If marching in double time, turn to the right about, taking four steps in place, keeping the cadence, and then step off with the left foot.

CHANGE STEP.

73.  Being in march:  1. Changestep_, 2.  MARCH.

At the command march, given as the right foot strikes the ground, advance and plant the left foot; plant the toe of the right foot near the heel of the left and step off with the left foot.

The charge on the right foot is similarly executed, the command MARCH being given as the left foot strikes the ground.

MANUAL OF ARMS.

74.  As soon as practicable the recruit is taught the use, nomenclature (Pl. 1), and care of his rifle; when fair progress has been made in the instruction without arms, he is taught the manual of arms; instruction without arms and that with arms alternate.

75.  The following rules govern the carrying of the piece: 

First.  The piece is not carried with cartridges in either the chamber or the magazine except when specifically ordered.  When so loaded, or supposed to be loaded, it is habitually carried locked; that is, with the safety lock turned to the “safe.”

At all other times it is carried unlocked, with the trigger pulled.

Second.  Whenever troops are formed under arms, pieces are immediately inspected at the commands:  1. Inspection, 2.  ARMS; 3. Order(Right_shoulder,_port)_, 4.  ARMS.

A similar inspection is made immediately before dismissal.

If cartridges are found in the chamber or magazine, they are removed and placed in the belt.

Third.  The cut-off is kept turned “off” except when cartridges are actually used.

Fourth.  The bayonet is not fixed except in bayonet exercise, on guard, or for combat.

Fifth.  Fall in is executed with the piece at the order arms.  FALL OUT, REST, and AT EASE are executed as without arms.  On resuming ATTENTION the position of order arms is taken.

Sixth.  If at the order, unless otherwise prescribed, the piece is brought to the right shoulder at the command MARCH, the three motions corresponding with the first three steps.  Movements may be executed at the trail by prefacing the preparatory command with the words AT TRAIL; as, 1. Attrail,_forward_, 2.  MARCH; the trail is taken at the command march.

When the facings, alignments, open and close ranks, taking interval or distance, and assemblings are executed from the order, raise the piece to the trail while in motion and resume the order on halting.

Seventh.  The piece is brought to the order on halting.  The execution of the order begins when the halt is completed.

Eighth.  A disengaged hand in double time is held as when without arms.

76.  The following rules govern the execution of the manual of arms: