Comments by the translator have been added to help clarify aspects of the instructions.

These are noted in brackets [ ] and are in addition to the translation. The translator also added some captions to the figures to aid understanding, the original figures were only numbered, The use of the title instructor in the manual reflects the individual in charge of the group or formation; the one giving the commands. Translated and copyright by Jeffrey W.S. Leser 'Addestramento della Fanteria' volume I Istruzione Formale (individuale e di reparto) dated 1939 - Anno XVIII FORWARD The present regulations are common to all forces and specialties, as it regards: a) The dismounted individual instruction: without weapons; with the weapons; b) The instruction of dismounted units in close order. Accordingly formations changes, movement and suitable commands in Part II will be applied, in analogy, to the corresponding units of the other forces and specialties that

executes dismounted instruction in closed order, independently from the established organization of their units. INTRODUCTION The formal training is not a purpose unto to itself, but through it has the potential to inculcate order and discipline in the individuals and in the masses. When it is energetically applied for this purpose the form [drill] is not reduced to simple sets of presentations, but its true substance is transformed into action. 1. The commander of the units - instructor - has to be an example in the observance of the prescribed uniform, of a reserved and martial behavior, and be persuasive and energetic in his words. The commands, when stationary, are always given while in position of attention. II. The commands, positions, and the movements that are part of the formal education of the infantry, are those described in the present instruction. All variations or additions are prohibited. You are only allowed to state in advance the unit or the part of the unit that is to perform the command, when this is useful to get their attention. [for example, plotone can be added before adunata to first gain the soldiers attention, then followed by the command.] III. All commands must be pronounced in clear tone, knowing well that only an energetic command will generate a

corresponding energetic execution. When stationary, every command (excluding that of attention and assembly) is to be given [by the instructor] after having assumed the position of attention. The commands which demand not only not simultaneity but also precision of execution, are divided into two parts: the first part (printed in italics : of warning) has to be above all clear: therefore, you pronounce the entire [warning] with normal tonality; the second (printed in Capital Letters : of execution) you must pronounce stronger, with a high, truncated, and sharp tone of voice. Between the command of warning and that of execution a brief pause is inserted. To annul [cancel] a partially given command, the command is:

interval: is the space between men or between units, measured in the sense of along the front, laterally between the two inside sides [between soldiers along the rank]; distance: is the space between men or between units, measured in the sense of the depth, between front and back [between individuals] or between the rear and front [of units][along the interval]; the suitable length of the pace, every pace is equivalent to cm. 75; in marching backwards, it is equivalent to cm. 50; the word " rifle " is intended to be the Rifle 38; when the bayonet is stated this also means the bayonet-dagger [the folding bayonet).

Part One al tempo. Individual Formal Instruction IV. Definitions of the terms used in the present instruction are provided here. A rank is constituted by two or more sets of men; one alongside the other; A file is constituted by two or more sets of men; one behind the other; Chapter I. NORMS AND REGULATION RULES 1. The individual formal instruction must be animated by the same dynamism that gives life to the gymnastics exercises of the soldier. It is therefore necessary that its execution proceed at a equal pace, and, as far as possible, fused with that of gymnastic and

sporting exercises, of which drawn aside special education, banishing all that tend to stiffen the individual and to repress the natural ease of our nature. 2. For moral reasons, over that of training, the individual instruction with weapons must almost always begin without weapons and both must be completed to improve the situation, so to give the soldier as soon as possible an individual martial air. 3. The individual formal instruction is begun, developed and completed by the squad. Every squad should therefore to have a commander and a deputy commander which are able take each others place, but must not ever be changed, except cases of absolute necessity. 4. The aforesaid instruction is more effective if the instructor succeeds in [creating] great interest and knows how to motivate his soldiers. [The use of] the moral factors and the instructive method serve the attainment of such purpose. 5. The moral factors consist of motivating and stimulating the proper love and the spirit of emulation, integrated by competitions within the squad, the platoon, the company, etc. 6. A good method of instruction to keep in mind: what, [rather than] to actually teach the criterion one exercise at a time to attain perfect execution, it is preferred to gradually get him [the soldier] to such perfection for a whole series of exercises, so to make the instruction more varied and interesting and to maintain the attention of the soldier; to

alternate the exercises with pauses of rest or gymnastic play serves to avoid excessive tiredness; but on the other hand the abuse of such pauses can bring to an opposite result to the desired one by causing fatigue during execution; that the training of long marches is only achieved with a sound concept of progression. The new soldiers in the army have been going out of the barracks for the first days [on marches]. Progressively you increase: the length of the run, the weight of the field gear, the difficulties of the ground over which he marches or maneuvers. 7. A good instructive method also has to keep in mind that the soldier easily retains what he sees and above all what is required to do. Consequently a good instructor should: accustom his soldiers to learn from imitation by seeing the complete positions and the movements, and adding when brief explanations are necessary, the correct way, expressed with simple words, so it is understood and stays engrained in the mind of the soldier; to separate the exercise into varied phases, when this is possible, and to progressively teach these phases; make every soldier completely perform the exercise, checking, correcting, and devoting great attention to the soldiers that are showing less ability to learn;

