US Marine Corps Recruit Depot - Yearbook (Parris Island, SC)

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lv pf' O use it, you,ve gotta know how to hold it, so the recruit learns the Manual of Arms. This instruction teaches all of the move- ments and positions using the rifle. Learning the Manual of Arms is a challenge to each recruit and is a very important cycle of his educa- tion in becoming a Marine. The recruit's best friend is his rifle, and the Manual of Arms is the way he gets to know and be- come familiar with this friend. As this knowledge comes to the re- cruit, constant practice with the rifle increases the efficiency of his individual reflexes and coordina- tion. Eventually, when commands are given to a platoon the rifles will snap into movement blended as one. Perfection in this field of training is traditional. MANUAL GF ARMS f MILITARY STEPS WAN, hup, threep, fo, yo lef'-This is the heavy chanting cadence of the Drill Instruc- tors, heard by the recruit from dawn until sunset. With the cadence ringing in his ears, drill com- mands begin to overcome confusion. Hands, body, feet, and mind begin to work as one. Each hour of instruction helps to mold a perfect pattern of movement for the recruits, until they function as a team. Close order drill is taught to the recruits during their twelve-week stay at Parris Island. The mili- tary bearing and personal carriage of boot camp graduates is convincing evidence of the degree of perfection obtained in but a few short weeks. Column Left, To The Rear, Squads Rightabout, Forward -these and hundreds of other commands are learned by the recruit and put into practice daily. Many hours are spent in the instruction of drill because it plays an important role in the life of a Marine. Learning the commands, and then executing ithem, sharpens the thinking ability and alertness of a recruit, which helps him in other phases of his training. - . 43 274 ' -' .Q ?'i??3'Z -.

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HYSICAL