The Home Guard Manual

This is a digital copy of a book that was preserved for generations on library shelves before it was carefully scanned
by Google as part of a project

to make the world’s books discoverable online.
It has survived long enough for the copyright to expire and the book to enter the public domain. A public domain book is one that was never subject
to copyright or whose legal copyright term has expired. Whether a book is in the public domain may vary country to country. Public domain books
are our gateways to the past, representing a wealth of history, culture and knowledge that’s often difficult to discover.
Marks, notations and other marginalia present in the original volume will appear in this file - a reminder of this book’s long journey from the
publisher to a library and finally to you.
Usage guidelines
Google is proud to partner with libraries to digitize public domain materials and make them widely accessible. Public domain books belong to the
public and we are merely their custodians. Nevertheless, this work is expensive, so in order to keep providing this resource, we have taken steps to
prevent abuse by commercial parties, including placing technical restrictions on automated querying.
We also ask that you:
+ Make non-commercial use of the files We designed Google Book Search for use by individuals, and we request that you use these files for
personal, non-commercial purposes.
+ Refrain from automated querying Do not send automated queries of any sort to Google’s system: If you are conducting research on machine
translation, optical character recognition or other areas where access to a large amount of text is helpful, please contact us. We encourage the
use of public domain materials for these purposes and may be able to help.
+ Maintain attribution The Google “watermark” you see on each file is essential for informing people about this project and helping them find
additional materials through Google Book Search. Please do not remove it.
+ Keep it legal Whatever your use, remember that you are responsible for ensuring that what you are doing is legal. Do not assume that just
because we believe a book is in the public domain for users in the United States, that the work is also in the public domain for users in other
countries. Whether a book is still in copyright varies from country to country, and we can’t offer guidance on whether any specific use of
any specific book is allowed. Please do not assume that a book’s appearance in Google Book Search means it can be used in any manner
anywhere in the world. Copyright infringement liability can be quite severe.
About Google Book Search
Google’s mission is to organize the world’s information and to make it universally accessible and useful. Google Book Search helps readers
discover the world’s books while helping authors and publishers reach new audiences. You can search through the full text of this book on the web
at http://books.google.com/
1
1
■
THE
Home Guard
Manual
LIEUT.-COL. T. F. DONOVAN,
14 N. Y. Inf., N. G. U. S.
CAPT. CHAS. J. DIEGES,
22 N. Y. Eng., N. G. U. S.
Price Net 35 Cents
THE SHERWOOD CO.

NEW YORK
"May Your Shadow Never Grow Lew"
It won't, if you buy and read
Eat and Grow Fat

By A. B. JOHNSTON,
Author of "Eat and Grow Slender",
"Efficiency Through Concentration", etc.
The work is NOT humorous, and does

NOT recommend strenuous gymnastics,
which is erroneously supposed to build
up a strong constitution.
HOW, WHEN and WHAT to eat in
order to put on flesh is, and should be, an
all-important question for "skinny" peo
ple to decide.
EAT AND GROW FAT answers the
question simply, thoroughly and finally.
Order a copy Now, Price net $1.00,

postpaid.
"Don't just fill up—stay filled."

THE SHERWOOD COMPANY
20 John Street New York City
i
I
THE
HOME GUARD
MANUAL *
By
14 N. Y. Inf., N. G. U. S.
22 N. Y. Eng., N. G. U. S.
Embracing the essential parts of the

School of Citizen-Soldiery, Manual of
Arms, and that portion of the Field
Regulation relating to Military Police.
THE SHERWOOD CO.

J 787789 ;
TlLD.ii. ,, .. OA . la 3 i
i.. l:
Copyright by
THE SHERWOOD CO.
May, 1917
FOREWORD
□
HERE is a great demand for

•*• a volume of condensed in
formation that is essential to the
citizen-soldier of the Home Guard
With the above in mind, ve
have compiled from strictly
official publications, a complete
resume of the really necessary and
important points which should
be common knowledge of every
Home Guard both in times of
peace and in active service.
14 N. Y. Inf., N. G. U. S.
22 N. Y. Eng., N. G. U. S.
CONTENTS
Page
ADVANCING UNDER COVER 40
DRILL.
General Rules 7
GUARD DUTY 43
Classification 44
Details and Rosters 44
Commanding Officer 46
Officer of the Day 47
Commanding Officer 49
Corporal of the Guard 57
Musicians of the Guard 62
Orderlies and Color Sentinels 62
Privates 64
Sentinels 64
Special Orders 71
Countersigns and Paroles 72
Patrols 76
Watchmen ' 76
General Rules 78
General Orders 65
Guarding Prisoners 79
Military Police 80
INSTRUCTION WITHOUT ARMS.
Position or Attention 17
The Rests 18
Eyes, Right or Left 18
Facings 19
Hand Salute 19
ii
Page
LOADINGS AND FIRINGS 36
To Load 37
To Unload 38
To Set the Sight 38
Firing by Volley 38
Firing at Will 39
To Fire by Clip 40
Cease Firing 40
MANUAL OF ARMS 23
Rifle Salute 27
Bayonet 28
Inspection 29
Moving and Fixed Pivots 33
As Skirmishers 34
Assembling 35
SQUAD DRILL 29
Form and Dismiss Squad 29
Alignments 30
Taking Intervals 31
Oblique March 32
MARCHING 19
Quick Time 20
Mark Time 21
Halt, Side and Back Steps 21
Rear and Flank Marching 22
OBSERVATION 42
ORDERS, COMMANDS, SIGNALS 13
Commands 13
Arms Signals 16
Whistle Signals 15
Definitions of Terms 5
HOME GUARD
MANUAL
DEFINITIONS
Alignment: A straight line upon which several elements are
formed, or are to be formed; or the dressing of several
elements upon a straight line.
Base: The element on which a movement is regulated.
Battle sight: The position of the rear sight when the leaf
is laid down.
Center: The middle point or element of a command.
Column: A formation in which the elements are placed one
behind another.
Deploy: To extend the front. In general to change from
column to line, or from close order to extended order.
Depth: The space from head to rear of any formation, in
cluding the leading and rear elements. The depth of a
man is assumed to be 12 inches.
Distance: Space between elements in the direction of depth.
Distance is measured from the back of the man in front
to the breast of the man in rear. The distance between
ranks is 40 inches in both line and column.
Element: A file, squad, platoon, company, or larger body,
forming part of a still larger body.
File: Two men, the front-rank man and the corresponding
man of the rear rank. The front-rank man is the file
leader. A file which has no rear-rank man is a blank file.
The term file applies also to a single man in a single-
rank formation.
6 THE HOME GUARD MANUAL.
File closers: Such officers and noncommissioned officers of

a company as are posted in rear of the line. For con
venience, all men posted in the line of file closers.
Flank: The right or left of a command in line or in column;
also the element on the right or left of the line.
Formation: Arrangement of the elements of a command.
The placing of all fractions in their order in line, in col
umn, or for battle.
Front: The space, in width, occupied by an element, either
in line or in column. The front of a man is assumed to
be 22 inches. Front also denotes the direction of the
enemy.
Guide: An officer, noncommissioned officer, or private upon
whom the command or elements thereof regulates its
march.
Head: The leading element of a column.
Interval: Space between elements of the same line. The
interval between men in ranks is 4 inches and is meas
ured from elbow to elbow. Between companies, squads,
etc., it is measured from the left elbow of the left man or
guide of the group on the right, to the right elbow of
the right man or guide of the group on the left.
Left: The left extremity or element of a body of troops.
Line: A formation in which the different elements are
abreast of each other.
Order, close: The formation in which the units, in double
rank, are arranged in line or in column with normal
intervals and distances.
Order, extended: The formation in which the units are
separated by intervals greater than in close order.
Pace: Thirty inches; the length of the full step in quick time.
Point of rest: The point at which a formation begins. Spe
cifically, the point toward which units are aligned in
successive movements.
Rank: A line of men placed side by side.
Right: The right extremity or element of a body of troops.
DRILL
INTRODUCTION
Success in battle is the ultimate object of all military
training; success may be looked for only when the training
is intelligent and thorough.
Commanding officers are accountable for the proper train
ing of their respective organizations within the limits pre
scribed by regulations and orders.
The excellence of an organization is judged by its field
efficiency. The field efficiency of an organization depends
primarily upon its effectiveness as a whole. Thoroughness
and uniformity in the training of the units of an organization
are indispensable to the efficiency of the whole; it is by such
means alone that the requisite teamwork may be developed.
Simple movements and elastic formations are essential to
correct training for battle.
The Drill Regulations are furnished as a guide. They pro
vide the principles for training and for increasing the proba
bility of success in battle.
In the interpretation of the regulations, the spirit must be
sought. Quibbling over the minutia? of form is indicative of
failure to grasp the spirit.
The following important distinctions must be observed:
(a) Drills executed at attention and the ceremonies are
disciplinary exercises designed to teach precise and soldierly
movement, and to inculcate that prompt and subconscious
obedience which is essential to proper military control. To
this end, smartness and precision should be exacted in the
execution of every detail. Such drills should be frequent,
but short.
X THE HOME GUARD MANUAL.
(b) The purpose of extended order drill is to teach the

mechanism of deployment, of the firings, and, in general, of
the employment of troops in combat. Such drills are in the
nature of disciplinary exercises and should be frequent, thor
ough, and exact in order to habituate men to the firm con
trol of their leaders. Extended order drill is executed at ease.
The company is the largest unit which executes extended
order drill.
(c) Field exercises are for instruction in the duties inci
dent to campaign. Assumed situations are employed. Each
exercise should conclude with a discussion, on the ground,
of the exercise and principles involved.
(d) The combat exercise, a form of field exercise of the
company, battalion, and larger units, consists of the applica
tion of tactical principles to assumed situations, employing in
the execution the appropriate formations and movements of
close and extended order.
Combat exercises must simulate, as far as possible, the
battle conditions assumed. In order to familiarize both offi
cers and men with such conditions, companies and battalions
will frequently be consolidated to provide war-strength
organizations. Officers and noncommissioned officers not
required to complete the full quota of the units participating
are assigned as observers or umpires.
The firing line can rarely be controlled by the voice alone;
thorough training to insure the proper use of prescribed sig
nals is necessary.
The exercise should be followed by a brief drill at atten
tion in order to restore smartness and control.
In field exercises the enemy is said to be imaginary when
his position and force are merely assumed; outlined when
his position and force are indicated by a few men; repre
sented when a body of troop acts as such.
General Rules for Drills and Formations.

When the preparatory command consists of more than one
part, its elements are arranged as follows:
THE HOME GUARD MANUAL.
(1) For movements to be executed successively by the

subdivisions or elements of an organization: (a) Description
of the movement; (b) how executed, or on what element
executed.
(2) For movements to be executed simultaneously by the
subdivisions of an organization: (a) The designation of the
subdivisions; (b) the movement to be executed.
Movements that may be executed toward either flank are
explained as toward but one flank, it being necessary to sub
stitute the word "left" for "right," and the reverse, to have
the explanation of the corresponding movement toward the
other flank. The commands are given for the execution of
the movements toward either flank. The substitute word of
the command is placed within parentheses.
Any movement may be executed either from the halt or
when marching, unless otherwise prescribed. If at a halt,
the command for movements involving marching need not
be prefaced by forward, as 1. Column right (left), 2. MARCH.
Any movement not specially excepted may be executed in
double time.
If at a halt, or if marching in quick time, the command
double time precedes the command of execution.
In successive movements executed in double time the lead
ing or base unit marches in quick time when not otherwise
prescribed; the other units march in double time to their
places in the formation ordered and then conform to the gait
of the leading or base unit. If marching in double time, the
command double time is omitted. The leading or base unit
marches in quick time; the other units continue at double
time to their places in the formation ordered and then con
form to the gait of the leading or base unit.
To hasten the execution of a movement begun in quick
time, the command: 1. Double time, 2. MARCH, is given.
The leading or base unit continues to march in quick time,
or remains at halt if already halted; the other units complete
the execution of the movement in double time and then con
form to the gait of the leading or base' unit.
To stay the execution of a movement when marching, for

the correction of errors, the command: 1. In place, 2. HALT,
is given. All halt and stand fast, without changing the posi
tion of the pieces. To resume the movement the command:
1. Resume, 2. MARCH, is given.
To revoke a preparatory command, or, being at a halt, to
begin anew a movement improperly begun, the command,
AS YOU WERE, is given, at which the movement ceases
and the former position is resumed.
Unless otherwise announced, the guide of a company or
subdivision of a company in line is right; of a battalion in
line or line of subdivisions or of a deployed line, center; of a
rank in column of squads, toward the side of the guide of the
company. (
To march with guide other than as prescribed above, or
to change the guide: Guide (right, left, or center).
In successive formations into line, the guide is toward the
point of rest; in platoons or larger subdivisions it is so
announced.
The announcement of the guide, when given in connection
with a movement, follows the command of execution for
that movement. Exception: 1. As skirmishers, guide right
(left or center), 2. MARCH.
The turn on the fixed pivot by subdivisions is used in all
formations from line into column and the reverse.
The turn on the moving pivot is used by subdivisions of a
column in executing changes of direction.
Partial changes of direction may be executed:
By interpolating in the preparatory command the word
halt, as Column half right (left), or Right (left) half turn.
A change of direction of 45° is executed.
By the command: INCLINE TO THE RIGHT (LEFT).
The guide, or guiding element, moves in the indicated direc
tion and the remainder of the command conforms. This
movement effects slight changes of direction.
The designations line of platoons, line of companies, line
of battalions, etc., refer to the formations in which the
THE HOME GUARD MANUAL. It
platoons, companies, battalions, etc., each in column of

squads, are in line.
Full distance in column of subdivisions is such that in
forming line to the right or left the subdivisions will have
their proper intervals.
In column of subdivisions the guide of the leading sub
division is charged with the step and direction; the guides in
rear preserve the trace, step, and distance.
In close order, all details, detachments, and other bodies
of troops are habitually formed in double rank.
To insure uniformity of interval between files when fall
ing in, and in alignments, each man places the palm of the
left hand upon the hip, fingers pointing downward. In the
first case the hand is dropped by the side when the next man
on the left has his interval; in the second case, at the com
mand front.
As instructors, officers and noncommissioned officers go
wherever their presence is necessary. As file closers it is
their duty to rectify mistakes and insure steadiness and
promptness in the ranks.
Except at ceremonies, the special units have no fixed
places. They take places as directed; in the absence of
directions, they conform as nearly as practicable to the
plates, and in subsequent movements maintain their relative
positions with respect to the flank or end of the command on
which they were originally posted.
General, field, and staff officers are habitually mounted.
The staff of an officer forms in single rank 3 paces in rear of
him, the right of the rank extending 1 pace to the right of a
point directly in rear of him. Members of the staff are ar
ranged in order from right to left as follows: General staff
officers, adjutant, aids, other staff officers, arranged in each
classification in order of rank, the senior on the right. The
flag of the general officer and the orderlies are 3 paces in
rear of the staff, the flag on the right.
When not otherwise prescribed, staff officers draw and
return saber with their chief.
In making the about, an officer, mounted, habitually turns

