Chapter IV: Elementary Instruction in Firing

Section =24=.--Hints to Instructors.

=1.= Instructors will teach by force of example rather than by word of mouth, and be careful to refrain from any form of comment which may discourage young soldiers. Words of command are seldom required except in collective firing instruction, all motions of firing being performed independently, and each man being required to use his own judgment as much as possible. Faults must not, however, be overlooked or allowed to become formed habits. _The essential points of the firing positions are to be insisted upon from the beginning, as the foundation of fire discipline._

=2.= In the early part of training squads will not as a rule consist of more than seven men, who will be assembled round the instructor in a semicircle. The instructor will explain the uses of the different firing positions and illustrate them to the squad. Recruits will practise the motions separately until able to combine them, and _assume each position rapidly and without constraint_.

=3=. The position of each individual will be corrected in turn. The regulation positions may be varied if physical characteristics render them unsuitable in any case, but awkwardness in the first stages of instruction will not be accepted as an indication that the regulation position requires modification. The instructor should stand about five paces from the recruit and to his right front while correcting his faults.

=4.= The firing-rest will be employed frequently in early instruction to enable the recruit to support the rifle and rest his muscles, whilst the instructor modifies, or corrects, his position. An incorrect position, however, usually arises from want of accuracy in the preliminary actions which lead to it, and it is to these that attention must be given, for a faulty position once acquired cannot easily be corrected.

=5.= With regard to the firing positions, the standing position is a convenient one to commence elementary instruction. When recruits have acquired facility in handling the rifle, they will be trained for the most part in the lying position, either in the open or behind cover, and occasionally in the kneeling position behind cover.

=6. Progression of Training.=--Elementary instruction in firing will be divided into the following stages:

(i) Trigger-pressing from aiming-rest.

(ii) Snapping from aiming-rest.

(iii) Assuming the various firing positions.

(iv) Loading and unloading in the various firing positions.

(v) Aiming and firing in the various firing positions in the
open, including loading, adjusting sights, and unloading.

(vi) As in (v), with the various firing positions adapted to
different forms of cover.

(vii) Muscle exercises.

Section =25=.--Trigger-Pressing and Snapping.

=1. Importance of Trigger-Pressing.=--(i) Instruction in firing will commence with training in pressing the trigger. The vital importance of performing this action correctly must be impressed upon recruits. They must understand that, however carefully and accurately the rifle is aimed, accurate shooting is impossible if trigger-pressing is faulty, as aim will be disturbed at the moment of discharge. Faultless trigger-pressing is absolutely essential for accurate firing.

=2. Need for Mental Effort.=--Trigger-pressing requires most careful individual instruction, during which the necessity for determination and strong personal effort of will will be impressed on the mind of every recruit. The power of concentrating the mind and controlling the nerves and muscles by exercising the will are all developed by practice in trigger-pressing, and these qualities of character are essential for good shooting and for fire discipline.

=3. Rules for Trigger-Pressing.=--(i) The trigger of the S.M.L.E.rifle has a double pull-off, and two distinct pressures are necessary to fire the rifle. The first pull should be taken when the rifle has been brought into position for aiming; the second when the sights are aligned on the mark. The charger-loading Lee-Enfield rifle has a single pull-off.

(ii) The direction of the pull-off is diagonally across the small of the butt. The first joint of the forefinger should be placed round the _lower_ part of the trigger (Fig. 15). In order not to disturb the aim _breathing must be restrained when pressing the trigger. In firing the trigger must be pressed so as to release the cocking-piece without disturbing aim._

(iii) To do this _a gradually increasing pressure_ must be exerted on the trigger until the spring is released. Such pressure will be facilitated if the grip of the trigger hand on the rifle is strengthened slightly, as though to oppose the inward pressure of the trigger finger with an equal gradual counter-pressure. This will give the whole action the effect of a squeeze with the hand, of which the pressure of the trigger finger is the most important part--the part on which the mind must be concentrated. _On no account must the pressure of the finger in any degree take the form of a pull or jerk._

(iv) Fig. 16 shows the results of faulty trigger-pressing in firing. The trigger has been pulled or jerked to the left instead of being properly pressed, and the grouping of shots--low to the right--shows how aim has been disturbed in consequence.

=4. Method of Instruction.=--(i) The rifle will be rested on sandbags (Fig. 17), or an aiming-rest, and the recruit will be seated with his elbows rested on a table. The instructor will first see that the recruit can _move his trigger-finger independently of the remainder of the hand and arm_, if necessary, by making him practise this action.

(ii) In order that he may learn from experience the pressure required to release the cocking-piece, the soldier in commencing instruction in trigger-pressing, will be directed to place his forefinger under that of the instructor, but without exercising pressure, whilst the instructor carries out the motion (Fig. 18). Then, to enable the instructor to ascertain whether the method is understood, the soldier will place his finger over that of the instructor, and exert the pressure. Finally, the soldier will himself press the trigger, while the instructor uses the aim-corrector to see that aim is not disturbed when the trigger is pressed. Special care will be taken that the _breathing is restrained while pressing the trigger. The use of the sling for steadying the rifle during firing is not to be taught._

=5. Declaring the Point of Aim.=--The recruit must always be made to say after the spring is released whether the aim was maintained truly at the moment of snapping. If not, he must state definitely the direction in which the rifle was pointed at the moment of discharge. By this means recruits will find out and correct their own faults, and the contraction of bad habits will be avoided.

=6. Tests of Trigger-Pressing and Snapping.=--From time to time the instructor will test the aim and steadiness of each recruit in trigger-pressing and snapping with an aim-corrector or an aiming-disc (Fig. 19). If necessary, further lessons in trigger-pressing will be given. Progress should also be tested from time to time by grouping practice on the miniature range or 30 yards range. These practices will help to develop steadiness until range practice is begun. Daily practice in snapping is necessary for trained soldiers as well as for recruits.

Section =26=.--The Various Firing Positions.

=1. Vulnerability of Different Firing Positions.=--In the open up to 1,000 yards the lying position will usually prove the least vulnerable to the effects of both rifle and artillery fire, as it is the most difficult to discern and exposes the smallest surface to fire. As a rule, the lying position is also the least vulnerable to the effects of rifle fire at all ranges. On the other hand, it is more vulnerable to the effects of shrapnel in the open than the kneeling or sitting positions. The use of entrenchments, however, whenever possible, usually obviates the necessity for assuming the lying position in the open in attacking a strongly-held defensive position.

(_See Appendix, Sec. IV., “Aiming-Disc.”_)]

_Points to note:_

1. Body well balanced.
2. Left elbow well under rifle.
3. Good bed for the butt.
4. Firm grip with both hands.
5. Eye well back from the cocking-piece.
6. Sights perfectly upright.]

_Points to note:_

1. Body well balanced.
2. Left elbow well under rifle.
3. Good bed for the butt.
4. Firm grip with both hands.
5. Eye well back from the cocking-piece.
6. Sights perfectly upright.]

=2. Need for Avoiding Unnecessary Movement.=--Recruits will be trained to assume the various firing positions rapidly, and to perform the loading and aiming motions with as little movement as possible. All unnecessary movement in performing these motions must be avoided, especially in the open, as movement attracts the eye and tends to betray the position of targets which, when stationary, would be invisible or extremely difficult to discern.

=3. Standing Position= (Figs. 20 and 21).--(i) The standing position will, as a rule, be used on service to fire from breastworks, high walls, and cover, such as long grass or standing corn, or to take a snap-shot when advancing, so that the pace of the advance is not materially checked. For the height over which a man can fire standing see Sec. 31, para. 2.

(ii) =Rules for the Standing Position.=--Body turned half right, left foot carried to the left and slightly forward, so that the body is erect and well-balanced, left elbow well under the rifle, the butt well into the hollow of the shoulder, rifle gripped firmly with both hands, eye well back from the cocking-piece, sights perfectly upright.

=4. Lying Position= (Fig. 22).--(i) The lying position will generally be adopted by troops on open ground, or when firing from continuous low cover, or from behind small rocks, trees, etc. Preliminary instruction in firing and firing exercises will, as a rule, be carried out in the lying position as being the most convenient.

(ii) Other conditions being equal, this position has the advantage that its use in firing results in a greater extent of dangerous space than in the case of other firing positions [Sec. 9, para. 2 (ii)].