to then obtain simultaneous performance of the exercise from the whole squad, being capable of [performing] the commands established by the present formal education. To obtain, and to require, uniform perfection (in accordance with the regulations), quickness, loose energy, martial air and, in unit exercises, identical simultaneity of movements. 8. Finally, it is known that the instructor should remember that if more care and improvement is taken during the individual formal education, so much more rapid and perfect will be the formal education of units (close order). 9. The unit in close order must be aligned to the right, without need of specific indication. They are lined up to the left when the commander orders it. The commander, especially when dealing with higher units than the company, facilitates the alignment with commands. The files of the unit must result in the men covering to the front. Chapter II POSITION AND MOVEMENTS WITHOUT WEAPONS 10. Position of attention. - The command: at TENTI,

To the warning order: the head is energetically lifted; to the execute order, it assumes, with action of release, the position in figures 1, 2, 3. Look straight ahead and, if possible, fixed your eyes on those in command. Absolute immobility and silence (tightly holding this position for the necessary time). 11. Position of rest. - To return from the position of attention the command is given: ri POSO, [the soldier] assumes the position in figures 4, 5, 6. The movement can be performed by moving one or the other foot (however without losing the alignment). During reviews, parades, and ceremonies, absolute silence is sustained. 12. Salute. I. - Individual without arms: a) at the halt, with head covered. The salute is started when the superior reaches three paces from the soldier, assumes the position of attention and energetically brings the right hand to the visor (or brim) of the headgear, with the ends of the fingers above of the right eye; the hand inline with the forearm, with the palm facing down, the united fingers and brims, the index in contact with the edge

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

of the visor or brim; horizontal upper arm, forearm naturally tilted (figures 7 and 8). b) from the halt, with head uncovered: with the same formality described in the preceding letter a), he assumes the position of the salute as that in fig. 9; c) when reporting to a superior: when reporting to a superior, he [the soldier] stops at three paces from him, and assumes the position of attention, salutes and returns to the position of attention. Dismissed by the superior, he takes a backwards step, salutes, returns to the position of attention, then completes an about-face and departs; d) when marching: as he reaches three footsteps from the superior, the individual marching soldier turns his head with quickness and at the same time he salutes, assuming the position of either figure 10 or 11. One step past the superior, he returns to the normal [marching] position. II The unit without arms: The soldier when saluting as part of the squad or larger unit: a) if stationary the command given by the instructor:

attenti a DESTR (or SINISTR), given by the instructor. To the warning order all energetically simultaneously lift the head; to the execution order, all energetically turn and simultaneously the face in the direction pointed out, at the same moment setting the right foot to the ground. The arms follow the movement of the body. The command of execution must be given when the soldiers places the left foot on the ground1. 13. Assembly. - The command: Adunata [the soldiers] moves to the instructor in a fast run and in silence. If he [the instructor] is at the halt, to face him in a line or in the direction he pointed out. If the instructor is marching, follow him with the same pace and the same cadence, positioning yourself in the formation as directed. 14. To break ranks. [Dismissed] - Both from the halt and marching (while waking or running), to the command: Rompete le righe MARC

at TENTI follows the procedures in n. 10;

1

b) if marching to the command:

For the sfilamento in parade to follow to the procedures of the "Regulations for reviews and parades

Figure 9

Figure 10

10

Salute as in the preceding n. 12 a) and b) [whichever is] suitable and to leave the place without noise, remaining in the limits of the area pointed out by the instructor. 15. Alignment. [Dress right] - Every soldier has to acquire the habit to align in line on his companions to the right, and to cover, in his line, on the man in the rank before, without needing to receive any indication of a command. The commander of the unit facilitates, when it is needed, the alignment, giving, to the troops at attention, the command: destr (o sinistr) RIGA. The first man right or left of every line stays immovable; all the others turn their head quickly from the direction pointed out, watching for signs from the instructor to correct the alignment. The command: FISSI, all quickly turn their head forwards to the original direction as before. 16. To advance or to step backwards several steps. The command to perform such movement is: Un passo (due.. quattro passi) avanti (o indietro) MARC