to the left.
When the commander faces to give commands, the staff,
flag, and orderlies do not change position.
When making or receiving official reports, or on meeting
out of doors, all officers will salute.
Military courtesy requires the junior to salute first, but
when the salute is introductory to a report made at a mili
tary ceremony or formation, to the representative of a com
mon superior (as, for example, to the adjutant, officer of the
day, etc.), the officer making the report, whatever his rank,
will salute first; the officer to whom the report is made will
acknowledge by saluting that he has received and understood
the report.
For ceremonies, all mounted enlisted men of a regiment
or smaller unit, except those belonging to the machine-gun
organizations, are consolidated into a detachment; the senior
present commands if no officer is in charge. The detachment
is formed as a platoon or squad of cavalry in line or column
of fours; noncommissioned staff officers are on the right or
in the leading ranks.
For ceremonies, such of the noncommissioned staff officers
as are dismounted are formed 5 paces in rear of the color,
in order of rank from right to left. In column of squads
they march as file closers.
Other than for ceremonies, noncommissioned staff officers
and orderlies accompany their immediate chiefs unless other
wise directed. If mounted, the noncommissioned staff offi
cers are ordinarily posted on the right or at the head of the
orderlies.
In all formations and movements a noncommissioned
officer commanding a platoon or company carries his piece
as the men do, if he is so armed, and takes the same post
as an officer in like situation. When the command is formed
in line for ceremonies, a noncommissioned officer command
ing a company takes post on the right of the right guide
after the company has been aligned.
ORDERS, COMMANDS, AND SIGNALS
Commands only are employed in drill at attention. Other
wise, either a command, signal, or order is employed, as best
suits the occasion, or one may be used in conjunction with
another.
Signals should be freely used in instruction, in order that
officers and men may readily know them. In making arm
signals the saber, rifle, or headdress may be held in the
hand.
Officers and men fix their attention at the first word of
command, the first note of the bugle or whistle, or the first
motion of the signal. A signal includes both the preparatory
command and the command of execution; the movement
commences as soon as the signal is understood, unless other
wise prescribed.
Except in movements executed at attention, commanders
or leaders of subdivisions repeat orders, commands, or sig
nals whenever such repetition is deemed necessary to insure
prompt and correct execution.
Officers, battalion noncommissioned staff officers, platoon
leaders, guides, and musicians are equipped with whistles.
The major and his staff will use a whistle of distinctive
tone, the captain and company musicians a second and dis
tinctive whistle; the platoon leaders and guides a third
distinctive whistle.
Prescribed signals are limited to such as are essential as
a substitute for the voice under conditions which render the
voice inadequate.
Before or during an engagement special signals may be
agreed upon to facilitate the solution of such special diffi
culties as the particular situation is likely to develop, but it
must be remembered that simplicity and certainty are indis
pensable qualities of a signal.
Commands.
In these regulations a command is the will of the com
mander expressed in the phraseology prescribed herein.
There are two kinds of commands:
The preparatory command, such as forward, indicates the
movement that is to be executed.
The command of execution, such as MARCH, HALT, or
ARMS, causes the execution.
Preparatory commands are distinguished by black face
type, those of execution by CAPITALS.
Where it is not mentioned in the text who gives the com
mands prescribed, they are to be given by the commander
of the unit concerned.
The preparatory command should be given at such an
interval of time before the command of execution as to
admit of being properly understood; the command of execu
tion should be given at the instant the movement is to
commence.
The tone of command is animated, distinct, and of a loud
ness proportioned to the number of men for whom it is
intended.
Each preparatory command is enunciated distinctly, with
a rising inflection at the end, and in such manner that the
command of execution may be more energetic.
The command of execution is firm in tone and brief.
Majors and commanders of units larger than a battalion
repeat such commands of their superiors as are to be exe
cuted by their units, facing their units for that purpose.
The battalion is the largest unit that executes a movement at
the command of execution of its commander.
When giving command to troops it is usually best to face
toward them.
Attention to orders: Troops fix their attention.
Forward, march: Used also to execute quick time from
double time.
THE HOME GUARD MANUAL. 15
Double time, march.

To the rear, march: In close order, execute squads right
about.
Halt.
Assemble, march.
The following bugle signals may be used on the battle
field:
Fix bayonets.
Charge.
Assemble, march.
These signals are used only when intended for the entire
firing line; hence they can be authorized only by the com
mander of a unit (for example, a regiment or brigade) which
occupies a distinct section of the battle field. Exception:
Fix bayonet.
The following bugle signals are used in exceptional cases
on the battle field. Their principal uses are in field exer
cises and practice firing.
Commence firing: Officers charged with fire direction and
control open fire as soon as practicable. When given to a
firing line, the signal is equivalent to fire at will.
Cease firing: All parts of the line execute cease firing at
once.
These signals are not used by units smaller than a regi
ment, except when such unit is independent or detached from
its regiment.
Whistle Signals.
Attention to orders. A short blast of the whistle. This
signal is used on the march or in combat when necessary to
fix the attention of troops, or of their commanders or lead
ers, preparatory to giving commands, orders, or signals.
When the firing line is firing, each squad leader suspends
firing and fixes his attention at a short blast of his platoon
leader's whistle. The platoon leader's subsequent commands
or signals are repeated and enforced by the squad leader.

If a squad leader's attention is attracted by a whistle other
than that of his platoon leader, or if there are no orders or
commands to convey to his squad he resumes firing at once.
Suspend firing. A long blast of the whistle.
All other whistle signals are prohibited.
Arm Signals.
The following arm signals are prescribed. In making
signals either arm may be used. Officers who receive signals
on the firing line "repeat back" at once to prevent mis
understanding.
Forward, march. Carry the hand to the shoulder;
straighten and hold the arm horizontally, thrusting it in
direction of march.
This signal is also used to execute quick time from double
time.
Halt. Carry the hand to the shoulder; thrust the hand
upward and hold the arm vertically.
Double time, march. Carry the hand to the shoulder;
rapidly thrust the hand upward the full extent of the arm
several times.
Squads right, march. Raise the arm laterally until hori
zontal; carry it to a vertical position above the head and
swing it several times between the vertical and horizontal
positions.
Squads left, march. Raise the arm laterally until horizon
tal; carry it downward to the side and swing it several times
between the downward and horizontal positions.
Squads right about, march (if in close order) or, To the
rear, march (if in skirmish line). Extend the arm vertically
above the head; carry it laterally downward to the side and
swiner it several times between the vertical and downward
positions.
Change direction or Column right (left), march. The
hand on the side toward which the change of direction is
to be made is carried across the body to the opposite shoul

der, forearm horizontal; then swing in a horizontal plane,
arm extended, pointing in the new direction.
As skirmishers, march. Raise both arms laterally until
horizontal.
As skirmishers, guide center, march. Raise both arms
laterally until horizontal; swing both simultaneously upward
until vertical and return to the horizontal; repeat several
times.
As skirmishers, guide right (left), march. Raise both arms
laterally until horizontal; hold the arm on the side of the
guide steadily in the horizontal position; swing the other
upward until vertical and return it to the horizontal; repeat
several times.
Assemble, march. Raise the arm vertically to its full ex
tent and describe horizontal circles.
The instructor explains briefly each movement, first exe
cuting it himself if practicable. He requires the recruits to
take the proper positions unassisted and does not touch them
for the purpose of correcting them, except when they are
unable to correct themselves. He avoids keeping them too
long at the same movement, although each should be under
stood before passing to another. He exacts by degrees the
desired precision and uniformity.
In order that all may advance as rapidly as their abilities
permit, the recruits are grouped according to proficiency as
instruction progresses. Those who lack aptitude and quick
ness are separated from the others and placed under experi
enced drill masters.
INSTRUCTION WITHOUT ARMS

For preliminary instruction a number of recruits, usually
not exceeding three or four, are formed as a squad in single
rank.
Position of the Soldier, or Attention.
Heels on the same line and as near each other as the con
formation of the man permits.
Feet turned out equally and forming an angle of about 45*.

Knees straight without stiffness.
Hips level and drawn back slightly; body erect and resting
equally on hips; chest lifted and arched; shoulders square
and falling equally.
Arms and hands hanging naturally, thumb along the seam
of the trousers.
Head erect and squarely to the front, chin drawn in so that
the axis of the head and neck is vertical; eyes straight to the
front.
Weight of the body resting equally upon the heels and
balls of the feet.
The Rests.
Being at a halt, the commands are: FALL OUT; REST;
AT EASE; and, 1. Parade, 2. Rest.
At the command fall out, the men may leave the ranks, but
are required to remain in the immediate vicinity. They re
sume their former places, at attention, at the command
fall in.
At the command rest each man keeps one foot in place,
but is not required to preserve silence or immobility.
At the command at ease each man keeps one foot in place
and is required to preserve silence but not immobility.
1. Parade, 2. REST. Carry the right foot 6 inches straight
to the rear, left knee slightly bent; clasp the hands, without
constraint, in front of the center of the body, fingers joined,
left hand uppermost, left thumb clasped by the thumb and
forefinger of the right hand; preserve silence and steadiness
of position.
To resume the attention: 1. Squa6V2. ATTENTION.
The men take the position of the soldier.
Eyes Right or Left.
1. Eyes, 2. RIGHT (LEFT), 3. FRONT.
At the command right, turn the head to the right oblique,
eyes fixed on the line of eyes of the men in, or supposed to
be in, the same rank. At the command front, turn the head
and eyes to the front.
Facings.
To the flank: 1. Right (left), 2. FACE.
Raise slightly the left heel and right toe; face to the right,
turning on the right heel, assisted by a slight pressure on the
ball of the left foot; place the left foot by the side of the
right. Left face is executed on the left heel in the corre
sponding manner.
Right (left) half face is executed similarly, facing 45°.
"To face in marching" and advance, turn on the ball of
either foot and step off with the other foot in the new line of
direction; to face in marching without gaining ground in the
new direction, turn on the ball of either foot and mark time.
To the rear: 1. About, 2. FACE.
Carry the toe of the right foot about a half foot-length to
the rear and slightly to the left of the left heel without
changing the position of the left foot; face to the rear, turning
to the right on the left heel and right toe; place the right
heel by the side of the left.
Salute with the Hand.

1. Hand, 2. SALUTE.
Raise the right hand smartly till the tip of the forefinger
touches the lower part of the headdress or forehead above
the right eye, thumb and fingers extended and joined, palm
to the left, forearm inclined at about 45°, hand and wrist
straight; at the same time look toward the person saluted.
(TWO) Drop the arm smartly by the side.
STEPS AND MARCHINGS

All steps and marchings executed from a halt, except
right step, begin with the left foot.
The length of the full step in quick time is 30 inches,
measured from heel to heel, and the cadence is at the rate
of 120 steps per minute.
The length of the full step in double time is 36 inches;

the cadence is at the rate of 180 steps per minute.
The instructor, when necessary, indicates the cadence of
the step by calling one, two, three, four, or left, right, the
instant the left and right foot, respectively, should be
planted.
All steps and marchings and movements involving march
are executed in quick time unless the squad be marching in
double time, or double time be added to the command; in
the latter case double time is added to the preparatory com
mand. Example: 1. Squad right, double time, 2. MARCH
(School of the Squad).
Quick Time.
Being at a halt, to march forward in quick time: 1. For
ward, 2. MARCH.
At the command forward, shift the weight of the body to
the right leg, left knee straight.
At the command march, move the left foot smartly straight
forward 30 inches from the right, sole near the ground, and
plant it without shock; next, in like manner, advance the
right foot and plant it as above; continue the march. The
arms swing naturally.
Being at a halt, or in march in quick time, to march in
double time: 1. Double time, 2. MARCH.
If at a halt, at the first command shift the weight of the
body to the right leg. At the command march, raise the
forearms, fingers closed, to a horizontal position along the
waist line; take up an easy run with the step and cadence of
double time, allowing a natural swinging motion to the
arms.
If marching in quick time, at the command march, given
as either foot strikes the ground, take one step in quick
time, and then step off in double time.
To resume the quick time: 1. Quick time, 2. MARCH.
At the command march, given as either foot strikes the
ground, advance and plant the other foot in double time;
resume the quick time, dropping the hands by the sides.
To Mark Time.
Being in march: 1. Mark time, 2. MARCH.
At the command march, given as either foot strikes the
ground, advance and plant the other foot; bring up the foot
in rear and continue the cadence by alternately raising each
foot about 2 inches and planting it on line with the other.
Being at a halt, at the command march, raise and plant the
feet as described above.
The Half Step.

1. Half step, 2. MARCH.
Take steps of 15 inches in quick time, 18 inches in double
time.
Forward, half step, halt, and mark time may be executed
one from the other in quick or double time.
To resume the full step from half step or mark time:
1. Forward, 2. MARCH.
Side Step.
Being at a halt or mark time: 1. Right (left) step, 2.
MARCH.
Carry and plant the right foot 15 inches to the right; bring
the left foot beside it and continue the movement in the
cadence of quick time.
The side step is used for short distances only and is not
executed in double time.
If at order arms, the side step is executed at trail without
command.
Back Step.
Being at a halt or mark time: 1. Backward, 2. MARCH.
Take steps of 15 inches straight to the rear.
The back step is used for short distances only and is not
executed in double time.
If at order arms, the back step is executed at trial without
command.
a
To Halt
To arrest the march in quick or double time: 1. Squad,
2. HALT.
At the command halt, given as either foot strikes the
ground, plant the other foot as in marching; raise and place
the first foot by the side of the other. If in double time
drop the hands by the sides.
To March by the Flank.
Being in march: 1. By the right (left) flank, 2. MARCH.
At the command march, given as the right foot strikes
the ground advance and plant the left foot, then face to the
right in marching and step off in the new direction with
the right foot.
To March to the Rear.
Being in march: 1. To the rear, 2. MARCH.
the ground, advance and plant the left foot; turn to the
right about on the balls of both feet, and immediately step
off with the left foot.
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.
Being in march: 1. Change Step, 2. MARCH.
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 change on the right foot is similarly executed, the
command march being given as the left foot strikes the
ground.
MANUAL OP ARMS
As soon as practicable the recruit is taught the use,
nomenclature (PI. I.), 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.
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 or
dered. 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 dismis
sal.
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 car
tridges are actually used.
Fourth. The bayonet is not fixed except in bayonet ex
ercise, 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. At
trail, forward, 2. MARCH; the trail is taken at the com
mand march.
When the facings, alignments, open and close ranks, tak
ing 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 com
pleted.
Eighth. A disengaged hand in double time is held as
when without arms.
The following rules govern the execution of the manual
of arms:
First. In all positions of the left hand at the balance
(center of gravity, bayonet unfixed) the thumb clasps the
piece; the sling is included in the grasp of the hand.
Second. In all positions of the piece "diagonally across
the body" the position of the piece, left arm and hand are
the same as in port arms.
Third. In resuming the order from any position in the
manual, the motion next to the last concludes with the
butt of the piece about 3 inches from the ground, barrel to
the rear, the left hand above and near the right, steadying
the piece, fingers extended and joined, forearm and wrist
straight and inclining downward, all fingers of the right
hand grasping the piece. To complete the order, lower the
piece gently to the ground with the right hand, drop the
left quickly by the side, and take the position of order
arms.
Allowing the piece to drop through the right hand to the
ground, or other similar abuse of the rifle to produce effect
in executing the manual, is prohibited.
Fourth. The cadence of the motions is that of quick
time; the recruits are first required to give their whole
attention to the details of the motions, the cadence being
gradually acquired as they become accustomed to handling
their pieces. The instructor may require them to count
aloud in cadence with the motions.
Fifth. The manual is taught at a halt and the movements
are, for the purpose of instruction, divided into motions and
executed in detail; in this case the command of execution
determines the prompt execution of the first motion, and
the commands, two, three, four, that of the other motions.
To execute the movements in detail, the instructor first
cautions: By the numbers; all movements divided into mo
tions are then executed as above explained until he cautions:
Without the numbers; or commands movements other than