(iii) =Rules for Firing In the Lying Position.=--Turn half right, bring the rifle to the right side as when standing, holding it in the left hand. Place the right hand on the ground, and lie down on the stomach with the legs separated, left shoulder well forward, left arm extended to the front, and rifle resting in the left hand in a convenient position, muzzle pointing to the front and clear of mud or dust on the ground. The line of the body may be slightly oblique to the line of fire, _but this oblique angle must not be exaggerated, as it will tend to increase vulnerability by presenting a greater surface to the enemy’s fire than when the body is parallel to the line of fire_ (see Fig. 30).

(iv) =Adjusting Sights.=--To adjust sights in the lying position draw the rifle back with the left hand until the lines on the backsight can be seen clearly. In the case of S.M.L.E. and Charger-loading Lee-Enfield rifles, draw the rifle back through the left hand.

(v) =Height of Rifle above Ground.=--For the height over which a man in the lying position can fire see Sec. 31, para. 2. If it is necessary for improving the field of fire and obtaining better fire effect to increase the height of the body above ground, this can be done by raising it on the elbows and at the same time slightly retiring it.

=5. Kneeling Position= (Figs. 23 and 24).--(i) The kneeling position is used mainly when firing from continuous cover, such as a low wall, bank, or hedge, or in long grass, crops, etc., which would obstruct the line of sight if the prone position were adopted. For the height over which a man in the kneeling position can fire see Sec. 31, para. 2.

(ii) =Rules for Firing in the Kneeling Position.=--The soldier may kneel on either or both knees. When kneeling on one knee the body may be supported on the heel, or not, as desired. The left knee will be in advance of the left heel, and the left elbow will rest on or over the left knee. The left leg, hand, and arm, and the right shoulder, should be in the same vertical plane when firing in the open kneeling on the right knee. When kneeling on both knees, the body may rest on both heels, or be kept upright to suit the height of the cover, the elbows in both instances being unsupported by the body.

_Points to note_:

1. Body oblique to line of fire.
2. Legs separated.
3. Heels on ground.
4. Good bed for the butt.
5. Firm grip with both hands.
6. Eye well back from the cocking-piece.
7. Sights perfectly upright.]

_Points to note_:

1. Body well balanced.
2. Left elbow well under rifle.
3. Good bed for the butt.
4. Firm grip with both hands.
5. Eye well back from the cocking-piece.
6. Sights perfectly upright.
7. Left heel slightly behind left knee.]

_Points to note_:

1. Body well balanced.
2. Left elbow well under rifle.
3. Good bed for the butt.
4. Firm grip with both hands.
5. Eye well back from the cocking-piece.
6. Sights perfectly upright.
7. Left knee, forearm, rifle, and
right shoulder, in one vertical
plane.]

=6. Sitting Position= (Figs. 25 and 26).--The sitting position will be the most suitable when on ground falling at a steep slope. In this position the right shoulder should be kept well back, the left forearm supported by the thigh, and the right elbow resting against the right knee, or unsupported, as desired.

Section =27=.--Loading and Unloading.

=1. To Load= (Fig. 27).[13]--(i) Bring the rifle to the right side in front of the hip, with the muzzle pointing upwards, small of the butt just in front of the hip, grasping the stock with the left hand immediately in front of the magazine. Turn the safety-catch completely over to the front with the thumb or forefinger of the right hand. (_Charger-loading Lee-Enfield Rifle._--Lower the safety-catch with the thumb of the right hand.)

(ii) Pull out the cut-off if closed, first pressing it downwards with the thumb, then seize the knob with the forefinger and thumb of the right hand, turn it sharply upwards, and draw back the bolt to its full extent.

(iii) Take the charger between the thumb and first two fingers of the right hand, and place it vertically in the guides. Then, placing the ball of the thumb immediately in front of the charger, and hooking the forefinger under the cut-off, force the cartridges down with a firm and continuous pressure until the top cartridge has engaged in the magazine. Force the bolt sharply home, turning the knob well down, and, with the thumb or forefinger of the right hand, turn the safety-catch completely over to the rear. (_Charger-loading Lee-Enfield Rifle._--Raise the safety-catch with the forefinger of the right hand.) Then button the pouch, seize the rifle with the right hand in front of the left, bring the left foot back to the right and order arms.

