Manual of Drill and Ceremonial | Chapter 5 C19 Rifle Drill

A-DH-201-000/PT-000

How members should stand, move and fire the C19 rifle in a rifle drill or ceremony. Diagrams show correct positions and movements of both the member and the rifle.

SECTION 1 BASIC RIFLE DRILL

INTRODUCTION

1. General. Before commencing instruction in rifle drill, it is important that the Rangers receive instruction in the parts of the rifle.

Figure 5-1-1 Parts of the Rifle

2. C19 Rifle. The Canadian Rangers adopted the C19 Rifle as a replacement to the Lee Enfield. Due to similarities between the design of the C19 and Lee Enfield the drill movements for the C19 Rifle have been based on those used for the Lee Enfield. Modifications to Lee Enfield drill have been made due to the shorter length of the C19.
3. Rifle Movements. Unless stated otherwise, Rangers carrying out rifle exercises are to have impressed on them the following important points:
   1. The body and head are to be kept perfectly still while the rifle is moving;
   2. The eyes are not to follow the movement of the rifle. They are to be kept looking to their front at their own level;
   3. The rifle, during its movements, is to be kept as close to the body as possible;
   4. The rifle is always to be moved as quickly as possible and the standard pause between all rifle and foot drill movements is observed;
   5. The fingers are kept close together; and
   6. The disengaged hand is brought to the rifle by the shortest route and as quickly as possible; and the same principle applies when returning the disengaged hand to the position of attention.
4. There are two methods of grasping the rifle for the movements outlined in this chapter;
   1. Full Round Grasp. The specified part of the rifle is held with a tight grip, thumb on one side, fingers together and grasping as much of the rifle as possible around the opposite side; and
   2. Y-Grip. The specified part is held with the thumb on one side, fingers together and straight on the opposite side. If fingers are to be pointed in a certain direction, it shall be stated in the movement.
5. During parades in which both the C19 Ranger Rifle and the standard Service rifle/Carbine will be used it is important to note that the number of movements may differ. As such those giving words of command must be aware of these differences.

ATTENTION

6. To assume the position of attention at the Order Arms, squad members shall:
   1. Grasp the rifle with the right hand in a Y-Grip, holding the barrel, fingers extended straight down the right side of the rifle with the thumb on the left side touching the seam of the trousers. The position of the right hand on the barrel will vary with the height of the individual, but the position of the right elbow will be either bent or straight. If the elbow is bent it will be held close to the body and to the rear;
   2. Place the butt flat on the ground with the rifle touching the boot, toe of the butt in line with the small toe of the right foot; and
   3. Keep the magazine to the front

Figure 5-1-2 Attention

STAND AT EASE FROM ATTENTION

7. On the command, STAND AT – EASE, squad members shall:
   1. Force the rifle directly to the front and to the full extent of the right arm, grasping the rifle with a y-Grip, keeping the toe of the butt in contact with the ground and in line with the small toe of the right foot;
   2. Simultaneously, bend the left knee and place the left foot smartly on the ground 25 cm to the left; and
   3. Keep the left arm straight at the side.

Figure 5-1-3 Stand at Ease

STAND EASY FROM STAND AT EASE

8. On the command, STAND – EASY, squad members shall;
   1. With a quick movement of the right arm, bring the muzzle of the rifle to the centre of the body by pivoting the rifle on the toe of the butt so the base of the magazine is pointing to the left;
   2. Simultaneously, strike and grasp the rifle with the palm of the left hand, hand on top of the barrel, thumb in the rear and fingers in front of the rifle, fingers together pointing down and to the right in a straight line from the elbow; and
   3. After observing a standard pause, relax the body.

Figure 5-1-4 Stand at Ease from Stand Easy

STAND AT EASE FROM STAND EASY

9. On the command, SQUAD, the squad shall assume the position of stand at ease.

ATTENTION FROM STAND AT EASE

10. On the command, ATTEN – TION, squad members shall;
    1. Bend the left knee and bring the left foot to the position of attention, keeping the left arm at the side; and
    2. With a swift motion, simultaneously force the rifle to the right side, keeping the butt in contact with the ground, and foot, and assume the position of attention.

SHORT TRAIL FROM THE ORDER

11. The short trail is used when marching the squad short distances or during dressing when squad members are required to move.
12. The command, SHORT TRAIL – ARMS, is only to be given when the squad is the position of attention. When given the command, SHORT TRAIL – ARMS, squad members shall;
    1. Bend the right arm and raise the butt of the rifle 2 cm from the ground; and
    2. Keep the rifle vertical and close to the body.
13. On the command, AT THE SHORT TRAIL, QUICK – MARCH, simultaneously with the detail in paragraph 2 above, step off with the left foot.
14. On the command, SQUAD – HALT, the squad shall halt as ordered and, as the right knee is straightened, lower the rifle to the position of attention.
15. When a squad is at the order arms position and the command, QUICK – MARCH, is given, the squad shall automatically adopt the short trail position as they step off with the left foot.