those in the manual of arms.
Sixth. Whenever circumstances require, the regular posi
tions of the manual of arms and the firings may be ordered
without regard to the previous position of the piece.
Under exceptional conditions of weather or fatigue the
rifle may be carried in any manner directed.
• Position of order arms standing. The butt rests evenly
on the ground, barrel to the rear, toe of the butt on a line
with toe of, and touching, the right shoe, arms and hands
hanging naturally, right hand holding the piece between
the thumb and fingers.
Being at order arms: 1. Present, 2. ARMS.
Wfith the right hand carry the piece in front of the center
of the body, barrel to the rear and vertical, grasp it with
the left hand at the balance, forearm horizontal and resting
against the body. (TWO) Grasp the small of the stock
with the right hand.
Being at order arms: 1. Port, 2. ARMS.
With the right hand raise and throw the piece diagonally
across the body, grasp it smartly with both hands; the right,
palm down, at the small of the stock; the left palm up, at
the balance; barrel up, sloping to the left and crossing op
posite the junction of the neck with the left shoulder; right
forearm horizontal; left forearm resting against the body;
the piece in a vertical plane parallel to the front.
Being at present arms: 1. Port, 2. ARMS.
Carry the piece diagonally across the body and take the
position of port arms.
Being at port arms: 1. Present, 2. ARMS.
Carry the piece to a vertical position in front of the cen
ter of the body and take the position of present arms.
Being at present or port arms: 1. Order, 2. ARMS.
Let go with the right hand; lower and carry the piece
to the right with the left hand; regrasp it with the right
hand just above the lower band; let go with the left hand,
and take the next to the last position in coming to the order.
(TWO) Complete the order.
Being at order arms: 1. Right shoulder, 2. ARMS.
With the right hand raise and throw the piece diagonally
across the body; carry the right hand quickly to the butt,
embracing it, the heel between the first two fingers. (TWO)
Without changing the grasp of the right hand, place the
piece on the right shoulder, barrel up and inclined at an
angle of about 45 degrees from the horizontal, trigger guard
in the hollow of the shoulder, right elbow near the side,
the piece in a vertical plane perpendicular to the front; carry
the left hand, thumb and fingers extended and joined, to
the small of the stock, tip of the forefinger touching the
cocking piece, wrist straight and elbow down. (THREE)
Drop the left hand by the side.
Being at right shoulder arms: 1. Order, 2. ARMS.
Press the butt down quickly and throw the piece diagon
ally across the body, the right hand retaining the grasp of
the butt. (TWO), (THREE) Execute order arms as de
scribed from port arms.
Being at port arms: 1. Right shoulder, 2. ARMS.
Change the right hand to the butt. (TWO), (THREE)
As in right shoulder arms from order arms.
Being at right shoulder arms. 1. Port, 2. ARMS.
Press the butt down quickly and throw the piece diagon
ally across the body, the right hand retaining its grasp of
the butt. (TWO) Change the right hand to the small of
the stock.
Being at right shoulder arms: 1. Present, 2. ARMS.
Execute port arms. (THREE) Execute present arms.
Being at present arms: 1. Right shoulder, 2. ARMS.
Execute port arms. (TWO), (THREE), (FOUR) Exe
cute right shoulder arms as from port arms.
Being at port arms: 1. Left shoulder, 2. ARMS.
Carry the piece with the right hand and place it on the
left shoulder, barrel up, trigger guard in the hollow of the
shoulder; at the same time grasp the butt with the left
hand, heel between first and second fingers, thumb and
fingers closed on the stock. (TWO) Drop the right hand
by the side.
Being at left shoulder arms: 1. Port, 2. ARMS.
Grasp the piece with the right hand at the small of the
stock. (TWO) Carry the piece to the right with the right
hand, regrasp it with the left, and take the position of port
arms.
Left shoulder arms may be ordered directly from the
order, right shoulder or present, or the reverse. At the com
mand arms execute port arms and continue in cadence to
the position ordered.
Being at order arms: 1. Parade, 2. REST,
Carry the right foot six inches straight to the rear, left
knee slightly bent; carry the muzzle in front of the center
of the body, barrel to the left; grasp the piece with the left
hand just below the stacking swivel, and with the right
hand below and against the left.
Being at parade rest: 1. Squad, 2. ATTENTION.
Resume the order, the left hand quitting the piece op
posite the right hip.
Being at order arms: 1. Trail, 2. ARMS.
Raise the piece, right arm slightly bent, and incline the
muzzle forward so that the barrel makes an angle of about
30 degrees with the vertical.
When it can be done without danger or inconvenience to
others, the piece may be grasped at the balance and the
muzzle lowered until the piece is horizontal; a similar posi
tion in the left hand may be used.
Being at trail arms: 1. Order, 2. ARMS.
Lower the piece with the right hand and resume the
order.
Rifle Salute.
Being at right shoulder arms: 1. Rifle, 2. SALUTE.
Carry the left hand smartly to the small of the stock,
forearm horizontal, palm of hand down, thumb and fingers
extended and joined, forefinger touching end of cocking
piece; look toward the person saluted. (TWO) Drop left
hand by the side; turn head and eyes to the front.
Being at order or trail arms: 1. Rifle, 2. SALUTE
Carry the left hand smartly to the right side, palm of the
hand down, thumb and fingers extended and joined, fore
finger against piece near the muzzle; look toward the per
son saluted. (TWO) Drop the left hand by the side; turn
the head and eyes to the front.
For rules governing Salutes, see "Honors and Salutes".
The Bayonet.
Being at order arms: 1. Fix. 2. BAYONET.
If the bayonet scabbard is carried on the belt: Execute
parade rest; grasp the bayonet with the right hand, back of
hand toward the body; draw the bayonet from the scabbard
and fix it on the barrel, glancing at the muzzle; resume
the order.
If the bayonet is carried on the haversack: Draw the
bayonet with the left hand and fix it in the most convenient
manner.
Being at order arms: 1. Unfix. 2. BAYONET.
If the bayonet scabbard is carried on the belt: Execute
parade rest; grasp the handle of the bayonet firmly with
the right hand, pressing the spring with the forefinger of
the right hand; raise the bayonet until the handle is about
twelve inches above the muzzle of the piece; drop the point
to the left, back of the hand toward the body, and, glancing
at the scabbard, return the bayonet, the blade passing be
tween the left arm and the body; regrasp the piece with
the right hand and resume the order.
If the bayonet scabbard is carried on the haversack:
Take the bayonet from the rifle with the left hand and re
turn it to the scabbard in the most convenient manner.
If marching or lying down, the bayonet is fixed and unfixed
in the most expeditious and convenient manner and the piece
returned to the original position.
Fix and unfix bayonet are executed with promptness and
regularity but not in cadence.
CHARGE BAYONET. Whether executed at halt or in
motion, the bayonet is held toward the opponent as in the
position of guard in the Manual for Bayonet Exercise.
Exercises for instruction in bayonet combat are prescribed in
the Manual for Bayonet Exercise.
The Inspection.
Being at order arms: 1. Inspection, 2. ARMS.
At the second command take the position of port arms.
(TWO) Seize the bolt handle with the thumb and forefinger
of the right hand, turn the handle up, draw the bolt back, and
glance at the chamber. Having found the chamber empty, or
having emptied it, raise the head and eyes to the front.
Being at inspection arms: 1. Order (Right shoulder, port),
2. ARMS.
At the preparatory command push the bolt forward, turn the
handle down, pull the trigger, and resume port arms. At the
command arms complete the movement ordered.
To Dismiss the Squad.

Being at halt: 1. Inspection, 2. ARMS, 3. Port, 4. ARMS,
5. DISMISSED.
Soldiers are grouped into squads for purposes of instruction,
discipline, control, and order.
The squad proper consists of a corporal and seven privates.
The movements in the School of the Squad are designed to
make the squad a fixed unit and to facilitate the control and
movement of the company. If the number of men grouped is
more than 3 and less than 12, they are formed as a squad of 4
files, the excess above 8 being posted as file closers. If
the number grouped is greater than 11, 2 or more squads are
formed and the group is termed a platoon.
For the instruction of recruits, these rules may be modified.
The corporal is the squad leader, and when absent is re
placed by a designated private. If no private is designated, the
senior in length of service acts as leader.
The corporal, when in ranks, is posted as the left man in the
front rank of the squad.
When the corporal leaves the ranks to lead his squad, his rear
rank man steps into the front rank, and the file remains blank
until the corporal returns to his place in ranks, when his rear
rank man steps back into the rear rank.
In battle officers and sergeants endeavor to preserve the in
tegrity of squads; they designate new leaders to replace
those disabled, organize new squads when necessary, and see

that every man is placed in a squad.
Men are taught the necessity of remaining with the squad to
which they belong and, in case it be broken up or they become
separated therefrom, to attach themselves to the nearest
squad and platoon leaders, whether these be of their own
or of another organization.
The squad executes the halt, rests, facings, steps and
marchings, and the manual of arms as explained in the
School of the Soldier.
To Form the Squad.
To form the squad the instructor places himself 3 paces
in front of where the center is to be and commands: FALL
IN.
The men, assemble at attention, pieces at the order, and are
arranged by the corporal in double Tank, as nearly as practicable
in order of height from right to left, each man dropping his left
hand as soon as the man on his left has his interval. The rear
rank forms with distance of 40 inches.
The instructor then commands: COUNT OFF.
At this command all except the right file execute eyes
right, and beginning on the right, the men in each rank
count one, two, three, four; each man turns his head and
eyes to the front as he counts.
Pieces are then inspected.
Alignments.
To align the squad, the base file or files having been estab
lished: 1. Right (Left), 2. DRESS, 3. FRONT.
At the command dress all men place the left hand upon
the hip (whether dressing to the right or left) ; each man,
except the base file, when on or near the new line executes
eyes right, and, taking steps of 2 or 3 inches, places himself
so that his right arm rests lightly against the arm of the
man on his right, and so that his eyes and shoulders are in
line with those of the men on his right; the rear rank men
cover in file.
The instructor verifies the alignment of both ranks from the
THE HOME GUARD MANUAL. tl
right flank and orders up or back such men as may be in rear,

or in advance, of the line; only the men designated move.
At the command front, given when the ranks are aligned,
each man turns his head and eyes to the front and drops his left
hand by his side.
In the first drills the basis of the alignment is established on,
or parallel to, the front of the squad; afterwards, in oblique
directions.
Whenever the position of the base file or files necessitates a
considerable movement by the squad, such movement will be
executed by marching to the front or oblique, to the flank or
backward, as the case may be, without other command, and at
the trail.
To preserve the alignment when marching. GUIDE
RIGHT (LEFT).
The men preserve their intervals from the side of the guide,
yielding to pressure from that side and resisting pressure from
the opposite direction ; they recover intervals, if lost, by gradu
ally opening out or closing in ; they recover alignment by slightly
lengthening or shortening the step ; the rear-rank men cover
their file leaders at 40 inches.
In double rank, the front-rank man on the right, or designated
flank, conducts the march ; when marching faced to the flank,
the leading man of the front rank is the guide.
To Take Intervals and Distances.
Being in line at a halt: 1. Take interval, 2. To the" right
(left), 3. MARCH, 4. Squad, 5. HALT.
At the second command the rear-rank men march back
ward 4 steps and halt; at the command march all face to
the right and the leading man of each rank steps off ; the other
men step off in succession, each following the preceding man at
4 paces, rear-rank men marching abreast of their file leaders.
At the command halt, given when all have their intervals,
all halt and face to the front.
Being at intervals, to assemble the squad: 1. Assemble,
to the right (left). 2. MARCH.
The front-rank man on the right stands fast, the rear-rank
man on the right closes to 40 inches. The other men face to
the right, close by the shortest line, and face to the front.
Being in line at a halt and having counted off: 1. Take

distance, 2. MARCH, 3. Squad, 4. HALT.
At the command march No. 1 of the front rank moves
straight to the front; Nos. 2, 3, and 4 of the front rank and
Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the rear rank, in the order named, move
straight to the front each stepping off so as to follow the
preceding man at 4 paces. The command halt is given when
all have their distances.
In case more than one squad is in line, each squad executes
the movement as above. The guide of each rank of numbers is
right.
Being at distances, to assemble the squad: 1. Assemble,
2. MARCH.
No. 1 of the front rank stands fast; the other numbers move
forward to their proper places in line.
The Oblique March.
For the instruction of recruits, the squad being in column or
correctly aligned, the instructor causes the squad to face. half
right or half left, points out to the men their relative positions,
and explains that these are to be maintained in the oblique
march.
1. Right (Left) oblique, 2. MARCH.
Each man steps off in a direction 45° to the right of his
original front. He preserves his relative position, keeping his
shoulders parallel to those of the guide (the man on the right
front of the line or column), and so regulates his steps that the
ranks remain parallel to their original front.
At the command halt the men halt faced to the front.
To resume the original direction: 1, Forward, 2. MARCH.
The men half face to the left in marching and then move
straight to the front
If at half step or mark time while obliquing, the oblique
march is resumed by the commands: 1. Oblique, 2. MARCH.
To Turn on Moving Pivot.
Being in line. 1. Right (Left) turn, 2. MARCH.
The movement is executed by each rank successively and on
ii
the same ground. At the second command, the pivot man of

the front rank faces to the right in marching and takes the
half step; the other men of the rank oblique to the right until
opposite their places in line, then execute a second right oblique
and take the half step on arriving abreast of the pivot man.
All glance toward the marching flank while at half step and
take the full stop without command as the last man arrives
on the line.
Right (Left) half turn is executed in a similar manner.
The pivot man makes a half change of direction to the right and
the other men make quarter changes in obliquing.
To Turn on Fixed Pivot.

Being in line, to turn and march: 1. Squad right (left),
2. MARCH.
At the second command, the right flank man in the front rank
faces to the right in marching and marks time; the other front
rank men oblique to the right, place themselves abreast of the
pivot, and mark time. In the rear Tank the third man from the
right, followed in column by the second and first, moves
straight to the front until in rear of his front-rank man, when
all face to the right in marching and mark time; the other
number of the rear rank moves straight to the front four
paces and places himself abreast of the man on his right.
Men on the new line glance toward the marching flank while
marking time and, as the last man arrives on the line, both
ranks execute forward, march, without command.
Being in line, to turn and halt: 1. Squad right (left), 2.
MARCH, 3. Squad, 4. HALT.
The third command is given immediately after the second.
The turn is executed as prescribed in the preceding paragraph
except that all men, on arriving on the new line, mark time
until the fourth command is given, when all halt. The fourth
command should be given as the last man arrives on the line.
Being in line, to turn about and march: 1. Squad right
(left) about, 2. MARCH.
At the second command, the front rank twice executes
squad right, initiating the second squad right when the man
on the marching flank has arrived abreast of the rank. In the

rear rank the third man from the right, followed by the second
and first in column, moves straight to the front until on the pro
longation of the line to be occupied by the rear rank; changes
direction to the right; moves in the new direction until in rear of
his front-rank man, when all face to the right in marching,
•mark time, and glance toward the marching flank. The fourth
man marches on the left of the third to his new position ; as he
arrives on the line, both ranks execute forward, march,
without command.
Being in line, to turn about and halt: 1. Squad right
(left) about, 2. MARCH, 3. Squad, 4. HALT.
The third command is given immediately after the second.
The turn is executed as prescribed in the preceding paragraph
except that all men, on arriving on the new line, mark time
until the fourth command is given, when all halt. The fourth
command should be given as the last man arrives on the line.
To Follow the Corporal.