(iv) =Loading the Magazine.=--The magazine will hold two charges of five cartridges each, but should in ordinary circumstances be loaded with one only, as the soldier will thus retain the power of adding another charge at any time should necessity demand. If, when on the line of march, it is desired to charge the magazine without loading the rifle, the top cartridge may be pressed downwards with the thumb and the cut-off closed. _After the rifle is once charged the soldier is responsible that his magazine is refilled at once whenever it has been emptied._

=4. To Unload.=--Carry out the directions in para, 1 (i) and (ii), but after drawing back the bolt, without turning the knob down, work the bolt rapidly backwards and forwards until the cartridges are removed from the magazine and chamber, allowing them to fall on the ground. Then close the breech, press the trigger, close the cut-off by placing the right hand over the bolt and pressing the cut-off inwards, apply the safety-catch, lower the backsight or the long-range sights, and order arms.

=5. Rapid Loading.=--(i) When he is able to aim and fire steadily in all positions and from various classes of cover, the soldier will be exercised in combining rapid loading with the greatest rapidity of aim consistent with accuracy. Rapid loading will first be practised separately, using dummy cartridges in chargers. When five rounds have been inserted in the magazine, the bolt will be closed and turned over, and the rifle will at once be unloaded and another charger inserted similarly. Rapid loading should be practised in all positions, but especially in the lying position.

_Points to note_:

1. Body erect and well balanced.
2. Left elbow close to body.
3. Firm grip with left hand, close in front of magazine.
4. Muzzle pointing upwards.
5. Butt well forward.
6. Forefinger of the right hand under the cut-off.
7. Eyes on the mark.]

(ii) =Rapid Firing.=--The rate of firing should be increased gradually, provided that faults of aiming and trigger-pressing are not acquired. Short bursts of rapid fire only will be permitted, the firing being carefully regulated and controlled. A target will always be indicated.

=6. Caution.=--Before dummy cartridges are used on parade, special precautions will be taken to insure that neither ball nor blank ammunition is taken to the parade ground. _The instructor will personally examine all cartridges, rifles, pouches, and bandoliers, before loading takes place._

Section =28=.--Use of the Safety-Catch and Cut-Off.

=1.= Troops armed with rifles fitted with safety-catches will invariably set the catch to safety before movement. The use of the cut-off is to be confined in their case to occasions when they are not actually engaged with the enemy. Then it may be employed for the purpose either of charging the magazine without inserting a cartridge in the chamber, or to unload the rifle while retaining cartridges in the magazine.

=2.= The cut-off is never to be used to enable the rifle to be used as a single loader, and is not to supersede the use of the safety-catch. In the case of rifles which have no safety-catches, the cut-off will be pressed in and the rifle unloaded on all occasions when the safety-catch is ordered to be applied in these instructions. In an advance in extended order, however, these rifles may be carried during movement at the slope instead of being unloaded.

Section =29=.--Instruction in Aiming and Firing.

=1. Rules for Aiming and Firing.=--(i) The rules for taking accurate aim have already been stated. In combining aiming with the movements for firing in the various firing positions the following rules will be observed:

(ii) Direct the eyes on the mark. Then bring the rifle into the hollow of the right shoulder, and press it in with the left hand, grasp the small firmly with the thumb and three fingers of the right hand, place the forefinger round the lower part of the trigger, and exert sufficient pressure to take the pull. In making these motions, the backsight will be kept upright, the left elbow brought well under the rifle, and the right elbow brought a little lower than and well to the front of the right shoulder.

(iii) As the rifle touches the shoulder, bring the cheek down on the butt, keeping the face well back from the right hand and cocking-piece, close the left eye, align the sights on the mark, _restrain the breathing_, and press the trigger.

(iv) _Great care must be exercised to insure that the forefinger is not placed on the trigger before the rifle is in contact with the shoulder, and that a firm grip is maintained with both hands while firing. Unless the butt rests firmly in the hollow of the shoulder, accurate shooting is impossible._

(v) _The further the eye is kept from the backsight the more clearly will the sights be defined, the less strained will be the position of the head and neck, and the less will be the effect of recoil._

=2. Aiming and Firing Practices.=--In aiming and firing practices, the firer should always declare the direction of his aim at the moment of discharge before removing the rifle from the shoulder for the reasons given in Sec. 25, para. 5. The instructor will carefully supervise practices, and will test the accuracy of aiming with the aim-corrector or aiming-disc. Having carried out the motions described in paras, (ii) and (iii) above, the recruit after a pause will bring the rifle to the loading position, and practise the motions again, or he will apply the safety catch and order arms, according to the orders of the instructor.