Figure 5-1-5 The Short Trail

GROUND ARMS

16. The ground arms command is used when it is necessary to move the squad without arms. Ground arms is only ordered when a squad is at the open order. Care must be taken not to kick or step on arms when they are grounded.
17. On the command, GROUND ARMS BY NUMBERS, SQUAD – ONE, squad members shall;
    1. Take a half pace forward with the left foot and by bending the knees, adopt a squatting position with the weight of the body on the right foot;
    2. Keeping the right arm straight, with the right hand in line with the right knee, simultaneously rotate the rifle to the right, lay it on the ground with the magazine to the right and the muzzle pointing straight to the front;
    3. Ensure that the rear sight is in line with the small toe on the right foot;
    4. Keep the shoulders square to the front and look down at the rifle; and
    5. Keep the left arm straight against the body and hip.
18. On the command, SQUAD – TWO, squad members shall:
    1. Release the rifle; and
    2. Assume the position of attention by standing erect, bending the left knee and bringing the left foot smartly back to the right foot.
19. On the command, GROUND – ARMS, the two movements are combined. A standard pause shall be observed between the movements.

Figure 5-1-6 Ground Arms

TAKE UP ARMS

20. On the command, TAKE UP ARMS BY NUMBERS, SQUAD – ONE, squad members shall:
    1. Take a half pace forward with the left foot and squat with the weight of the body on the right foot;
    2. Look down and grasp the rifle at the barrel with the right hand; and
    3. Keep the left arm straight against the body and hip.
21. On the command, SQUAD – TWO, squad members shall assume the position of attention by:
    1. Standing erect, bending the left knee and bringing the left foot smartly back to the right; and
    2. Simultaneously, rotating the rifle to the left, bringing the magazine to the front and placing the butt of the rifle flat on the ground.
22. On the command TAKE UP – ARMS, the two movements are combined. A standard pause shall be observed between movements.

SLOPE ARMS FROM THE ORDER

23. The slope arms is the position primarily used when marching with the rifle. Care is to be given to ensure that all members keep the left forearm parallel to the ground and that the rifle is kept as still as possible while marching.
24. On the command SLOPE ARMS BY NUMBERS, SQUAD – ONE, squad members shall:
    1. Throw the rifle upwards with the right hand, catching it with both hands at the same time, the left hand with a full round grasp around the forestock and the right hand with a Y-Grip around the small of the butt;
    2. Ensure that the left forearm is parallel to the ground, close to the body;
    3. Keep the right arm slightly bent, elbow to the rear and close to the body; and
    4. Keep the rifle perpendicular and close to the body.
25. On the command, SQUAD – TWO, squad members shall;
    1. Carry the rifle across and close to the body, placing it flat on the left shoulder, with the magazine facing out and away from the center of the body;
    2. Change the grip of the right hand to a full round grasp at the small of the butt, keeping the right forearm parallel to the ground;
    3. Seize the butt of the rifle with the left hand, the thumb 2.5 cm above the toe of the butt, and the fingers together and wrapped around the butt plate; and
    4. Keep the left elbow close to the body, forearm parallel to the ground pointing straight.
26. On the command SQUAD – THREE, squad members shall cut the right arm to the side as in the position of attention.
27. On the command SLOPE – ARMS, the three movements are combined. A standard pause shall be observed between the movements.

Figure 5-1-7 Slope Arms from the Order

ORDER ARMS FROM THE SLOPE

28. On the command ORDER ARMS BY NUMBERS, SQUAD – ONE, squad members shall:
    1. Bring the right arm across and close to the body. Grab the rifle at the forestock with a full round grasp, keeping the right forearm parallel to the ground; and
    2. Simultaneously, force the rifle down to a vertical position to the full extent of the left arm, keeping the rifle close to the left side of the body.
29. On the command SQUAD – TWO, squad members shall:
    1. Use the right arm to force the rifle down and across to the right side of the body as in the position of the order, rotating the rifle so that the magazine faces to the front;
    2. Simultaneously, change the position of the left hand so that it cuts across the body and holds the rifle at the barrel with a full round grasp, back of the hand facing to the front; and
    3. Change the position of the rifle hand to a Y-Grip and allow the right hand to slide upwards as required.
30. On the command SQUAD – THREE, squad members shall cut the left hand to the side as in the position of the order.
31. On the command ORDER – ARMS, the three movements are combined. A standard pause shall be observed between the movements.

Figure 5-1-8 Order Arms from the Slope

DRESSING A SQUAD

32. When dressing a squad on parade with rifles, the squad may be at the order or slope position.
33. On the command RIGHT (LEFT) – DRESS, the movement is executed in the same fashion as without arms except that the left arm is raised at the order position as the head is turned in the required direction. This requires the right marker to raise their left arm, and the left marker to keep the left arm to the side.
34. Dressing a squad while at the slope position is carried out as for the right dress without arms. The right arm shall be raised for a left dress under this condition.
35. Arms are not required to be raised by well-trained Rangers.

ORDERING A SQUAD WITH RIFLES ON PARADE

36. On the command, MARKER, the marker shall:
    1. Come to attention and observe the standard pause;
    2. Slope arms and observe the standard pause;
    3. March to a position three paces in front of and facing the instructor and halt; and
    4. Remain at the slope.
37. After the marker has halted, the instructor shall turn right and move to a position three paces front and centre of where the squad will be fallen in.
38. On the command, FALL-IN, the squad shall:
    1. Come to attention and observe the standard pause;
    2. Slope arms and observe the standard pause;
    3. March onto the parade ground and halt on the left of and covering off the marker; and
    4. Remain at the slope.
39. The instructor shall then proceed as required i.e. Right Dress, Eyes Front, Order Arms, Stand at Ease.
40. This movement may be executed with the rifles held at the short trail position if the instructor so orders.

PRESENT ARMS FROM THE SLOPE

41. On the command, PRESENT ARMS BY NUMBERS, SQUAD – ONE, squad members shall cut the right hand across the body and seize the rifle at the small of the butt with a full round grasp, back of the hand facing the front.
42. On the command, SQUAD – TWO, squad members shall:
    1. Raise the rifle with the right hand perpendicular in front of the centre of the body, magazine to the front;
    2. Simultaneously, place the left hand smartly on the forestock, wrist on the magazine, fingers together and pointing upwards, thumb against the forefinger, with the point of the thumb in line with the mouth;
    3. Ensure that the left elbow is close to the butt, the right elbow and butt close to the body.
43. On the command, SQUAD – THREE, squad members shall:
    1. Raise the right foot 15 cm and place it behind the left so that the instep of the right foot is against the heel of the left, feet at an angle of 30 degrees, both legs straight;
    2. As the right foot is placed on the ground, bring the rifle down perpendicularly close in front of the centre of the body, magazine to the front, holding it at the full extent of the right arm, fingers extended and slating 45 degrees downward in a Y-Grip;
    3. As the right foot is placed on the ground, grasp the forestock with the left hand in a full round grasp, thumb along the left side of the rifle pointing towards the muzzle, left forearm parallel to the ground and close to the body; and
    4. Support the weight of the rifle with the left hand.
44. On the command, PRESENT – ARMS, the three movements are combined. A standard pause shall be observed between the movements.

Figure 5-1-9 Present Arms From The Slope

SLOPE ARMS FROM THE PRESENT

45. On the command, SLOPE ARMS BY NUMBERS, SQUAD – ONE, squad members shall:
    1. Transfer the grip of the right hand so that it holds the small of the butt with a full round grasp;
    2. Transfer the left hand and seize the butt of the rifle, the thumb 2.5 cm above the toe of the butt, and the fingers together and wrapped around the butt plate; and
    3. Simultaneously, place the rifle flat on the left shoulder, the underside out and away from the body.
46. On the command, SQUAD – TWO, squad members shall:
    1. Bend the right knee and bring the right foot to the position of attention; and
    2. As the right foot is placed on the ground, cut the right arm to the right side of the body.
47. On the command, SLOPE – ARMS, the two movements are combined. A standard pause shall be observed between the movements.

Figure 5-1-10 Slope Arms from the Present

PORT ARMS FROM THE ORDER

48. On the command, PORT – ARMS, squad members shall throw the rifle across the body with the muzzle leading, the magazine to the front and the barrel crossing opposite the point of the left shoulder. The rifle shall be caught at the forestock with the left hand, thumb and fingers around the forestock and the left hand at the point of the left shoulder. As the left hand catches the rifle, the small of the butt is gripped with the right hand in a full round grasp. Elbows shall be held close to the body and the rifle shall be held 10 cm from the body.
49. The port arms is used when doubling with the rifle.