Being assembled or deployed, to march the squad without
unnecessary commands, the corporal places himself in front
of it and commands. FOLLOW ME.
If in line or skirmish line. No. 2 of the front rank follows in
the trace of the corporal at about 3 paces; the other men con
form to the movements of No. 2, guiding on him and main
taining their relative positions.
If in column, the head of. the column follows the corporal.
To Deploy as Skirmishers.
Being in any formation, assembled: 1. As skirmishers,
2. MARCH.
The corporal places himself in front of the squad, if not
already there. Moving at a run, the men place themselves
abreast of the corporal at half-pace intervals, Nos. 1 and 2 on
his right, Nos. 3 and 4 on his left, rear-rank men on the right
of their file leaders, extra men on the left of No. 4; all then
conform to the corporal's gait.
THE HOME GUARD MANUAL. IE
When the squad is acting alone, skirmish line is similarly

formed on No. 2 of the front rank, who stands fast or con
tinues the march, as the case may be ; the corporal places him
self in front of the squad when advancing and in rear when
halted.
When deployed as skirmishers, the men march at ease, pieces
at the trail unless otherwise ordered.
The corporal is the guide when in the line; otherwise No. 2
front rank is the guide.
The normal interval between skirmishers is one-half pace,
resulting practically in one man per yard of front. The front
of a squad thus deployed as skirmishers is about 10 paces.
To Increase or Diminish Intervals.

If assembled, and it is desired to deploy at greater than
the normal interval; or if deployed, and it is desired to in
crease or decrease the interval: 1. As skirmishers (so many)
paces, 2. MARCH.
Intervals are taken at the indicated number of paces. If
already deployed the men move by the flank toward or away
from the guide.
The Assembly.
Being deployed. 1. Assemble, 2. MARCH.
The men move toward the corporal and form in their
proper places.
If the corporal continues to advance, the men move in double
time, form, and follow him.
The assembly while marching to the rear is not executed.
Kneeling and Lying Down.

If standing: KNEEL,
Half face to the right; carry the right toe about 1 foot to the
left rear of the left heel ; kneel on right knee, sitting as nearly
as possible on the right heel; left forearm across left thigh;
piece remains in position of order arms, right hand grasping it
above the lower band.
If standing or kneeling. HE DOWN.

Kneel, but with right knee against left heel; carry back the
left foot and lie flat on the belly, inclining body about 35° to the
right; piece horizontal, barrel up, muzzle off the ground and
pointed to the front; elbows on the ground; left hand at the
balance, right hand grasping the small of the stock opposite the
neck. This is the position of order arms, lying down.
If kneeling or lying down: RISE.
If kneeling, stand up, faced to the front, on the ground marked
by the left heel.
If lying down, raise body on both knees; stand up, faced to
the front, on the ground marked by the knees.
If lying down: KNEEL.
Raise the body on both knees ; take the position of kneel.
In double rank, the positions of kneeling and lying down are
ordinarily used only for the better utilization of cover.
When deployed as skirmishers, a sitting position may be taken
in lieu of the position kneeling.
LOADINGS AND FTOINGS

The commands for loading and firing are the same whether
standing, kneeling, or lying down. The firings are always exe
cuted at a halt.
When kneeling or lying down in double rank, the rear rank
does not load, aim, or fire.
The instruction in firing will be preceded by a command for
loading.
Loadings are executed' in line and skirmish line only.
Pieces having been ordered loaded are kept loaded with
out command until the command unload, or inspection arms,
fresh clips being inserted when the magazine is exhausted.
The aiming point or target is carefully pointed out. This may
be done before or after announcing the sight setting. Both are
indicated before giving the command for firing, but may be
omitted when the target appears suddenly and is unmistakable;
in such case battle sight is used if no sight setting is announced.
The target or aiming point having been designated and the
sight setting announced, such designation or announcement need
not be repeated until a change of either or both is necessary.
Troops are trained to continue their fire upon the aiming point
or target designated, and at the sight setting announced, until
a change is ordered.
If the men are not already in the position of load, that
position is taken at the announcement of the sight setting; if
the announcement is omitted, the position is taken at the
first command for firing.
When deployed, the use of the sling as an aid to accurate fir
ing is discretionary with each man.
To Load.
Being in line or skirmish line at halt: 1. With dummy
(blank or ball) cartridges. 2. LOAD.
At the command load each front-rank man or skirmisher
faces half right and carries the right foot to the right, about 1
foot, to such position as will insure the greatest firmness and
steadiness of the body; raises, or lowers, the piece and drops it
into the left hand at the balance, left thumb extended along the
stock, muzzle at the height of the breast, and turns the cut-off
up. With the right hand he turns and draws the bolt back,
takes a loaded clip and inserts the end in the clip slots, places
the thumb on the powder space of the top cartridge, the fingers
extending around the piece and tips resting on the magazine
floor plate; forces the cartridges into the magazine by pressing
down with the thumb; without removing the clip, thrusts the
bolt home, turning down the handle; turns the safety lock to
the "safe" and carries the hand to the small of the stock. Each
rear rank man moves to the right front, takes a similar position
opposite the interval to the right of his front rank man, muzzle
of the piece extending beyond the front rank, and loads.
A skirmish line may load while moving, the pieces being held
as nearly as practicable in the position of load.
If kneeling or sitting, the position of the piece is similar; if
kneeling, the left forearm rests on the left thigh; if sitting the
elbows are supported by the knees. If lying down, the left
hand steadies and supports the piece at the balance, the toe
of the butt resting on the ground, the muzzle off the ground.
S8 THE HOME GUARD MANUAL.
For reference, these positions (standing, kneeling, and

lying down) are designated as that of load.
For instruction in loading: 1. Simulate, 2. LOAD.
Executed as above described except that the cut-off remains
"offt and the handling of cartridges is simulated.
The recruits are first taught to simulate loading and firing;
after a few lessons dummy cartridges may be used. Later, blank
cartridges may be used.
The rifle may be used as a single loader by turning the maga
zine "off." The magazine may be filled in whole or in part while
"off" or "on" by pressing cartridges singly down and back
until they are in the proper place. The use of the rifle as a
single loader is, however, to be regarded as exceptional.
To Unload.
UNLOAD.
Take the position of load, turn the safety lock up and move
bolt alternately back and forward until all the cartridges are
ejected. After the last cartridge is ejected the chamber is closed
by first thrusting the bolt slightly forward to free it from the
stud holding it in place when the chamber is open, pressing the
follower down and back to engage it under the bolt and then
thrusting the bolt home; the trigger is pulled. The cartridges
are then picked up, cleaned, and returned to the belt and the
piece is brought to the order.
To Set the Sight.

RANGE. ELEVEN HUNDRED (EIGHT-FIFTY, etc.),
or BATTLE SIGHT.
The sight is set at the elevation indicated. The instructor
explains and verifies sight settings.
To Fire by Volley.
1. READY, 2. AIM, 3. Squad, 4. FIRE.
At the command ready turn the safety lock to the "ready";
at the command aim raise the piece with both hands and sup
port the butt firmly against the hollow of the right shoulder,
right thumb clasping the stock, barrel horizontal, left elbow

well under the piece, right elbow as high as the shoulder; in
cline the head slightly forward and a little to the right, cheek
against the stock, left eye closed, right eye looking through the
notch of the rear sight so as to oerceive the object aimed at,
second joint of forefinger resting lightly against the front of
the trigger and taking up the slack; top of front sight is care
fully raised into, and held in, the line of sight.
Each rear-rank man aims through the interval to the right
of his file leader and leans slightly forward to advance the
muzzle of his piece beyond the front rank.
In aiming kneeling, the left elbow rests on the left knee, point
of elbow in front of kneecap. In aiming sitting, the elbows are
supported by the knees.
In aiming lying down, raise the piece with both hands; rest
on both elbows and press the butt firmly against the right
shoulder.
At the command fire press the finger against the trigger;
fire without deranging the aim and without lowering or turn
ing the piece; lower the piece in the position of Load and
load.
To continue the firing: 1. AIM, 2. Squad, 3. FIRE.
Bach command is executed as previously explained. Load
(from magazine) is executed by drawing back and thrusting
home the bolt with the right hand, leaving the safety lock at the
"ready."
To Fire at Will.
FIRE AT WILL.
Each man, independently of the others, comes to the
ready, aims carefully and deliberately at the aiming point or
target, fires, loads and continues the firing until ordered to
suspend or cease firing.
To increase (decrease) the rate of fire in progress the in
structor shouts: FASTER (SLOWER).
Men are trained to fire at the rate of about three shots per
minute at effective ranges and five or six at close ranges, de
voting the minimum of time to loading and the maximum to
deliberate aiming. To illustrate the necessity for deliberation,
and to habituate men to combat conditions, small and compara

tively indistinct targets are designated.
To Fire by Clip.
CLIP FIRE.
Executed in the same manner as fire at will, except that
each man, after having exhausted the cartridges then in the
piece, suspends firing.
To Suspend Firing.
The instructor blows a long blast of the whistle and re
peats same, if necessary, or commands: SUSPEND FIRING.
Firing stops; pieces are held, loaded and locked, in a posi
tion of readiness for instant resumption of firing, rear sights
unchanged. The men continue to observe the target or
aiming point, or the place at which the target disappeared,
or at which it is expected to reappear.
This whistle signal may be used as a preliminary to cease
firing.
To Cease Firing.
CEASE FIRING.
Firing stops; pieces not already there are brought to the
position of load; those not loaded, are loaded; sights are laid,
pieces are locked and brought to the order.
Cease firing is used for long pauses, to prepare for changes
of position, or to steady the men.
Commands for suspending or ceasing fire may be given at
any time after the preparatory command for firing whether
the firing has actually commenced or not.
THE USB OF COVER

The recruit should be given careful instruction in the in
dividual use of cover.
It should be impressed upon him that, in taking advantage
of natural cover, he must be able to fire, easily and effectively
upon the enemy; if advancing on an enemy, he must do so
steadily and as rapidly as possible; he must conceal himself

as much as possible while firing and while advancing. While
setting his sight, he should be under cover or lying prone.
To teach him to fire easily and effectively, at the same
time concealing himself from the view of the enemy, he is
practiced in simulated firing in the prone, sitting, kneeling
and crouching positions, from behind hillocks, trees, heaps
of earth or rocks, from depressions, gullies, ditches, door
ways or windows. He is taught to fire around the right
side of his concealment whenever possible, or, when this is
not possible, to rise enough to fire over the top of his con
cealment.
When these details are understood, he is required to select
cover with reference to an assumed enemy and to place him
self behind it in proper position for firing.
The evil of remaining too long in one place, however
good the concealment, should be explained. He should be
taught to advance from cover to cover, selecting cover in
advance before leaving his concealment.
It should be impressed upon him that a man running rap
idly toward an enemy furnishes a poor target. He should be
trained in springing from a prone position behind conceal
ment, running at top speed to cover and throwing himself
behind it. He should also be practiced in advancing from
cover to cover by crawling, or by lying on the left side, rifle
grasped in the right hand, and pushing himself forward with
the right leg.
He should be taught that, when fired on while acting inde
pendently, he should drop to the ground, seek cover, and
then endeavor to locate his enemy.
The instruction of the recruit in the use of cov&r is con
tinued in the combat exercises of the company, but he must
then be taught that the proper advance of the platoon or
company and the effectiveness of its fire is of greater im
portance than the question of cover for individuals. He
should also be taught that he may not move about or shift
his position in the firing line except the better to see the
target.
i
OBSERVATION
The ability to use his eyes accurately is of great impor
tance to the soldier. The recruit should be trained in ob
serving his surrounding from positions and when on the
march.
He should be practiced in pointing out and naming mili
tary features of the ground; in distinguishing between living
beings; in counting distant groups of objects or beings; in
recognizing colors and forms.
In the training of men in the mechanism of the firing
line, they should be practiced in repeating to one another
target and aiming point designations and in quickly locating
and pointing out a designated target. They should be
taught to distinguish, from a prone position, distant objects,
particularly troops, both with the naked eye and with field
glasses. Similarly, they should be trained in estimating
distances.
GUARD DUTY
Guards may be divided into four classes: Exterior guards,

interior guards, military police, and provost guards.
Exterior guards are used only in time of war. They belong
to the domain of tactics and are treated of in the Field Service
Regulations and in the drill regulations of the different arms of
the service.
The purpose of exterior guards is to prevent surprise, to
delay attack, and otherwise to provide for the security of the
main body.
On the march they take the form of advance guards, rear
guards, and flank guards. At a halt they consist of outposts.
Interior guards .are used in camp or garrison to preserve
order, protect property, and to enforce police regulations. In
time of war such sentinels of an interior guard as may be nec
essary are placed close in or about a camp, and normally there
is an exterior guard further out consisting of outposts. In
time of peace the interior guard is the only guard in a
camp or garrison.
Military police differ somewhat from either of these classes.
They are used in time of war to guard prisoners, to arrest
stragglers and deserters, and to maintain order and enforce
police regulations in the rear of armies, along lines of communi
cation, and in the vicinity of large camps.
Provost guards are used in the absence of military police,
generally in conjunction with the civil authorities at or near
large posts or encampments, to preserve order among soldiers
beyond the interior guard.
INTERIOR GUARD
Classification.
The various elements of an interior guard classified according
to their particular purposes and the manner in which they per
form their duties are as follows :
(a) The main guard.
(b) Special guards : Stable guards, park guards, .prisoner
guards, herd guards, train guards, boat guards, -watchmen, etc.
Details and Rosters.

