It is not difficult to acquire a certain amount of accuracy in this position, but one of the easiest ways of getting men to assume it properly is to tell them to push their necks back.  This seems more effective than to speak of holding the chin in with the head erect, or anything of that kind.  If a man stands naturally and then forces the back of his neck back against his collar, he comes into very nearly the desired position of “Attention” so far as his head and neck are concerned.

The shoulders should be rolled a little downward and back, for that is the sensation which comes when one speaks of the shoulders being square.  The chest should be arched and the abdomen drawn in somewhat.  The effect is that of a man standing erect and feeling himself a little taller than usual.]

Body erect on hips, inclined a little forward; shoulders square and falling equally.

Arms and hands hanging naturally, backs of the hands outward; thumbs along the seams of the trousers; elbows near the body.

Head erect and straight to the front, chin slightly drawn in without constraint, eyes straight to the front. (See Fig. 1.)

Each movement, with the exception of the “Speed Test” (a catch exercise with which any man may test his rapidity of action and co-ordination), should be executed in a slow and measured manner.  These exercises do not depend upon snap for their effect, but upon the steady, deliberate, but not extreme stretching of the muscles.  Any tendency toward hurried, careless execution should be avoided in favor of uniformity of movement.

GROUP I

Hands:  This is the same position as “Attention.” (See Fig. 1.)

[Illustration:  Fig. 2.—­Hips

The position called “Hips” is that of “Attention” with the hands placed on the hips, the fingers forward and the thumbs back, at the same time keeping the shoulders and elbows well back.]

Especial care should be taken to see that whenever, throughout the exercises, this position is taken—­as at the completion of each movement—­full control is retained over the arms; the hands should not be allowed to slap against the sides audibly.

It is not difficult to acquire a certain amount of accuracy in this position, but one of the easiest ways of getting men to assume it properly is to tell them to “push their necks back.”  This seems more effective than to speak of holding the chin in with the head erect, or anything of that kind.  If a man stands naturally and then forces the back of his neck back against his collar, he comes into very nearly the desired position of “Attention,” so far as his head and neck are concerned.

The shoulders should be rolled a little downward and back, for that is the sensation which comes when one speaks of the shoulders being square.  The chest should be arched and the abdomen drawn in somewhat.  The effect is that of a man standing erect and feeling himself a little taller than usual.