ORDER ARMS FROM THE PORT

50. On the command ORDER ARMS BY NUMBERS, SQUAD – ONE, squad members shall:
    1. Remove the right hand from the small of the butt; and
    2. Strike the rifle at the junction of the forestock and barrel, keeping the right forearm and elbow resting on the forestock.
51. On the command SQUAD – TWO, squad members shall:
    1. With the right hand, force the rifle to the right side and assume the second movement of the orders arms; and
    2. Simultaneously strike and grasp the rifle at the front site with an all-round grip of the left hand.
52. On the command SQUAD – THREE, squad members shall:
    1. Cut the left hand to the side; and
    2. Lower the butt to the ground and assume the position of attention.
53. On the command ORDER – ARMS, the three movements are combined. The standard pause is observed between movements.

PORT ARMS FROM THE SLOPE

54. On the command PORT ARMS BY NUMBERS – SQUAD ONE, squad members shall seize the rifle with the right hand as in the first movement of the present arms, except that the hand will be round the small of the butt, with the right forefinger outside the trigger guard.
55. On the command SQUAD – TWO, squad members shall pull the rifle downwards across the body with the right hand, releasing it with the left; move the left hand inwards and upwards to receive the rifle in front of the left breast pocket.
56. On the command PORT – ARMS, the two movements are combined. The standard pause is observed between movements.

Figure 5-1-11 Port Arms from Slope

SLOPE ARMS FROM THE PORT

57. On the command SLOPE ARMS BY NUMBERS – SQUAD ONE, squad members shall drive the rifle into the left hand as in the second movement of Slope Arms from the Order.
58. On the command SQUAD – TWO, squad members shall cut the right hand to the right side as for the third movement of the Slope Arms from the Order.
59. On the command SLOPE – ARMS, the two movements are combined. The standard pause is observed between movements.

EXAMINE ARMS FROM THE ORDER

60. The primary purpose of port arms is to inspect the rifle for cleanliness, however, it is also the desired position when doubling with a rifle (see paragraph 69)
61. On the command, FOR INSPECTION, EXAMINE ARMS BY NUMBERS, SQUAD – ONE, squad members shall:
    1. Throw the rifle across the body with the muzzle leading, the magazine pointing down and the barrel to the left;
    2. Simultaneously, grab the rifle with the left hand in a full round grasp at a point just below the front sling swivel, back of the hand facing the ground;
    3. At the time the left hand meets the rifle, the right hand shall grab the rifle at the small of the butt with a full round grasp, back of the hand facing up, and the thumb in line with the belt buckle; and
    4. Ensure that the rifle is on a 45 degree angle pointing up and to the left, right and left elbows to the sides of the body in and arms held still in a natural position.
62. On the command, SQUAD – TWO, squad members shall bring the right hand to the safety catch and ensure it is in the forward position with the thumb.
63. On the command, SQUAD – THREE, squad members shall grasp the bolt handle with the thumb and index finger of the right hand, turn it sharply upwards, and draw back the bolt to its full extent.
64. On the command, SQUAD – FOUR, squad members shall strike and grasp the small of the butt with the right hand in a full round grasp, thumb towards the body and pointing towards the muzzle on the left side of the rifle.
65. On the command, FOR INSPECTION, EXAMINE – ARMS, the four movements are combined. A standard pause shall be observed between the movements.

EASE SPRINGS

66. On the command, EASE SPRINGS BY NUMBERS – SQUAD ONE, squad members shall, with the right hand, push the bolt forward and down to the closed position.
67. On the command SQUAD – TWO, squad members shall press the trigger and release it.
68. On the command EASE – SPRINGS, the two movements are combined. A standard pause shall be observed between the movements.
69. If ordered to port arms for the purpose of doubling, the command is given as PORT – ARMS, only paragraph 2 is executed.

Figure 5-1-12 Examine Arms

ORDER ARMS FROM THE EXAMINE

70. On the command, ORDER ARMS BY NUMBERS, SQUAD – ONE, squad members shall remove the right hand from the small of the butt to strike and grasp the rifle at the forestock, ensuring that the angle of the rifle does not change.
71. On the command, SQUAD – TWO, squad members shall:
    1. Force the rifle down the right side of the body as for the position of the order, keeping the fingers of the right hand straight;
    2. Simultaneously, strike and grasp the rifle directly beneath the forestock using a full round grasp with the left hand, guiding the rifle down to the right side of the body; and
    3. As the rifle moves down, change the position of the right hand so that the fingers and thumb point down the rifle.
72. On the command, SQUAD – THREE, squad members shall cut the left arm to the left side of the body as in the position of the order.
73. On the command, ORDER – ARMS, the three movements are combined. A standard pause shall be observed between movements.
74. If the butt plate is not in contact with the ground at the completion of the movement, squad members shall observe a standard pause before lowering the rifle until it is in place beside the right foot.