At every military post, and in every regiment or separate com
mand in the field, an interior guard will be detailed and duly
mounted.
It will consist of such number of officers and enlisted men as
the commanding officer may deem necessary, and will be com
manded by the senior officer or non-commissioned officer there
with, under the supervision of the officer of the day or other
officer detailed by the commanding officer.
The system of sentinels on fixed posts is of value in discipline
and training because of the direct individual responsibility which
is imposed and required to be discharged in a definite and pre
cise manner. In order, however, that guard duty may not be
needlessly irksome and interfere with tactical instruction, the
number of men detailed for guard will be the smallest pos
sible.
Commanding officers are specifically charged with this matter,
and, without entirely dispensing with the system of sentinels on
fixed posts will, as far as practicable, in time of peace, replace
such sentinels with watchmen.
At posts where there are less than three companies the main
guard and special guards may all be furnished by one company
or by detail from each company.
Where there are three or more companies, the main guard
will, if practicable, be furnished by a single company, and, as
far as practicable, the same organization will supply all de
tails for that day for special guard, overseer, and fatigue
duty. In this case the officer of the day, and the officers of
THE HOME GUAED MANUAL. 45
the guard, if there are any, will, if practicable, be from the

company furnishing the guard.
At a post or camp where the headquarters of more than one
regiment are stationed, or in the case of a small brigade in the
field, if but one guard be necessary ior the whole command, the
details will be made from the headquarters of the command.
If formal guard mounting is to be held, the adjutant, sergeant
major, and band to attend guard mounting will be designated
by the commanding officer.
When a single organization furnishes the guard, a roster of
organizations will be kept by the sergeant major under the super
vision of the adjutant.
When the guard is detailed from several organizations, ros
ters will be kept by the adjutant, of officers of the day and
officers of the guard by name ; by the sergeant major, under the
supervision of the adjutant, of sergeants, corporals, musicians,
and privates of the guard by number per organization; and by
first sergeants, of sergeants, corporals, musicians, and privates
by name.
When organizations furnish their own stable, or stable and
park guards, credit will be given each tfor the number of enlisted
men so furnished, as though they had been detailed for main
guard.
There will be an officer of the day with each guard, unless in
the opinion of the commanding officer the guard is so small that
his services are not needed. In this case an officer will be de
tailed to supervise the command and instruction of the guard for
such period as the commanding officer may direct.
When more than one guard is required for a command, a field
officer of the day will be detailed, who will receive his orders
from the brigade or division commander as the latter may direct.
When necessary, captains may be placed on the roster for field
officer of the day.
The details of officers of the guard will be limfted to the
necessities of the service and efficient instruction ; inexperienced
officers may be detailed as supernumerary officers of the guard
for purposes of instruction..
Officers serving in staff departments are, in the discretion of
the commanding officer, exempt from guard duty.
Guard details will, if practicable, be posted or published the

day preceding the beginning of the tour, and officers notified
personalty by a written order at the same time.
The strength of guards and the number of consecutive days
for which an organization furnishes the guard will be so regu
lated as to insure privates of the main guard an interval of not
less than five days between tours.
When this is not otherwise practicable, extra and special duty
men will be detailed for night-guard duty, still performing their
daily duties. When so detailed a roster will be kept by the ad
jutant showing the duty performed by them.
The members of main guards and stable and park guards will
habitually be relieved every 24 hours. The length of the
tour of enlisted men detailed as special guards, other than
stable or park guards, will be so regulated as to permit of
these men being held accountable for a strict performance
of their duty.
Should the officer of the day be notified that men are required
to fill vacancies in the guard, he will cause them to be supplied
from the organization to which the guard belongs. If none are
available in that organization, the adjutant will be notified and
will cause them to be supplied from the organization that is
next for guard.
The adjutant will have posted on the bulletin board at his office
all data needed by company commanders in making details from
their companies.
At first sergeant's call, first sergeants will go to headquarters
and take from the bulletin board all data necessary for making
the details required from their companies; these details will
be made from their company rosters.
In order to give ample notice, first sergeants will, when prac
ticable, publish at retreat and post on the company bulletin
board all details made from the company for duties to be
performed.
Where rosters are required to be kept by this manual, all de
tails will be made by roster.
The Commanding Officer.
The commanding officer will exact a faithful, vigilant, and
correct performance of guard duty in all of its details,' giving

his orders to the officer of the day, or causing them to be com
municated to him with the least practicable delay. He will pre
scribe the strength of the guard, and the necessary regulations
for guard, police, and fatigue duty.
The commanding officer receives the reports otf the officers of
the day immediately after guard mounting, at his office, or at
some other place previously designated; carefully examines
the guard report and remarks thereon (questioning the old
officer of the day, if necessary, concerning his tour of duty),
relieves the old officer of the day and gives the new officer of
the day such instructions as may be necessary.
The Officer of the Day.

The officer of the day is responsible for the proper perform
ance of duty by the guard with which 'he marches on and for
the enforcement of all police regulations. He is charged with
the execution of all orders of the commanding officer relating
to the safety and good order of the post or camp. His actual
tour begins when he receives the instructions of the com
manding officer after guard mounting, and ceases when he
has been relieved by the commanding officer. In case of
emergency during the interval between guard mounting and
reporting to the commanding officer, the senior officer of the
day will give the necessary instructions for both guards.
In the absence of special instructions from the commanding
officer, the officer of the day will inspect the guard and sen
tinels during the day and at night at such times as he may .deem
necessary. He will visit them at least once between 12
o'clock midnight and daylight.
He may prescribe patrols and visits of inspection to be made
by officers and noncommissioned officers of the guard whenever
he deems it necessary.
He will see that the commander of the guard is furnished
with the parole and countersign before retreat in case they are to
be used, and will inform him of the presence in post or camp
of any person entitled to the compliment.
In case of alarm of any kind he will at once take such steps

as may be necessary to insuTe the safety of life and public
property and to preserve order in the command, disposing his
guard so as best to accomplish this result.
In the performance of his duties as officer of the day he is
subject to the orders of the commanding officer only, except
that in case of an alarm of any kind, and at a time of great
danger, the senior line officer present is competent to give neces
sary orders to the officer of the day for the employment of the
gu.'.rd.
At the inspections and musters prescribed in Army Regula
tions, the officer of the day will be present at the post of the
guard, but all commands to the guard will be given by the com
mander of the guard.
Both officers of the day together verify the prisoners and in
spect the guardhouse and premises.
In the absence of special instructions, the old officer of the
day will, at guard mounting, release all garrison prisoners whose
sentences expire that day. If there are any prisoners with no
record of charges against them, the old officer of the day will
report that fact to the commanding officer who will give the
necessary instructions.
The old officer of the day signs the report of the commander
of the guard. He also enters on it such remarks as may be
necessary.
The officers of the day then report to the commanding officer.
On presenting themselves, both salute with the right hand,
remaining covered. The old officer of the day standing on the
right of the new, then says : "Sir, I report as old officer of the
day," and presents the guard report. As soon as the command
ing officer notifies the old officer of the day that he is relieved,
the old officer of the day salutes the commanding officer and
retires. The new officer of the day again salutes and says:
"Sir, I report as new officer of the day," and then receives
his instructions.
The officer of the day will always keep the guard informed
as to where he may be found at all hours of the day and night.
Commander of the Guard.

The commander of the guard is responsible for the instruction
and discipline of the guard. He will see that all of its mem
bers are correctly instructed in their orders and duties, and
that they understand and properly perform them. He will
visit each relief at least once while it is on post, and at least
one of these visits will be made between 12 o'clock midnight
and daylight.
He receives and obeys the orders of the commanding officer
and the officer of the day, and reports to the latter without delay
all orders to the guard not received from the officer of the day;
he transmits, to his successor all material instructions and in
formation relating to his duties.
He is responsible under the officer of the day for the gen
eral safety of the post or camp as soon as the old guard marches
away from the guardhouse. In case of emergency while both
guards are at the guardhouse, the senior commander of the two
guards will be responsible that the proper action is taken.
Officers of the guard will remain constantly with their guards,
except while visiting patrols or necessarily engaged elsewhere in
the performance of their duties. The commanding officer will
allow a reasonable time for meals.
A commander of a guard leaving his post for any purpose
will inform the next in command of his destination and probable
time of return.
Except in emergencies, the commander of the guard may
divide the night with the next in command, but retains his re
sponsibility ; the one on watch must be constantly on the alert.
When any alarm is raised in camp or garrison, the guard
will be formed immediately. If the case be serious, the
proper call will be sounded, and the commander of the
guard will cause the commanding officer and the officer of
the day to be at once notified.
If a sentinel calls : "The Guard," the commander of the guard
will at once send a patrol to the sentinel's post. If the danger
be great, in which case the sentinel will discharge his piece, the
patrol will be as strong as possible.
When practicable, there should always be an officer or non

commissioned officer and two privates of the guard at the
guardhouse, in addition to the sentinels there on post.
Between reveille and retreat, when the guard had been turned
out for any person entitled to the compliment, the commander
of the guard, if an officer, will receive the report of the sergeant,
returning the salute of the latter with the right hand. He wili
then draw his saber, and place himself two paces in front of
the center of the guard. When the person for whom the
guard has been turned out approaches, he faces his guard
and commands: 1. Present, 2. ARMS; faces to the front
and salutes. When his salute is acknowledged he resumes
the carry, faces about, and commands: 1. Order, 2. ARMS;
and faces to the front.
If it be an officer entitled to inspect the guard, after salut
ing and before bringing his guard to an order, the officer
of the guard reports: "Sir, all present or accounted for",
or "Sir, (so and so) is absent"; or, if the roll call has been
omitted: "Sir, the guard is formed," except that at guard
mounting the commanders of the guards present their guards and
salute without making any report.
Between retreat and reveille, the commander of the guard
salutes and reports, but does not bring the guard to a present.
To those entitled to have the guard turned out but not en
titled to inspect it, no report will be made; nor will a report
be made to any officer, unless he halts in front of the guard.
When a guard commanded by a non-commissioned officer is
turned out as a compliment or for inspection, the non-com
missioned officer, standing at a right shoulder on the right of
the right guide, commands: 1. Present, 2. ARMS. He then
executes the rifle salute. If a report be also required, he will,
after saluting, and before bringing his guard to an order, report
as prescribed for the officer of the guard.
When a guard is in line, not under inspection, and commanded
by an officer, the commander of the guard salutes his regi
mental, battalion, and company commander, by bringing the
guard to attention and saluting in person.
For all other officers, excepting those entitled to the compli
ment from a guard, the commander of the guard salutes in per

son but does not bring the guard to attention.
When commanded by a non-commissioned officer the guard
is brought to attention in either case, and the non-commis
sioned officer salutes.
The commander of a guard exchanges salutes with the com
manders of all other bodies of troops; the guard is brought to
attention during the exchange.
"Present arms" is executed by a guard only when it
has turned out for inspection or as a compliment, and at the
ceremonies of guard mounting and relieving the old guard.
"Eyes right" is executed only in the ceremonies of guard
mounting and relieving the old guard.
If a person entitled to the compliment, or the regimental, bat
talion, or company commander, passes in rear of a guard, neither
the compliment nor the salute is given, but the guard is brought
to attention while such person is opposite the post of the com
mander.
After any person has received or declined the compliment, or
received the salute from the commander of the guard, official
recognition of his presence thereafter while he remains in
the vicinity will be taken by bringing the guard to attention.
The commander of the guard will inspect the guard at reveille
and retreat, and at such other times as may be necessary, to
assure himself that the men are in proper condition to perform
their duties and that their arms and equipments are in proper
condition. For inspection by other officers, he prepares the guard
in each case as directed by the inspecting officer.
The guard will not be paraded during ceremonies unless
directed by the commanding officer.
At all formations members of the guard or reliefs will
execute inspection arms as prescribed in the drill regulations
of their arm.
The commander of the guard will see that all sentinels are
habitually relieved every two hours, unless the weather or other
cause makes it necessary that it be done at shorter or longer
intervals, as directed by the commanding officer.
He will question his non-commissioned officers and sentinels
relative to the instructions they may have received from the
old guard; he will see that patrols and visits of inspection are
made as directed by the officer of the day.
He will see that the special orders for each post and mem
ber of the guard, either written or printed, are posted in the
guardhouse, and, if practicable, in the sentry box or other
sheltered place to which the members of the guard have
constant access.
He will see that the proper calls are sounded at the hours
appointed by the commanding officer.
Should a member of the guard be taken sick, or be arrested,
or desert, or leave his guard, he will at once notify the officer
of the day.
He will, when the countersign is used, communicate it to the
non-commissioned officers of the guard and see that it is duly
communicated to the sentinels before the hour for challenging;
the countersign will not be given to sentinels posted at the guard
house.
He will have the details for hoisting the flag at reveille and
lowering it at retreat, and for firing the reveille and retreat gun,
made in time for the proper performance of these duties.
He will see that the flags are kept in the best condition
possible, and that they are never handled except in the
proper performance of duty.
He may permit members of the guard while at the guard
house to remove their head-dress, overcoats and gloves; if
they leave the guardhouse for any purpose whatever he will
require that they be properly equipped and armed according
to the character of the service in which engaged, or as
directed by the commanding officer.
He will enter in the guard report a report of his tour of duty,
and, on the completion of his tour, will present it to the officer
of the day. He will transmit with his report all passes turned
in at the post of the guard.
Whenever a prisoner is sent to the guardhouse or guard tent
for confinement, he will cause him to be searched, and will,
without unnecessary delay, report the case to the officer of
the day.
Under war conditions, if any one is to be passed out of camp
at night, he will be sent to the commander of the guard, who
will have him passed beyond the sentinels.
■
The commander of the guard will detain at the guardhouse

all suspicious characters or parties attempting to pass a sen
tinel's post without authority, reporting his action to the officer
of the day, to whom persons so arrested will be sent, if
necessary.
He will inspect the guard rooms and cells, and the irons of
such prisoners as may be ironed, at least once during his tour,
and at such other times as he may deem necessary.
He will cause the corporals of the old and new reliefs to
verify together, immediately before each relief goes on post, the
number of prisoners who should then properly be at the guard
house.
He will see that the sentences of prisoners under his charge
are executed strictly in accordance with the action of the re
viewing authority.
When no special prisoner guard has been detailed, he will, as
far as practicable, assign as guards over working parties of
prisoners sentinels from posts guarded at night only.
The commander of the guard will inspect all meals sent to the
guardhouse and see that the quantity and quality of food are
in accordance with the regulations.
At guard mounting he will report to the old officer of the
day all cases of prisoners whose terms of sentence expire on
that day, and also all cases of prisoners concerning whom no
statement of charges has been received.
The commander of the guard is responsible for the security
of the prisoners under the charge of his guard; he becomes re
sponsible for them after their number has been verified and
they have been turned over to the custody of his guard by the
old guard or by the prisoner guard or overseers.
The prisoners will be verified and turned over to the new
guard without parading them, unless the commanding officer or
the officer of the day shall direct otherwise.
To receive the prisoners at the guardhouse when they have
been paraded and after they have been verified by the officers
of the day, the commander of the new guard directs his ser-
feants to form his guard with an interval, and commands: 1.
•risoners, 2. Right, 3. FACE, 4. Forward, 5. MARCH. The
prisoners having arrived opposite the interval in the new
guard, he commands: 1. Prisoners, 2. HALT, 3. Left, 4.

