertically. Grasp the sling near the upper sling swivel with the left hand, and release the right hand. Place the right hand and arm between the sling and rifle and place the sling over the right shoulder. Regrasp the sling with the right hand so that the wrist is straight, the right forearm is horizontal, the elbow is tight against the side, and the rifle is vertical. Release the grasp of the left hand and move it sharply to the left side as in the position of attention (Figure 4-11).
Figure 4-11. Sling Arms

b. To return the rifle to order arms with the sling tight, the command is Adjust, SLINGS. On command of execution SLINGS, remove the rifle from the shoulder. Then, grasp the rifle barrel with the right hand and raise it vertically. With the left hand, place the butt of the rifle on the right hip and cradle it in the crook of the right arm. Use both hands to tighten the sling on the ejection port side. Grasp the rifle barrel with the right hand and guide the rifle to the order arms position (as previously described).

c. From order arms with sling(s) tight, the command is Sling, ARMS. On the command of execution ARMS, grasp the rifle barrel with the right hand and raise the rifle vertically. With the left hand, place the rifle butt on the right hip, cradle the rifle in the crook of the right arm, and use both hands to adjust the sling. Grasp the sling with the left hand near the upper sling swivel and execute sling arms (as previously described).

d. If an element is at order arms with the sling loose and the commander wants the sling to be tightened, he commands Adjust SLINGS. On the command of execution SLINGS, tighten the sling and guide the rifle to order arms (as previously described).

NOTE:
Unless otherwise specified, armed elements of a formation fall in at order arms with slings loose.
e. To return the rifle to order arms with the sling loose, the command is Unsling, ARMS. On the command of execution ARMS, reach across the body with the left hand and grasp the sling at the right shoulder. Release the right hand grasp of the sling and remove the rifle from the shoulder. Grasp the rifle barrel with the right hand, release the left hand grasp of the sling, and guide the rifle to the order arms position (as previously described).

4-14. Salute at Sling Arms
a. To salute while at sling arms, the command is Present, ARMS. On the command of execution ARMS, reach across the body with the left hand and grasp the sling just above the right hand. Release the right hand and execute the hand salute.

b. To terminate the hand salute, the command is Order, ARMS. On the command of execution ARMS, lower the right hand sharply to the side as in the position of attention and then regrasp the sling at the original position. After grasping the sling with the right hand, release the left hand and return it sharply to the left side as in the position of attention.

c. When rendering reports or courtesy to an individual, the same rules apply for the hand salute (as explained in individual drill) (Figure 4-11).

NOTE:
Individuals performing duty in congested areas, which would require frequent salutes, should carry the weapon at sling arms.
4-15. Port Arms from Sling Arms
a. The command for this movement is Port, ARMS. On the command of execution ARMS, reach across the body with the left hand and grasp the sling at the shoulder. Lift the weapon (by the sling), swing it to the front of the body, and grasp the small of the stock with the right hand. Release the sling (left hand) and regrasp the weapon just forward of the slipring. Ensure that the rifle is 4 inches from the belt and held diagonally across the body. Keep the elbows in at the sides and the right forearm horizontal (Figure 4-12).
Figure 4-12. Port Arms from Sling Arms


4-16. Inspection Arms from Sling Arms
b. To resume sling arms, the command is Sling, ARMS. On the command of execution ARMS, grasp the sling near the upper sling swivel with the left hand. Release the right hand and swing the rifle back onto the shoulder by placing the right arm between the sling and rifle, immediately resume the position of sling arms.

a. The command for this movement is Inspection, ARMS. On the command of execution ARMS, execute port arms and then execute counts three through seven in the same manner as for inspection arms from order arms.

b. Ready, Port, ARMS is executed in the same manner as explained in the manual of arms.

c. To resume sling arms, the procedures are the same as from port arms.

d. To execute inspection arms when the magazine is in the rifle, remove the magazine (just prior to count three) with the left hand and place it between the waist (left front) and the clothing. Return the magazine immediately after pulling the trigger and before resuming port arms.

Section III
SLING ARMS--M203 GRENADE LAUNCHER
4-17. General
a. This section contains the procedures for executing the Manual of Arms movements with the M203 weapon (FM 23-31).

b. The M203 weapon is carried at sling arms. All individual drill movements are executed as prescribed while remaining at sling arms.

c. The only manual of arms movements that may be executed are present arms (hand salute), port arms, and inspection arms. Individuals armed with the M203 weapon remain at sling arms during other manual of arms movements; or, they return to sling arms from port arms when other members with M16 series rifles are commanded to other positions.

4-18. Manual Movements
a. Present Arms. The salute with the M203 is executed in the same manner as prescribed for the M16 series rifle (while at sling arms).

b. Port Arms. Execute port arms in the same manner as with the M16 series rifle from sling arms.

c. Inspection Arms.

(1) Inspection arms with the M203 weapon is executed the same as inspection arms (while at sling arms) with the M16 series rifle. After completing the movements for inspection arms of the M16 series rifle, press the barrel release latch with the left thumb, slide the barrel to the left, and visually inspect the chamber (Figure 4-13).

Figure 4-13. M203

(2) Ready port arms is executed the same as ready port arms with the M16 series rifle with one exception: on the command Ready, the first action is to close the barrel and pull the trigger of the grenade launcher.
Manual of Arms