Section =30=.--Firing in the Open.

=1.= The need for avoiding unnecessary movements in assuming the various firing positions in loading and aiming will have been impressed upon recruits during their instruction in the firing positions and loading. Recruits must be taught that it is especially important to avoid these unnecessary movements when firing in the open [Sec. 72, para. 3 (iii)]. _In firing in the open, the head should be lowered in the intervals of firing, but the ground in front must be watched by selected observers_ (Fig. 28).

=2. Positions in the Open.=--Besides avoiding movements betraying their position, recruits will be taught to select positions in the open so as to avoid as far as possible backgrounds which increase their visibility [Sec. 72, para. 4 (ii)]. They will be taught, as part of their instruction in visual training, to note the effect of different backgrounds upon the visibility of service targets. They will learn that concealment may be possible even in the open without cover, for troops at longer ranges when not in movement may be invisible to the naked eye. Individual men, when motionless in the open, may also be invisible to the naked eye within close range.

Section =31=.--Firing from Cover.

1. Instruction in the choice and use of ground and its natural or other features as cover for concealment or protection from the enemy’s fire, and in adapting the different firing positions to various forms of cover, will be part of the field training of men at a stage which will combine training in fire discipline and manœuvre (see Chapters III. and VI. of _Drill and Field Training_ of this series). Full directions regarding the choice and use of the ground and its existing features as cover are contained in Sec. 33[14] of _Drill and Field Training_ of this series. Training in the construction and use of hasty fire-cover, and more elaborate forms of constructed cover, such as various field entrenchments, are dealt with in _Field Entrenchments_ of this series, which also deals with the preparation of doors, windows, and buildings, as well as banks, ditches, etc., to serve as cover. Training in firing in the different firing positions from behind various common forms of cover will form part of the elementary instruction of recruits in firing.

=2. Height of Cover for Use in Different Firing Positions.=--The heights over which a man of average stature can fire on level ground in the various firing positions are as follows: Lying, 1 foot; kneeling, 3 feet; standing, 4 feet 6 inches. On level ground a man can fire over about five-sixths of his own height. Higher cover can be used when firing uphill than when firing downhill.

=3. Rules for Firing from Cover.=--(i) Instructors must impress on recruits that the most important requirement in firing from cover is _the ability of a man to use his rifle to the best advantage, and that the eyes must be kept on the enemy between shots_ to avoid losing sight of targets. In using cover, the recruit must be taught to keep as near to the cover as possible, compatible with ease in firing. He must also be taught when possible to fire round the side of cover rather than over it.

Waiting to Fire. Centre, correct position; right and left, incorrect positions--unnecessary exposure.]

(ii) =Adapting Firing Positions to Different Forms of Cover.=--The following notes and illustrations lay down general rules as to the correct method of adapting the different firing positions to various forms of cover commonly found in the field.

(iii) =Isolated Cover.=--Figs. 29 and 30 illustrate the correct and incorrect methods of using isolated cover. Fig. 29 shows the minimum exposure, the whole body being protected by cover. Fig. 30 shows unnecessary exposure of the head and body, and also of the legs, owing to the extreme oblique angle of the body to the line of fire. As a rule isolated cover should be avoided even if it affords protection from fire, as in the case of occasional rocks or small mounds of earth, especially at close ranges, because men, if seen occupying such cover, can easily be marked down by the enemy, and hit on leaving it. Rocks may also be dangerous, owing to the risk of injury from splinters.

(iv) =Continuous Cover=--(_a_) _Ridges and Folds of Ground._--Figs. 31, 32, and 33 show correct and incorrect methods of using ridges and folds of ground as cover. These features commonly provide good cover, especially the latter, which may be difficult to recognize from a distance. If properly used, they may afford concealment and protection from the enemy’s fire, for which as a rule they do not offer well-defined targets. For instance, the fold of ground in Fig. 33 would be invisible if it were not indicated by the men’s heads.