FACE. 5. Right (or left), 6. DRESS. 7. FRONT.
The prisoners dress on the line of the new guard.
The senior non-commissioned officer of the guard always
acts as sergeant of the guard, and if there be no officer of
the guard, will perform the duties prescribed for the com
The sergeant of the guard has general supervision over the
other non-commissioned officers and the musicians and
privates of the guard, and must be thoroughly familiar with
all of their orders and duties.
He is directly responsible for the property under charge of
the guard, and will see that it is properly cared for. He will
make lists of articles taken out by working parties, and see that
all such articles are duly returned. If they are not, he will im
mediately report the fact to the commander of the guard.
Immediately after guard mounting he will prepare duplicate
lists of the names of all non-commissioned officers, musi
cians, and privates of the guard, showing the relief and post
or duties of each. One list will be handed as soon as pos
sible to the commander of the guard; the other will be re
tained by the sergeant.
He will see that all reliefs are turned out at the proper time,
and that the corporals thoroughly understand, and are prompt
and efficient in, the discharge of their duties.
During the temporary absence from the guardhouse of the
sergeant of the guard, the next in rank of the non-commis
sioned officers will perform his duties.
Should the corporal whose relief is on post be called away
from the guardhouse the sergeant of the guard will designate
a non-commissioned officer to take the corporal's place until 'his
return.
The sergeant of the guard is responsible at all times for
the proper police of the guardhouse or guard tent, including
the ground about them and the prison cells.
At "first sergeant's call" he will proceed to the adjutant's
office and obtain the guard report book.
When the national or regimental colors are taken ifrom the
stacks of the color line, the color bearer and guard, or the
sergeant of the guard, unarmed, and two armed privates as a
guard, will escort the colors to the colonel's quarters, as pre

scribed for the color guard in the drill regulations of the arm
of the service to which the guard belongs.
He will report to the commander of the guard any suspicious
or unusual occurrence that comes under 'his notice, will warn
him of the approach of any armed body, and will send to him
all persons arrested by the guard.
When the guard is turned out, its formation will be as fol
lows: The senior non-commissioned officer, if commander of
the guard, is on the right of the right guide; if not com
mander of the guard, he is in the line of file closers, in rear
of the right four of the guard; the next in rank is right
guide; the next left guide; the others in the line of file
closers, usually, each in rear of his relief; the field music,
with its left three paces to the right of the right guide. The
reliefs form in the same order as when the gfuard was first
divided, except that if the guard consists of dismounted
cavalry and infantry, the cavalry forms on the left.
The sergeant forms the guard, calls the Toll, and, if not in
command of the guard, reports to the commander of the guard
as prescribed in drill regulations for a first sergeant forming a
troop or company ; the guard is not divided into platoons or sec
tions, and, except when the whole guard is formed prior to
marching off, fours are not counted.
The sergeant reports as follows: "Sir, all present or ac
counted for," or "Sir, (so-and-so) is absent"; or if the roll
call has been omitted, "Sir, the guard is formed." Only men
absent without proper authority are reported absent. He
then takes his place, without command.
At night, the roll may be called by reliefs and numbers
instead of names; thus, the first relief being on post: Sec
ond relief; No. 1; No. 2, etc.; Third relief, Corporal, No.
1, etc.
Calling the roll will be dispensed with in forming the guard
when it is turned out as a compliment, on the approach of an
armed body, or in any sudden emergency; but in such cases the
roll may be called before dismissing the guard. If the guard
be turned out for an officer entitled to inspect it, the roll will,
unless he directs otherwise, always be called before a report
is made.
The sergeant of the guard has direct ,charge of the pris

oners, except during such time as they may be under the
charge of the prisoner guard or overseers, and is responsible
to the commander of the guard for their security.
He will carry the keys of the guardroom and cells, and will not
suffer them to leave his personal possession while 'he is at the
guardhouse, except as hereinafter provided. Should he leave the
guardhouse for any purpose, he will turn the keys over to the
non-commissioned officer who takes his place.
He will count the knives, forks, etc., given to the prisoners
with their food, and see that none of these articles remain in
their possession. He will see that no forbidden articles of
any kind are conveyed to the prisoners.
Prisoners, when paraded with the guard, are placed in line
in its center. The sergeant, immediately before forming the
guard, will turn over his keys to the non-commissioned offi
cer at the guardhouse. Having formed the guard, he will
divide it into two nearly equal parts. Indicating the point
of division with his hand, he commands:
1. Right (or left), 2. Face, 3. Forward, 4. MARCH, 5.
Guard, 6. HALT, 7. Left (or right), 8. FACE.
If the first command be right face, the right half of the
guard only will execute the movements; if left face, the left
half only will execute them. The command halt is given
when sufficient interval is obtained to admit the prisoners. The
doors of the guardroom and cells are then opened by the non
commissioned officers having the keys. The prisoners will file
out under the supervision of the sergeant, the non-commissioned
officer, and sentinel on duty at the guardhouse, and such
other sentinels as may be necessary; they will form in line
in the interval between the two parts of the guard.
To return the prisoners to the guardroom and cells, the ser
geant commands :
1. Prisoners, 2. Right (or left), 3. FACE, 4. Column right
(or left) 5. MARCH.
The prisoners, under the same supervision as before, return
to their proper rooms or cells.
To close the guard, the sergeant commands :
1. Left (or right), 2. FACE, 3. Forward, 4. MARCH, S
Guard, 6. HALT, 7. Right (or left), 8. FACE.
The left or right half only of the guard, as indicated, exe

cutes the movement.
If there be but few prisoners, the sergeant may indicate the
point of division as above, and form the necessary interval by
the commands:
1. Right (or left) step, 2. MARCH, 3. Guard, 4. HALT,
and close the intervals by the commands:
1. Left (or right) step, 2. MARCH, 3. Guard, 4. HALT.
If sentinels are numerous, reliefs may, at the discretion of the
commanding officer, be posted in detachments, and sergeants, as
well as corporals, required to relieve and post them.
Corporal of the Guard.

A corporal of the guard receives and obeys orders from none
but non-commissioned officers of the guard senior to himself,
the officers of the guard, the officers of the day, and the
commanding officer.
It is the duty of the corporal of the guard to post and relieve
sentinels, and to instruct the members of his relief in their orders
and duties.
Immediately after the division of the guard into reliefs the
corporals will assign the members of their respective reliefs to
posts by number, and a soldier so assigned to his post will not be
changed to another during the same tour of guard duty, unless
by direction of the commander of the guard or higher authority.
Usually, experienced soldiers are placed over the arms of the
guard, and at remote and responsible posts.
Each corporal will then make a list of the members of his re
lief, including himself. This list will contain the number of the
relief, the name, the company, and the regiment of every member
thereof, and the post to which each is assigned. The list will
be made in duplicate, one copy to be given to the sergeant of
the guard as soon as completed, the other to be retained by
the corporal.
When directed by the commander of the guard, the cor
poral of the first relief forms his relief, and the commands:
CALL OFF.
Commencing on the right, the men call off alternately rear
and front rank, "one," "two," "three," "four," and so on;

if in single rank, they call off from right to left. The cor
poral then commands:
1. Right, 2. FACE, 3. Forward, 4. MARCH.
The corporal marches on the left, and near the rear file, in
order to observe the march. The corporal of the old guard
marches on the right of the leading file, and takes command
when the last one of the old sentinels is relieved, changing
places with the corporal of the new guard.
When the relief arrives at six paces from a sentinel, tne
corporal halts it and commands, according to the number of
the post: No. (—).
Both sentinels execute port arms or saber; the new sentinel
approaches the old, halting about one pace from him.
The corporals advance and place themselves, facing each other,
a little in advance of the new sentinel, the old corporal on his
right, the new corporal on his left, both at a right shoulder, and
observe that the old sentinel transmits correctly his instruc
tions.
The following diagram will illustrate the positions taken:
A
R □
□ □ □ □ □
□ □ □ □ □
B
R is the relief; A, the new corporal; B, the old; C, the new
sentinel ; D, the old.
The instructions relative to the post having been com
municated, the new corporal commands, POST; both sen
tinels then resume the right shoulder, face toward the new
corporal, and step back so as to allow the relief to pass in
front of them. The new corporal then commands. 1. For
ward, 2. MARCH; the old sentinel takes his place in rear of
the relief as it passes him, his piece in the same position as
those of the relief. The new sentinel stands fast at a right
shoulder until the relief has passed six paces beyond him,
when he walks his post. The corporals take their places as the
relief passes them.
Mounted sentinels are posted and relieved in accordance with
the same principles.
On the return of the old relief, the corporal of the new
guard falls out when the relief halts; the corporal of the old
guard forms his relief on the left of the old guard, salutes,
and reports to the commander of his guard: "Sir, the relief
is present; or "Sir, (so and so) is absent," and takes his place
in the guard.
To post a relief other than that which is posted when the old
guard is relieved, its corporal commands:
1 (Such) relief, 2. FALL IN; and if arms are stacked they
are taken at the proper commands.
The relief is formed facing to the front, with arms at an
order; the men place themselves according to the numbers
of their respective posts, viz, two, four, six, and so on, in the
front rank, and one, three, five, and so on, in the rear rank.
The corporal, standing about two paces in front of the cen
ter of his relief, then commands: CALL OFF.
The men call off as prescribed. The corporal then com
mands: 1. Inspection, 2. ARMS, 3. Order, 4. ARMS; faces
the commander of the guard, executes the rifle salute, re
ports: "Sir, the relief is present," or "Sir (so and so), is
absent"; he then takes his place on the right at order arms.
When the commander of the guard directs the corporal:
"Post your relief," the corporal salutes and posts his relief
as before prescribed; the corporal of the relief on post does
not go with the new relief, except when necessary to show
the way.
To dismiss the old relief, it is 'halted and faced to the front at
the guardhouse by the corporal of the new relief, who then
falls out; the corporal of the old relief then steps in front of
the relief and dismisses it by the proper command.
Should the pieces have been loaded before the relief was
posted, the corporal will, before dismissing the relief, see that
no cartridges are left in the chambers or magazines. The
same rule applies to sentinels over prisoners.
Each corporal will thoroughly acquaint himself with all

the special orders of every sentinel on his relief, and see
that each understands and correctly transmits such orders
in detail to his successor.
There should be at least one non-commissioned officer con
stantly on the alert at the guardhouse, usually the corporal whose
relief is on post. This non-commissioned officer takes post near
the entrance of the guardhouse and does not fall in with the
guard when it is formed. He will have his rifle constantly with
him.
Whenever it becomes necessary for the corporal to leave his
post near the entrance of the guardhouse, he will notify the
sergeant of the guard, who will at once take his place, or desig
nate another non-commissioned officer to do so.
He will see that no person enters the guardhouse, or guard
tent, or crosses the posts of the sentinels there posted with
out, proper authority.
Should any sentinel call for the corporal of the guard, the
corporal will, in every case, at once and quickly proceed to
such sentinel. • He will notify the sergeant of the guard be
fore leaving the guardhouse.
He will at once report to the commander of the guard any
violation of regulations or any unusual occurrence which is
reported to him by a sentinel, or which comes to his notice
in any other way.
Should the sentinel call "The Guard," the corporal will
promptly notify the commander of the guard.
Should a sentinel call: "Relief," the corporal will at once
proceed to the post of such sentinel, taking with him the man
next for duty on that post. If the sentinel is relieved for a short
time only, the corporal will again post him as soon as the neces
sity for his relief ceases.
When the countersign is used, the corporal at the posting
of the relief during whose tour challenging is to begin gives the
countersign to the members of the relief, excepting those posted
at the guardhouse.
He will wake the corporal whose relief is next on post in
time for the latter to verify the prisoners, form his relief,
and post it at the proper hour.
THE HOME GUARD MANUAL. (1
Should the guard be turned out, each corporal will call his
own relief, and cause its members to fall in promptly.
Tents or bunks in the same vicinity will be designated for the
reliefs so that all the members of each relief may, if necessary,
be found and turned out by the corporal in the least time and
with the least confusion.
When challenged by a sentinel while posting his relief,
the corporal commands: 1. Relief 2. HALT; to the sen
tinel's challenge he answers "Relief, ' and at the order of the
sentinel he advances alone to give the countersign, or to be
recognized. When the sentinel says, "Advance relief," the
corporal commands: 1. Forward, 2. MARCH.
If to be relieved, the sentinel is then relieved as prescribed.
Between retreat and reveille, the corporal of the guard will
challenge all suspicious looking persons or parties he may ob
serve, first halting his patrol or relief, if either be with him. He
will advance them in the same manner that sentinels on post ad
vance like parties, but if the route of a patrol is on a continuous
chain of sentinels, he should not challenge persons coming
near him unless he has reason to believe that they have
eluded the vigilance of sentinels.
Between retreat and reveille, whenever so ordered by an
officer entitled to inspect the guard, the corporal will call:
"Turn out the guard," announcing the title of the officer,
and then, if not otherwise ordered, he will salute and return
to his post.
As a general rule he will advance parties approaching the
guard at night in the same manner that sentinels on post ad
vance like parties. Thus, the sentinel at the guardhouse chal
lenges and repeats the answer to the corporal, as prescribed
hereafter ; the corporal, advancing at "port arms," says :
"Advance (so and so) with the countersign," or "to be
recognized," if there be no countersign used; the countersign
being correctly given, or the party being duly recognized,
the corporal says: "Advance (so and so)"; repeating the
answer to the challenge of the sentinel.
When officers of different rank approach the guardhouse
from different directions at the same time, the senior will be
advanced first, and will not be made to wait for his junior.
Out of ranks and under arms, the corporal salutes with the
rifle salute. He will salute all officers whether by day or night.
The corporal will examine parties halted and detained by
sentinels, and if he has reason to believe the parties have no
authority to cross sentinel's posts, will conduct them to the com
The corporal of the guard will arrest all suspicious looking
characters prowling about the post or camp, all persons of
a disorderly character disturbing the peace, and all persons
taken in the act of committing crime against the government
on a military reservation or post. All persons arrested by
corporals of the guard, or by sentinels, will at once be con
ducted to the commander of the guard by the corporal.
Musicians of the Guard,
The musicians of the guard will sound call as prescribed by
the commanding officer.
Should the guard be turned out for national or regimental
colors or standards, uncased, the field music of the guard will
when the guard present arms, sound, "To the color," or "To
the standard."
Orderlies and Color Sentinels.
When so directed by the commanding officer, the officer
who inspects the guard at guard mounting will select from
the members of the new guard an orderly for the command
ing officer and such number of other orderlies and color sen
tinels as may be required.
For these positions the soldiers will be chosen who are most
correct in the performance of duty and in military bearing,
neatest in person and clothing, and whose arms and accoutre
ments are in the best condition. Clothing, arms and equipments
must conform to regulations. If there is any doubt as to the
relative qualifications of two or more soldiers, the inspecting
officer will cause them to fall out at the guardhouse and to
form in line in single rank. He will then, by testing them in
drill regulations, select the most proficient. The commander
of the guard will be notified of the selection.
THE HOME GUARD MANUAL. (8
When directed by the commander of the guard to .fall out and

report, an orderly will give his name, company, and regiment to
the sergeant of the guard, and, leaving his rifle in the arm
rack in his company quarters, will proceed at once to the
officer to , whom
Company he is assigned,
, reportsreporting:
as orderly."
"Sir, Private
If the orderly selected be a cavalryman, he will leave his
rifle in the arm rack of his troop quarters, and report with
his belt on, but without side arms unless specially otherwise
ordere3.
rack of his troop quarters, and report with his belt on, but
without side arms unless specially otherwise ordered.
Orderlies, while on duty as such, are subject only to the
orders of the commanding officer and of the officers to whom
they are ordered to report.
When an orderly is ordered to carry a message, he will
be careful to deliver it exactly as it was given to him.
His tour of duty ends when he is relieved by the orderly
selected from the guard relieving his own.
Orderlies are members of the guard, and their name,
company, and regiment are entered on the guard report and
lists of the guard.
If a color line is established, sufficient sentinels are placed
on the color line to guard the colors and stacks.
Color sentinels are posted only so long as the stacks are
formed. The commander of the guard will divide the time
equally among them.
When stacks are broken, the color sentinels may be per
mitted to return to their respective companies. They are
required to report in person to the commander of the guard
at reveille and retreat. They will fall in with the guard,
under arms, at guard mounting.
Color sentinels are not placed on the regular reliefs, nor
are their posts numbered. In calling for the corporal of the
guard, they call :"Corporal of the guard. Color line."
Officers or enlisted men passing the uncased colors will
render the prescribed salute. If the colors are on the stacks,
the salute will be made on crossing the color line or on pass
ing the colors.
(4 THE HOME GUARD MANUAL.
A sentinel placed over the colors will not permit them

to be moved, except in the presence of an armed escort.
Unless otherwise ordered by the commanding officer, he
will allow no one to touch them but the color bearer.
He will not permit any soldier to take arms from the
stacks, or to touch them, except by order of an officer or
non-commissioned officer of the guard.
If any person passing the colors or crossing the color line
fails to salute the colors, the sentinel will caution him to do
so, and if the caution be not heeded he will call the corporal
of the guard and report the facts.
Privates of the Guard.
Privates are assigned to reliefs by the commander of the
guard, and to posts, usually, by the corporal of their relief.
They will not change from one relief or post to another
during the same tour of guard duty unless by proper
authority.
ORDERS FOR SENTINELS
Orders for sentinels are of two classes: General orders
and special orders. General orders apply to all sentinels.
Special orders relate to particular posts and duties.
Sentinels will be required to memorize the following:
My general orders are:
1. To take charge of this post and all Government prop
erty in view.
2. To walk my post in a military manner, keeping always
on the alert and observing everything that takes place within
sight or hearing.
3. To report all violations of orders I am instructed to
enforce.
4. To repeat all calls from posts more distant from the
guardhouse than my own.
5. To quit my post only when properly relieved.
6. To receive, obey, and pass on to the sentinel who re
lieves me all orders from the commanding officer, officer of
the day, and officers and non-commissioned officers of the
guard only.
THE HOME GUARD MANUAL. IS
7. To talk to no one except in line of duty.