Figure 5-1-13 Order Arms from the Examine

CHANGE ARMS AT THE SLOPE

75. The change arms movement is to be used when members under arms are carrying the rifle for long periods of time.
76. On the command, CHANGE ARMS BY NUMBERS, SQUAD – ONE, squad members shall seize the butt at the plate with the right hand, back of the hand uppermost, fingers underneath, thumb round the toe of the butt; at the moment of impact seize the small of the butt with the left hand, fingers and thumb on top, and the back of the hand underneath; keep both elbows against the body.
77. On the command, SQUAD – TWO, squad members shall force the rifle muzzle forwards in front of the centre of the body, pulling the heel of the butt against the pit of the stomach; turn the magazine to the front, with the left thumb touching the jacket; force the rifle on the right shoulder, turning the magazine to the right so that the correct slope is obtained.
78. On the command, SQUAD – THREE, squad members shall cut the left arm to the left side of the body as if assuming the position of attention.
79. On the command, CHANGE – ARMS, the three movements are combined. A standard pause shall be observed between the movements.
80. When the order is given and the right hand is carrying the rifle, follow the above movements using the opposite directions for left and right, and rotate the rifle counter clockwise.

Figure 5-1-14 Change Arms at the Slope

SALUTING AT SLOPE ARMS

81. On the command, TO THE FRONT SALUTE BY NUMBER, SQUAD – ONE, squad members shall bring the right arm across the body and strike the small of the butt smartly with the right hand, forearm horizontal, back of the hand uppermost, fingers and thumb together and straight. All other movements such as turning the head are to be executed as if saluting without arms.
82. On the command, SQUAD – TWO, squad member shall cut the right hand to the right side of the body as in the position of attention.
83. On the command, TO THE FRONT – SALUTE, the two movements are combined. A standard pause shall be observed between the movements.

Figure 5-1-15 Saluting at Slope Arms

SECTION 2 CEREMONIAL RIFLE DRILL

REST ON YOUR ARMS REVERSED FROM PRESENT ARMS

1. On the command, REST ON YOUR ARMS REVERSED BY NUMBERS, SQUAD – ONE, squad members shall rotate the rifle with the butt coming towards the body and up until the rifle is to the full extent of the arms and vertical to the ground. Simultaneously rotate the butt under the right arm pit, lower the barrel forward and downward onto the left boot, grasping the butt below the heel with the left hand. The muzzle shall be placed on the toe crease of the left boot with the rifle vertical and the magazine resting against the inner portion of the left leg, muzzle pointing down, and magazine inwards.
2. On the command, SQUAD – TWO, squad members shall place the right hand on the butt plate with the thumb around the toe of the butt and the fingers together.
3. On the command, SQUAD – THREE, squad members shall place the left hand over the right, drop the elbows to the sides and lower the head until the chin touches the chest.
4. On the command, REST ON YOUR ARMS – REVERSED, the three movements are combined. All movements shall be executed without pause and with smooth and solemn dignity. A count of 10 seconds shall be used to complete the entire sequence as follows:
   1. 8 seconds, SQUAD-ONE completed,
   2. 9 seconds, SQUAD-TWO completed, and
   3. 10 seconds, SQUAD-THREE completed.

Figure 5-2-1 Rest on your Arms Reversed

PRESENT ARMS FROM REST ON YOUR ARMS REVERSED

5. On the command, PRESENT ARMS BY NUMBERS, SQUAD – ONE, squad members shall:
   1. Raise the rifle with the right hand until the right forearm is parallel to the ground; and
   2. Simultaneously, seize the rifle at the handguard with the left hand in a Y-Grip, back of the hand to the body, thumb to the left, elbow close to the body.
6. On the command, SQUAD – TWO, squad members shall shift the grasp of the right hand to the small of the butt in a full round grasp, back of the hand towards the ground, thumb to the front.
7. On the command, SQUAD – THREE, squad members shall:
   1. Rotate the rifle with the butt coming towards the body and down until the rifle is vertical to the ground, muzzle pointing up, magazine outwards;
   2. Change the grasp of the right hand to a Y-Grip at the small of the butt, thumb to the left; and
   3. Change the grasp on the left hand so that the thumb points directly up along the left side of the forestock.
8. On the command, PRESENT – ARMS, the three movements are combined. A standard pause shall be observed between the movements.

Figure 5-2-2 Present Arms from Resting on Arms Reversed