(_b_) _Low Cover._--Figs. 34 to 38 show the correct and incorrect methods of using low cover. Figs. 39 to 42 show correct and incorrect methods of using higher forms of continuous cover, such as stone and brick walls, banks, etc. As a rule these forms of cover, whether consisting of hedges, with or without ditches, banks, or walls, have the disadvantage of offering well-defined targets to the enemy’s fire and may, in addition, obstruct the advance of troops occupying them. Stone and brick cover, in addition, involves the risk of injury through splinters or demolition if subject to artillery fire.

=4. Method of Instruction.=--(i) Instruction should be carried out under practical conditions. If necessary, different forms of cover can be improvised by the use of sandbags, hurdles, boxes, etc. The instructor will give practical illustrations of the correct method of adapting the different firing positions to various forms of cover. He will then order each man to adapt the different firing positions to cover, and criticize faults, or call on other recruits in the class to criticize them.

(ii) When recruits have progressed sufficiently, they should be sent out to the front of the class as fatigue-men to make use of various forms of cover, such as folds of ground, hedges, ditches, walls, trees, isolated bushes, undergrowth, tufts of grass, etc., in advancing towards the class. Besides taking cover, they should go through the loading and aiming motions as though firing at the class.

(iii) The instructor will make use of these object-lessons to point out the advantages and disadvantages of various forms of cover, the correct and incorrect methods of using cover, and the danger of exaggerated or unnecessary movement of the head, arms, or rifle in loading and aiming which tend to betray the position of men or make them easy to mark down. This instruction can be carried out on miniature ranges according to the directions laid down in Chapter X., Sec. 72, para. 3 (iv).

=5. Rules for Selecting Cover.=--The following general rules will help to guide soldiers in selecting cover. They must remember that in the field the selection of cover may often involve a choice between alternative disadvantages. It may not be possible to avoid bad cover or to find good cover, and it may sometimes be better to use bad cover than to remain in the open. Soldiers, therefore, must be taught in the course of their field training to make the best use of ground and cover under the varying conditions of each tactical situation.

Correct and incorrect prone position for loading and waiting to fire. The unnecessary exposure and movements of the rifle of the man on the right are wrong.]

Correct and incorrect prone positions. Unnecessary exposure of man on right.]

_Points to note_:

1. No undue exposure.
2. Watching front.
3. Trigger guard downwards to facilitate loading
and sight-setting.
4. Muzzle clear of cover.]

_Points to note_:

1. No undue exposure.
2. Watching front.
3. Trigger guard outwards.]

_Points to note_

1. No undue exposure.
2. Body well balanced.
3. Left elbow well under rifle.
4. Good bed for the butt.
5. Firm grip with both hands.
6. Eye well back from the cocking-piece.
7. Sights perfectly upright.
8. Rifle, but not hand, resting on cover.
9. Position adapted to the cover.

(i) =Good Cover.=--Perfect cover--which, however, will very rarely be found--will combine the following advantages:

(_a_) Affords a clear view up to the enemy’s position.

(_b_) Permits the free use of the rifle.

(_c_) Gives concealment to the firer.

(_d_) Provides protection for him against the enemy’s fire
without hindering forward movement.

(ii) =Bad Cover= involves any of the following disadvantages:

(_a_) Offers a well-defined target for the enemy’s fire, and
provides no protection from its effects.

(_b_) Gives a restricted view of the enemy’s position.

(_c_) Restricts the free use of the rifle.

(_d_) Obstructs the advance of troops occupying it in attack.

(iii) =Dangerous Cover.=--Features of ground which offer clearly defined targets for the enemy’s fire, and afford no protection from its effects, are dangerous cover if occupied in view of the enemy, especially if they run parallel to his position. Common examples of such features are an isolated hedge or the edge of a wood.

=6. Penetration of the Pointed Bullet.=--A table will be found in the Appendix to _Field Entrenchments_ of this series giving the approximate penetration of the pointed bullet when firing at various substances. In order to obtain bullet-proof cover, an extra thickness of substance must be added to these measurements of penetration. Earth should not be less than 3½ feet thick to afford bullet-proof cover. If the soil is free from stones, a thickness of 4 feet is desirable. _This thickness may roughly be measured with a service rifle, 3 feet 8½ inches long._

Section =32.=--Muscle Exercises.