8. In case of fire or disorder to give the alarm.
9. To allow no one to commit a nuisance on or near my
post.
10. In any case not covered by instructions to call the
corporal of the guard.
11. To salute all officers, and all colors and standards
not cased.
12. To be especially watchful at night, and, during the
time for challenging, to challenge all persons on or near my
post, and to allow no one to pass without proper authority.
REGULATIONS RELATING TO THE GENERAL

ORDERS FOR SENTINELS
No. 1: To take charge of this post and all Government
property in view.
All persons, of whatever rank in the service, are required
to observe respect toward sentinels and members of the
guard when such are in the performance of their duties.
A sentinel will at once report to the corporal of the guard
every unusual or suspicious occurrence noted.
He will arrest suspicious persons prowling about the post
or camp at any time, all parties to a disorder occurring on
or near his" post, and all, except authorized persons, who
attempt to enter the camp at night, and will turn over to
the corporal of the guard all persons arrested.
The number, limits, and extent of his post will invariably
constitute part of the special orders of a sentinel on post.
The limits of his post should be so defined as to include
every place to which he is required to go in the perform
ance of his duties.
No. 2: To walk my post in a military manner, keeping
always on the alert and observing everything that takes
place within sight or hearing.
A sentinel is not required to halt and change the position
of his rifle on arriving at the end of his post, nor to execute
to the rear, march, precisely as prescribed in the drill regu
lations, but faces about while walking, in the manner most
convenient to him, and at any part of his post as may be
6$ THE HOME GUARD MANUAL.
best suited to the proper performance of his duties. He

carries his rifle oh either shoulder, and in wet or severe
weather, when not in a sentry box, may carry it at a
secure.
Sentinels when in sentry boxes stand at ease. Sentry
boxes will be used in wet weather only, or at other times
when specially authorized by the commanding officer.
In very hot weather, sentinels may be authorized to stand
at ease on their posts, provided they can effectively dis
charge their duties in this position, but they will take ad
vantage of this privilege only on the express authority of
the officer of the day or the commander of the guard.
A mounted sentinel may dismount occasionally and lead
his horse but will not relax his vigilance.
No. 3: To report all violations of orders I am instructed
to enforce.
A sentinel will ordinarily report a violation of orders when
he is inspected or relieved, but if the case be urgent he will
call the corporal of the guard, and also, if necessary, will
arrest the offender.
No. 4: To repeat all calls from posts more distant from
the guardhouse than my own.
To call the corporal, or the guard, for any purpose other
than relief, fire, or disorder, a sentinel will call, "Corporal of
the guard, No. (—)," adding the number of his post. In
no case will any sentinel call, "Never mind the corporal;"
nor will the corporal heed such call if given.
No. S: To quit my post only when properly relieved.
If relief becomes necessary, by reason of sickness or other
cause, a sentinel will call, "Corporal of the guard, No. (—),
Relief," giving the number of his post.
Whenever a sentinel is to be relieved, he will halt, and
with arms at a right shoulder, will face toward the relief
when it is thirty paces from him. He will come to a port
arms with the new sentinel, and in a low tone will transmit
to him all the special orders relating to the post, and any
other information which will assist him to better perform
his duties.
No. 6: To receive, obey, and pass on to the sentinel who
relieves me, all orders from the commanding officer, officer
of the day, and officers and noncommissioned officers of the

guard only.
During this tour of duty a soldier is subject to the orders
of the commanding officer, officer of the day, and officers
and non-commissioned officers of the guard only; but any
officer is competent to investigate apparent violations of
regulations by members of the guard.
A sentinel will quit his piece on an explicit order from
any person from whom he lawfully receives orders while
on post; under no circumstances will he yield it to any
other person. Unless necessity therefor exists, no person
will require a sentinel to quit his piece, even to allow it
to be inspected.
A sentinel will not divulge the countersign to any one
except the sentinel who relieves him, or to a person from
whom he properly receives orders, on such person's verbal
order given personally. Privates of the guard will not use
the countersign except in the performance of their duties
while posted as sentinels.
No. 7: To talk to no one except in line of duty.
When calling for any purpose, challenging, or holding
communication with any person, a dismounted sentinel,
armed with a rifle or saber, will take the position of "port"
arms or saber. At night a dismounted sentinel, armed with
a pistol, takes the position of raise pistol in challenging
or holding communication. A mounted sentinel does not
ordinarily draw his weapon in the daytime when challenging
or holding conversation; but if drawn, he holds it at advance
rifle, raise pistol, or port saber, according as he is armed
with a rifle, pistol, or saber. At night, in challenging and
holding conversation, his weapon is drawn and held as just
prescribed, depending on whether he is armed with a rifle,
pistol, or saber.
No. 8: In case of fire or disorder to give the alarm.
In case of fire, a sentinel will call, "Fire No. (—)," adding
the number of his post; if possible, he will extinguish the
fire himself. In case of disorder, he will call: "The Guard,
No. (—)," adding the number of his post. If the danger be
great, he will, in either case, discharge his piece before
calling.
No. 11: To salute all officers and all colors and standards
not cased.
When not engaged in the performance of a specific duty,
the proper execution of which would prevent it, a member
of the guard will salute all officers who pass him. This rule
applies at all hours of the day or night, except in the case
of mounted sentinels armed with a rifle or pistol, or dis
mounted sentinels armed with a pistol, after challenging.
Sentinels will salute as follows: A dismounted sentinel
armed with a rifle or saber, salutes by presenting arms; if
otherwise armed, he salutes with the right hand.
A mounted sentinel, if armed with a saber and the saber
be drawn, salutes by presenting saber; otherwise he salutes
in all cases with the right hand.
To salute, a dismounted sentinel, with piece at a right
shoulder or saber at a carry, halts and faces toward the
person to be saluted when the latter arrives within thirty
paces.
The limit within which individuals and insignia of rank
can be readily recognized is assumed to be about 30 paces,
and therefore at this distance cognizance is taken of the
person or party to be saluted.
The salute is rendered at 6 paces; if the person to be
saluted does not arrive within that distance, then when
he is nearest.
A sentinel in a sentry box, armed with a rifle, stands at
attention in the doorway on the approach of a person or
party entitled to salute, and salutes by presenting arms ac
cording to the foregoing rules.
If armed with a saber, he stands at a carry and salutes as
before.
A mounted sentinel on a regular post halts, faces, and
salutes in accordance with the foregoing rules. If doing
patrol duty, he salutes, but does not halt unless spoken to.
Sentinels salute, in accordance with the foregoing rules,
all persons and parties entitled to compliments from the
guard: officers of the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps; mili
tary and naval officers of foreign powers; officers of volun
teers, and militia officers when in uniform.
THE BOMB 6TTAHD MANUAL. N
A sentinel salutes as just prescribed when an officer comes

on his post; if the officer holds communication with the sen
tinel, the sentinel again salutes when the officer leaves him.
During the hours when challenging is prescribed, the first
salute is given as soon as the officer has been duly recognized
and advanced. A mounted sentinel armed with a rifle or
pistol, or a dismounted sentinel armed with a pistol, does not
salute after challenging.
He stands at advance rifle or raise pistol until the officer
passes.
In case of the approach of an armed party of the guard,
the sentinel will halt when it is about 30 paces from him,
facing toward the party with his piece at the right shoulder.
If not himself relieved, he will, as the party passes, place
himself so that the party will pass in front of him; he re
sumes walking his post when the party has reached 6 paces
beyond him.
An officer is entitled to the compliments prescribed,
whether in uniform or not.
A sentinel in communication with an officer will not in
terrupt the conversation to salute. In the case of seniors the
officer will salute, whereupon the sentinel will salute.
When the flag is being lowered at retreat, a sentinel
on post and in view of the flag will face the flag, and, at
the first note of the "Star Spangled Banner" or to the color
will come to a present arms. At the sounding of the last
note he will resume walking his post.
No. 12: To be especially watchful at night and during the
time for challenging, to challenge all persons on or near
my post, and to allow no one to pass without proper
authority.
During challenging hours, if a sentinel sees any person
or party on or near his post, he will advance rapidly along
his post toward such person or party and when within about
30 yards will challenge sharply, "HALT. Who is there?"
He will place himself in the best possible position to receive
or, if necessary, to arrest the person or party.
In case a mounted party be challenged, the sentinel will
call, "HALT. DISMOUNT. Who is there?"
The sentinel will permit only one of any party to approach
him for the purpose of giving the countersign, or if no

countersign be used, of being duly recognized. When this
is done the whole party is allowed to pass.
In all cases the sentinel must satisfy himself beyond a
reasonable doubt that the parties are what they represent
themselves to be and have a right to pass. If he is not
satisfied, he must cause them to stand and call the corporal
of the guard. So, likewise, if he have no authority to pass
persons with the countersign, or when the party has not
the countersign, or gives an incorrect one.
A sentinel will not permit any person to approach so close
as to prevent the proper use of his own weapon before rec
ognizing the person or receiving the countersign.
When two or more persons approach in one party, the
sentinel on receiving an answer that indicates that some one
in the party has the countersign, will say, "Advance one
with the countersign," and, if the countersign is given cor
rectly, will then say, "Advance (So and so)," repeating the
answer to his challenge. Thus, if the answer be, "Relief
(friends with the countersign, patrol, etc.)," the sentinel will
sav, "Advance one with the countersign"; then, "Advance
relief (friends, patrol, etc.)."
If a person having the countersign approach alone, he is
advanced to give the countersign. Thus, if the answer be,
"Friend with the countersign (or officer of the day, or etc.),"
the sentinel will say, "Advance, friend (or officer of the day,
or etc.) with the countersign"; then, "Advance, friend (or
officer of the day, or etc.)."
If two or more persons approach a sentinel's post from
different directions at the same time, all such persons are
challenged in turn and required to halt and to remain halted
until advanced.
The senior is first advanced, in accordance with the fore
going rules.
If a party is already advanced and in communication with
a sentinel, the latter will challenge any other party that may
approach; if the party challenged be senior to the one already
on his post, the sentinel will advance the new party at once.
The senior may allow him to advance any or all of the other
parties; otherwise, the sentinel will ndt advance any of them
until the senior leaves him. He will then advance the senior
only of the remaining parties, and so on.
The following order of rank will govern a sentinel in ad
vancing different persons or parties approaching his post:
Commanding officer, officer of the day, officer of the guard,
officers, patrols, reliefs, noncommissioned officers of the
guard in order of rank, friends.
A sentinel will never allow himself to be surprised, nor
permit two parties to advance upon him at the same time.
If no countersign be used, the rules for challenging are
the same. The rules for advancing parties are modified only
as follows: Instead of saying "Advance (so and so) with the
countersign," the sentinel will say, "Advance (so and so) to
be recognized." Upon recognition he will say, "Advance (so
and so)."
Answers to a sentinel's challenge intended to confuse or
mislead him are prohibited, but the use of such an answer
as "Friends with the countersign," is not to be understood
as misleading, but as the usual answer made by officers,
patrols, etc., when the purpose of their visit makes it de
sirable that their official capacity should not be announced.
SPECIAL ORDERS FOR SENTINELS AT THE
POST OP THE GUARD
Sentinels posted at the guard will be required to memorize
the following:
Between reveille and retreat to turn out the guard for all
persons designated by the commanding officer, for all colors
or standards not cased, and in time of war for all armed
parties approaching my post, except troops at drill and re
liefs and detachments of the guard.
At night, after challenging any person or party, to advance
no one, but call the corporal of the guard, repeating the
answer to the challenge.
After receiving an answer to his challenge, the sentinel
calls, "Corporal of the guard (So and so)," repeating the
answer to the challenge.
He does not in such cases repeat the number of his post.
JHe remains in the position assumed in challenging until

the corporal has recognized or advanced the person or party
challenged, when he resumes walking his post, or, if the
person or party be entitled thereto, he salutes and, as soon
as the salute has been acknowledged, resumes walking his
post.
The sentinel at the post of the guard will be notified by
direction of the commanding officer of the presence in camp
or garrison of persons entitled to the compliment.
The following examples illustrate the manner in which the
sentinel at the post of the guard will turn out the guard
upon the approach of persons or parties entitled to the com
pliment: "Turn out the guard, Commanding Officer"; "Turn
out the guard, Governor of a Territory"; "Turn out the
guard, national colors"; "Turn out the guard, armed party";
etc.
At the approach of the new guard at guard mounting the
sentinel will call "Turn out the guard, armed party."
Should the person named by the sentinel not desire the
guard formed, he will salute, whereupon the sentinel will call
"Never mind the guard."
After having called "Turn out the guard," the sentinel will
never call "Never mind the guard," on the approach of an
armed party.
Though the guard be already formed he will not fail to
call "Turn out the guard," as required in his special orders,
except that the guard will not be turned out for any person
while his senior is at or coming to the post of the guard.
The sentinels at the post of the guard will warn the com
mander of the approach of any armed body and of the pres
ence in the vicinity of all suspicious or disorderly persons.
In case of fire or disorder in sight or hearing, the sentinel
at the guardhouse will call the corporal of the guard and
report the facts to him.
COUNTERSIGNS AND PAROLES

