WordNet
n. (military) a prescribed drill in handling a rifle [syn: manual]
Wikipedia
A manual of arms was an instruction book for handling and using weapons in formation, whether in the field or on parade. Such manuals were especially important in the matchlock and flintlock eras, when loading and firing was a complex and lengthy process typically carried out in close order. When capitalized, the term has reference to one of several important manuals, such as the British Army manual of 1764, the manual of Frederick the Great or Von Steuben's Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States, adopted by the Continental Army in 1777. The positions and evolutions contained in such manuals have become the standard for parade drill throughout most of the world.
Typical examples of rules and procedures can be found in the 1764 manual. It was used by both sides at the start of the American Revolution.
- Stance: stand straight, head right, shoulders square, stomach in, chest out, heels close, toes turned out a little.
- Holding the weapon: on the left shoulder, forefinger and thumb to the side of the stock, the other three holding the butt.
- Timing: each motion to be done on a count of "one, two".
Such manuals contain various evolutions, such as the twelve or so steps needed to load, ready and fire, and steps for fixing bayonets, forming line (for firing), column (for bayonet charges) or square (for repelling cavalry).
A second example is the manual used for training of Union troops in 1861. While not always dictating the stance (as reference is made to loading from horseback), specific instructions were given for drawing on command (specifically the rifle and pistol), loading, firing, cease-firing, inspecting and returning the weapons to their carrying position (slinging the carbine, or holstering the revolver).
Usage examples of "manual of arms".
And despite the restrictions of the office, she sent the rifle through a manual of arms that was so spinning and so ornate that the weapon was a blur except at those instants when it came to split-second positions, dead still.
Shoulder to shoulder, they formed ranks and worked through the manual of arms.
He looked the proper officer image and if you didn't know what an indecisive person he was, what little insight he had into anything beyond the end of his rather Roman nose or the pages of the Manual of Arms, you'd have been reassured about the quality of officers running the war.
They had blanked out so much of Unk's memory that they even had to teach him the foot movements and the manual of arms all over again.