=1.= (i) To accustom the muscles to the strain of prolonged firing the following exercises will be performed daily during the elementary training of recruits, and frequently by trained soldiers. Care must be taken that men are not unduly fatigued by the exercises, and that they do not commence them when they are tired. In each practice, a conspicuous object, representing the target, will be indicated, and the rifle will invariably be thrown into approximate alignment with it.

(ii) In the first and third exercises the correct aiming position will be assumed, including taking the pull, bringing the cheek on to the butt, and closing the left eye, but without actually aligning the sights. In the second exercise the first pull will be taken when the right hand grasps the rifle, but the head will not be lowered, the left eye will not be closed, nor will the sights be aligned.

=2. First Practice.=--To be performed with and without bayonet fixed. Caution:--_Muscle Exercise._ _First Practice._ Commands:--_Standing or Lying_--_Load_.

_One._--Bring the rifle to the position for aiming, return at
once to the position for loading, and continue the practice.

_Unload._

=3. Second Practice.=--Caution:--_Muscle Exercise._ _Second Practice._ Commands:--_Standing or Lying_--_Load_.

_One._--Bring the rifle to the position for aiming.

_Two._--Quit the rifle with the right hand.

_Three._--Seize the rifle with the right hand, and at the same
time quit it with the left hand.

_Unload._

_Note._--The words _Two_ and _Three_ will be given at intervals of about 10 seconds. The trigger will not be pressed when in the third position.

=4. Third Practice.=--To be performed with and without bayonet fixed. Caution:--_Muscle Exercise._ _Third Practice._ Commands:--_Standing or Lying_--_Load_.

_One._--Bring the rifle to the position for aiming.

_Unload._

_Note._--The men will be trained progressively to hold the rifle in this position until they can do so without fatigue for two minutes.

5. =Cadet Muscle Exercises.=--(i) In the case of Cadets, the above muscle exercises may be carried out with a light rifle. Alternatively the special exercises for Cadets suggested in the following paragraph may be carried out in preference to the second and third Regulation muscle exercises, the strain of which may develop slowness of movement in young, growing lads by making the muscular tissues heavy rather than well-toned. Moreover, the repetition of these exercises is monotonous, and may cause a distaste for them in youths. Cadet muscle exercises which consist of going through the various movements of assuming the different firing positions, loading, sighting, _aiming_, and pressing the trigger, are therefore suggested as a substitute for the Regulation muscle exercises. The introduction of aiming at a mark--preferably a service target--in the course of muscle exercises will help to develop the muscles of the eye, together with those of the body and limbs.

(ii) These exercises have the advantages of occupying the mind of the cadet while exercising his muscles, and so diverting attention from the mere repetition of continued muscular effort, which is wearisome. They avoid the heavy strain of the third Regulation musketry exercise, and attain the object of the second--namely, to develop a firm grip of the hand on the weapon, which is essential to service shooting, while practising cadets in seizing the weapon quickly in the proper places. They further embrace all the muscles used in the act of firing by including the firing positions and trigger-pressing instead of those used in taking aim alone, and at the same time co-ordinate them into the quick, active movements essential for snapshooting and rapid firing.

(iii) Cadets must not be practised at these exercises till they have been trained to perform correctly the various movements necessary for assuming the different firing positions, loading, sighting, bringing the rifle to the shoulder for aim, and pressing the trigger. They may be exercised in squads, but the instructor must supervise the work of each cadet, and be careful to see that all the separate movements combined in each exercise are carried out correctly, without being slurred or wrongly made.

(iv) The instructor must also be careful to see that no cadet continues any muscle exercise until he is fatigued. The exercises must be light at first, and gradually increased according to the strength of individual cadets as their muscles grow stronger. Exercises will be carried out under the control of the instructor and according to his directions. Each exercise will be carried out in a series of three movements, which may be repeated for a number of times at his discretion.

(v) =Cadet Muscle Exercise.=--Caution:--_Muscle Exercise._ Commands:--_Firing Position._ _Rate of Fire._

_One._--Assume the firing position ordered, and bring the rifle
to the position for loading.

_Two._--Perform the action of loading and adjusting sights
correctly to a given range.

_Three._--Bring the rifle to the position for aiming, press the
trigger, and return at once to the position for loading.

_Note._--Rapid loading and unloading in the prone position with the rifle to the shoulder will also prove a useful muscle exercise.