Any person belonging to the armies of the United States
who makes known the watchword to any person not entitled
to receive it, according to the rules and discipline of war, or
THE HOME GUARD MANUAL. It
presumes to give a parole or watchword different from that

which he received, shall suffer death or such other punish
ment as a court-martial may direct.
The countersign is a word given daily from the principal
headquarters of a command to aid guards and sentinels in
identifying persons who may be authorized to pass at night.
It is given to such persons as may be authorized to pass
and repass sentinels' posts during the night, and to officers,
noncommissioned offices, and sentinels of the guard.
The parole is a word used as a check on the countersign
in order to obtain more accurate identification of persons.
It is imparted only to those who are entitled to inspect
guards and to commanders of guards.
The parole or countersign, or both, are sent sealed in the
form of an order to those entitled to them.
When the commander of the guard demands the parole,
he will advance and receive it as the corporal receives the
countersign.
As the communications containing the parole and coun
tersign must at times be distributed by many orderlies, the
parole intrusted to many officers, and the countersign and
parole to many officers and sentinels, and as both the coun
tersign and parole must, for large commands, be prepared
several days in advance, there is always danger of their be
ing lost or becoming known to persons who would make
improper use of them; moreover, a sentinel is too apt to
take it for granted that any person who gives the right coun
tersign is what he represents himself to be; hence for out
post duty there is greater security in omitting the use of the
countersign and parole, or in using them with great cau
tion. The chief reliance should be upon personal recognition
or identification of all persons claiming authority to pass.
Persons whose sole means of identification is the counter
sign, or concerning whose authority to pass there is a rea
sonable doubt, should not be allowed to pass without the
authority of the corporal of the guard after proper investi
gation; the corporal will take to his next superior any per
son about whom he is not competent to decide.
The countersign is usually the name of a battle; the parole,
that of a general or other distinguished person.
When they can not be communicated daily, a series of

words for some days in advance may be sent to posts or
detachments that are to use the same parole or countersign
as the main body.
If the countersign be lost, or if a member of the guard
desert with it, the commander on the spot will substitute
another for it and report the case at once to headquarters.
In addition to the countersign, use may be made of pre
concerted signals, such as striking the rifle with the hand
or striking the hands together a certain number of times,
as agreed upon. Such signals may be used only by guards
that occupy exposed points.
They are used before the countersign is given, and must
not be communicated to anyone not entitled to know the
countersign. Their use is intended to prevent the surprise
of a sentinel.
In the daytime signals such as raising a cap or a handker
chief in a prearranged manner may be used by sentinels to
communicate with the guard or with each other.
GUARD PATROLS
A guard patrol consists of one or more men detailed for
the performance of some special service connected with
guard duty.
If the patrol be required to go beyond the chain of senti
nels, the officer or non-commissioned officer in charge will
be furnished with the countersign, and the outposts and
sentinels warned.
If challenged by a sentinel, the patrol is halted by its com
mander, and the non-commissioned officer accompanying it
advances alone and gives the countersign.
WATCHMEN
Enlisted men may be detailed as watchmen or as over
seers over prisoners, and as such will receive their orders
and perform their duties as the commanding officer may
direct.
COMPLIMENTS FROM GUARDS

The compliment from a guard consists in the guard turn
ing out and presenting arms.
Though a guard does not turn out between retreat and
reveille as a matter of compliment, it may be turned out for
inspection at any time by a person entitled to inspect it.
Between reveille and retreat the following persons are
entitled to the compliment: The President, sovereign or
chief magistrate of a foreign country, and members of a
royal family; Vice President; President and President pro
tempore of the Senate; American and foreign ambassadors;
members of the Cabinet; Chief Justice; Speaker of the House
of Representatives; committees of Congress officially visit
ing a military post; governors within their respective States
and Territories; governors general; Assistant Secretary of
War officially visiting a military post; all general officers
of the Army; general officers of foreign services visiting a
post; naval, marine, volunteer, and militia officers in the
service of the United States and holding the rank of gen
eral officer; American or foreign envoys or ministers; min
isters accredited to the United States; charges d'affaires
accredited to the United States; consuls general accredited
to the United States; commanding officer of a coast artillery
district, coast defense command, post, fort or camp; officer
of the day.
The relative rank between officers of the Army and Navy
is as follows: General with admiral, lieutenant general with
vice admiral, major general with rear admiral, brigadier gen
eral with commodore, colonel with captain, lieutenant colonel
with commander, major with lieutenant commander, captain
with lieutenant, first lieutenant with lieutenant (junior
grade), second lieutenant with ensign.
Guards will turn out and present arms when the national
or regimental colors or standards, not cased, are carried past
by a guard or an armed party. This rule also applies when
the party carrying the colors is at drill. If the drill is con
ducted in the vicinity of the guardhouse, the guard will be
turned out when the colors first pass, and not thereafter.
In case the remains of a deceased officer or soldier are

carried past, the guard will turn out and present arms.
In time of war all guards will turn out under arms when
armed parties, except troops at drill and reliefs or detach
ments of the guard, approach their post.
The commander of the guard will be notified of the pres
ence in camp or garrison of all persons entitled to the com
pliment, except general officers of the Army, the command
ing officer, and the officer of the day. Members of the guard
will salute all persons entitled to the compliment and all
officers in the military or naval service of foreign powers,
officers of the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps, officers of
volunteers, and officers of militia when in uniform.
GENERAL RULES CONCERNING GUARD DUTY
No soldier shall hire another to do his duty for him.
Any soldier who is found drunk on his guard, or other
duty, shall suffer such punishment as a court-martial may
direct.
All material instructions given to a member of the guard
by an officer having authority will be promptly communi
cated to the commander of the guard by the officer giving
them.
Should the guard be formed, soldiers will fall in ranks un
der arms. At roll call, each man, as his name or number
and relief are called, will answer "Here," and come to an
order arms.
Whenever the guard or a relief is dismissed, each member
not at once required for duty will place his rifle in the arms
rack, if they be provided, and will not remove it therefrom
unless he requires it in the performance of some duty.
Without permission from the commander of the guard,
members of the main guard, except orderlies, will not leave
the immediate vicinity of the guard house. Permission to
leave will not be granted except in cases of necessity.
Members of the main guard, except orderlies, will not re
move their accouterments or clothing without permission
from the commander of the guard.
GUARDING PRISONERS
The sentinel at the post of the guard has charge of the
prisoners except when they have been turned over to the
prisoner guard or overseers.
(a) He will allow none to escape.
(b) He will allow none to cross his post leaving the guard
house except when passed by an officer or non-commissioned
officer of the guard.
(c) He will allow no one to communicate with prisoners
without permission from proper authority.
(d) He will promptly report to the corporal of the guard
any suspicious noise made by the prisoners.
(e) He will be prepared to tell whenever asked how many
prisoners are in the guardhouse and how many are out at
work or elsewhere.
Whenever prisoners are brought to his post returning from
work or elsewhere, he will halt them and call the corporal
of the guard, notifying him of the number of prisoners re
turning. Thus: "Corporal of the guard, (so many) pris
oners.
He will not allow prisoners to pass into the guardhouse
until the corporal of the guard has responded to the call
and ordered him to do so.
Whenever practicable special guards will be detailed for
the particular duty of guarding working parties composed
of such prisoners as can not be placed under overseers.
The prisoner guard and overseers will be commanded by
the police officer; if there be no police officer, then by the
officer of the day.
The provost sergeant is sergeant of the prisoner guard
and overseers, and as such receives orders from the com
manding officer and the commander of the prisoner guard
only.
Details for prisoner guard are marched to the guardhouse
and mounted by being inspected by the commander of the
main guard, who determines whether all of the men are in
proper condition to perform their duties and whether their
arms and equipments are in proper condition, and rejects
any men found unfit.
When prisoners have been turned over to the prisoner

guard or overseers, such guards or overseers are responsible
for them under their commander, and all responsibility and
control of the main guard ceases until they are returned to
the main guard.
If a prisoner attempts to escape, the sentinel will call
"Halt." If he fails to halt when the sentinel has once re
peated his call, and if there be no other possible means of
preventing his escape, the sentinel will fire upon him.
MILITARY POLICE
The duty of military police is to enforce all police regula
tions in the theater of operations and in mobilization and
concentration camps. They protect the inhabitants of the
country from pillage and violence and prevent excesses of
all kinds; keep all roads clear; arrest all soldiers and civilian
employees absent without proper authority from their or
ganizations; arrest all marauders, and collect all stragglers
and hand them over to their organizations. They keep a list
and description of all camp retainers and followers and
watch their conduct. They are charged with relieving or
ganizations from the care of prisoners of war and with their
safe conduct to places where they are ordered assembled.
They police all railroad stations, public houses, depots, and
public buildings, protect telegraph and telephone lines and
railways from damage; keep hostile inhabitants in order,
carry out their disarmament, and prevent spying.
With the division, the commander of trains and the force
under his orders, exercise the functions of military police.
On the line of communications of commanders of defense
districts exercise these functions, following up closely the
advance of the division, taking over all prisoners of war, and
performing the military police duties in rear of the zone
policed by the commander of trains.
The defense commander of the area in and about the base
of a line of communications is assigned as provost marshal.
The functions of a provost marshal, in addition to those of
general military police, are to receive and hold all classes
of prisoners. He makes records of the prisoners of war, and

collects and records the tags taken from the enemy's dead,
as required by the laws and usages of war. The records of
prisoners of war and of the enemy's dead are transmitted
quarterly to the War Department.
In mobilization and concentration camps the powers of
military police are ordinarily exercised by the commander
of trains, though if conditions require, an officer may be
assigned as commander of military police.
In cases of emergency the military police may call on any
troop to assist them. All persons belonging to the military
service are required to give every assistance to the military
police in the execution of their duties.
Officers and enlisted men when actually performing the
duty of military police will wear a YELLOW brassard on
the left arm half way between the elbow and shoulder bear
ing the insignia or name of the division to which they
belong.
As a rule, military police on duty will not be reprimanded
or placed in arrest except by the superiors under whose
command they happen to be. In exceptional cases field
officers and officers of higher grades are authorized to order
their arrest. Members of the military police when not on
duty—that is, when not wearing the YELLOW brassard—
have no special privileges.
FINIS
MANUAL OF ARMS.
The latest Infantry Drill Regulations in the School of the

Soldier and the School of the Squad. As they will be found
very useful in the instruction of recruits, we reproduce such
illustrations as apply to the new Regulations.
MANUAL OF ARMS.
MANUAL OF ARMS.
LOADINGS AND FIRINGS.
The Structure of an Effective
Public Speech
By H. B. BRADBURY,
Member of New York Bar
Author of Bradbury's Forms of Pleading.
A very necessary pocket volume to

those who desire to become proficient in
the art of public speaking.
Defines clearly the proper form in
which a speech should be divided and
presented; embracing Chapters on Pre
liminary, Divisions, Introductions, Argu
ment, Refutation, etc.
There is nothing theoretical in the
work; all the statements and methods
introduced are deduced from facts born
of experience.
An efficient aid to professionals and
laymen.
New Edition, revised and enlarged.
Cloth, 12 mo., net $1.00 postpaid.

"The Keg to Success"
Efficiency Through
Concentration
By A. B. JOHNSTON,
Author of "Eat and Grow Slender", "Eat
and Grow Fat", etc.
Success comes only through CON
CENTRATION which enables one to DO
ONE THING WELL. Persons who "can
do anything" are not in demand to-day.
Big business demand men who can do
some ONE THING WELL through power
of Concentration. A worthy successor to
"A Message to Garcia".
12 mo. cloth, price net 60 cents postpaid.
"Cast yourself loose from all thought of weak

ening inheritances, concentrate your attention on
the qualities you wish to establish in your own
character, and though you take only one step at
a time, each step brings you nearer the summit.
The forces for good are more potent than the
forces of evil, and have been, all through the
centuries, or, man would not now be where he
stands today, and say what we will about the
wrongs and cruelties of our own period, we have
but to read the histories of other times to realize,
that though the ideal society is still far ahead of
us, we have made a good deal of progress since
the beginning of things." Excerpt from p. 7,
EFFICIENCY THROUGH CONCENTRA
TION.
Correct English
By RICHARD ELLSWORTH CALL,

A.M., M.Sc, Ph.D.,
Instructor in De Witt Clinton High
School, New York City.
A first aid to letter writers and shows

clearly the proper method of speaking
and writing good English, with examples
of improper uses of common phrases.
Embracing also chapters on Letter
Writing, Speech Making and Journal
ism.
The power of language is destroyed
by the use of unnecessary words. "I've
got to go" is a popular phrase, but in
correct.
This work is compiled and annotated
in excellent form.
In daily use by stenographers and busi
ness people in the largest commercial
centers.
Parts I and II bound in one volume of

Handy pocket size, 175 pp.
Postpaid, 50 cents.
EAT AND GROW
SLENDER
By A. B. JOHNSTON,
Author of "Eat and Grow Fat", etc.
Panacea for the Tragedy of Fat

No Drugs, No Starvation.
People have been fat and are fat, yet

there is no need of still being fat when
you have learned of this new way of
growing thin which is acclaimed by thou
sands.
Health diet that will make you slender

and give you good health and complex
ion. Satisfying menus that take off
weight without starving you. Points
plainly what you can eat, not what you
can't. Thousands are following these
rules. Safe, practical, effective.
Cloth, net 60 cents postpaid.
Seventh printing, 75th thousand.

[5] — [gj
"Prepare To Do Your Bit"
THE
UNIVERSAL DRILL
MANUAL
Cdpi. E. Ji ROBBINS
The first and last steps in Soldiering.

Based on actual experience. Cuts out
the red tape. Gives all the short cuts
used by regulars in the U. S. A.
ALONE IN ITS FIELD.
Pocket size, cloth ,
Price, $1.00 net.
ORDER FROM
THE SHERWOOD CO.
20 John St., New York
Publishers of Military Books of E*ery Description
LA PIOUS PRINTING CO.. N. V.

The Home Guard Manual

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

The Home Guard Manual

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

The Home Guard Manual

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

This is a digital copy of a book that was preserved for generations on library shelves before it was carefully scanned

by Google as part of a project

About Google Book Search

Price Net 35 Cents

THE SHERWOOD CO.

Eat and Grow Fat

The work is NOT humorous, and does

Order a copy Now, Price net $1.00,

"Don't just fill up—stay filled."

Embracing the essential parts of the

THE SHERWOOD CO.

HERE is a great demand for

File closers: Such officers and noncommissioned officers of

(b) The purpose of extended order drill is to teach the

General Rules for Drills and Formations.

(1) For movements to be executed successively by the

To stay the execution of a movement when marching, for

platoons, companies, battalions, etc., each in column of

In making the about, an officer, mounted, habitually turns

Double time, march.

or signals are repeated and enforced by the squad leader.

to be made is carried across the body to the opposite shoul

INSTRUCTION WITHOUT ARMS

Feet turned out equally and forming an angle of about 45*.

Salute with the Hand.

STEPS AND MARCHINGS

The length of the full step in double time is 36 inches;

The Half Step.

Seventh. The piece is brought to the order on halting.

Without the numbers; or commands movements other than

To Dismiss the Squad.

those disabled, organize new squads when necessary, and see

right flank and orders up or back such men as may be in rear,

Being in line at a halt and having counted off: 1. Take

the same ground. At the second command, the pivot man of

To Turn on Fixed Pivot.

on the marching flank has arrived abreast of the rank. In the

To Follow the Corporal.

When the squad is acting alone, skirmish line is similarly

To Increase or Diminish Intervals.

Kneeling and Lying Down.

If standing or kneeling. HE DOWN.

LOADINGS AND FTOINGS

For reference, these positions (standing, kneeling, and

To Set the Sight.

right thumb clasping the stock, barrel horizontal, left elbow

and to habituate men to combat conditions, small and compara

THE USB OF COVER

steadily and as rapidly as possible; he must conceal himself

Guards may be divided into four classes: Exterior guards,

Details and Rosters.

the guard, if there are any, will, if practicable, be from the

Guard details will, if practicable, be posted or published the

correct performance of guard duty in all of its details,' giving

The Officer of the Day.

In case of alarm of any kind he will at once take such steps

Commander of the Guard.

When practicable, there should always be an officer or non

ment from a guard, the commander of the guard salutes in per