Figure 11

11

The forward steps are completed with a normal length and cadence: the backward steps are done with a smaller length and slower cadence (length M. 0,50 - = cadence 75 for minute). 17. To began marching. To begin marching the command is: Avanti MARC, Always stomp left foot to the ground with moderate quickness, and continue with definite and easy footstep, marching as a unit, marching erect, head held high. In the first days of [the soldiers] education, practice the soldiers in the habit of marching with ease, allowing some opportunity for exercising free "marching" [during] which every soldier marches for practice within a space pointed out by the instructor. The length of the normal pace is of m. 0,76; for the bersaglieri m. 0,86. The normal cadence is 120 footsteps to the minute; for the bersaglieri, 140. For the purpose to make it easier for the soldiers to learn the exact cadence of [marching] in line they have the drummers of the band to play. In the first exercises the instructor can also give the cadence counting in time with a loud voice "one - two" [un due] and demanding that the soldiers step with the left foot on the ground on un, and with the right foot on due. While formed in a squad he can control the cadence with the command: passo.

given when the right foot is about to step on the ground; to this command the soldiers [next] stomps the left foot to the ground, and if this noise is not simultaneous, the command is actually repeated to get everyone together [in step]. 18. March at a run [double time]. a) Double time. - From the stationary, the command di corsa MARC', the movement is begun with the left foot and it is performed in the style prescribed by the Istruzione per la ginnastica militare (Capo V) [Instruction for Military Gymnastics (Chapter V)]. While marching, the run is begun to the command: di CORSA. The normal length of the quick time pace is m. 0,90 to a cadence of 170 footsteps to the minute. For the bersaglieri it is respectively of m. 1 and 180 paces to the minute. b) Fast Run. - From the stationary, to the command: corsa veloce MARC, [the soldier] initiates the movement with the right foot and it is performed in the style prescribed by the Istruzione per la ginnastica militare (Capo V) [Instruction for Military

12

Gymnastics (Chapter V)] so that to reach the end of the run in the shortest possible time. While marching the command is: corsa veloce.. 19. To stop marching While marching or running, the command: squadra (or platone or.....) - ALT halt the march with the foot that is lifted at that time from and to bring it together with the other foot beating it to the ground with moderate quickness; simultaneously move the arms into the position of attention, with a quick movement. Because this movement is easily performed, it is worthwhile to give the command of execution while the right foot is about to step on the ground. To stop the fast run is given the command: ALT and the halt happens is not done simultaneously. 20. To change the pace. From the march to the run: [Double time] di - CORSA.

From the run to the march: [Quick time] di - PASSO From the march or the run to the fast run: corsa veloce. 21. March in place. [Mark time] To momentarily suspend the march without losing the step, the command: segnate il - PASSO. At this command the soldiers stops the march in place, alternately lifting the knees to raise the foot around 20 cms. from the ground, maintaining the same cadence that they had in the march. To resume marching, the command prescribed in n. 17 is given with the recommendation to give that command when the right foot steps on the ground. To stop the movement is given the same command prescribed in n. 19. 22. To change the footstep. - The command: cambiate, In cadence, the foot in movement is placed on the ground; the other foot immediately moves into contact with the front one and [the front foot] recovers the march [cadence]: all of this in the time of an single footstep.

13

23. Way of regulating the exercises for the run and fast run. - You must train the infantrymen to be in good condition for long runs, alternating the run and the walk, and to perform for brief times a fast run. The necessary progression of this instruction is achieved by increasing bit by bit the length of the run, the weight of the equipment, the difficulties of the ground of the exercise (at first plain, then varied, broken, uneven, and with obstacles). 24. Movement of about face. - The command: dietro -FRONT: a) from the halt: it is completed with a quick half turn to the left on the toe of the right foot and on the left heel, then the right foot is moved forward to join the left returning to the position of attention: b) while marching: (walking or running): it is completed with a quick half turn to the left, on the toes of the feet, with the right foot in front of the left foot, and the march is continued in the opposite direction. To make easier such movement it is worthwhile to give the command of execution while the right foot is about to step on the ground. 25. Movement to the flank and to the front. - The command: fianco destr (o sinistr) - DESTR (or SINISTR):

a) from the halt: it is completed quickly to the right with a quarter of a turn (or to the left), on the right heel (or left) and on the point of the left foot (or right); the forward foot is return to the rearward foot, returning to the position of attention; b) while marching: (walking or running) it is completed quickly to the right with a quarter of turn (or to the left) on the point of the foot that is forward when the command of execution is heard, and the march is continued in the new direction. To return facing forward from the flank: destr (or sinistr) - FRONT. This movement, from the halt as in the march, is performed in the same way pointed out for that of the flank.

Chapter III POSITION AND MOVEMENTS WITH WEAPONS

FORWORD

26. The movements with the rifle (or with the carbine) must be performed with quickness and energy; the body has to remain in the correct position and not follow the movements of the arms. 27. The commands for the movements and the positions with the weapon, when the unit is armed with rifles, carbines

14

and rifles mod. 91, must be given [as if the entire unit is equipped with] the rifle, keeping in mind that for those armed with rifle 91, they will rest their arms when the order fiancarm [order arms] is said for the rifle and carbine. 28. Simultaneity and the precision are the essential characteristics of the movements and positions with the weapons. They are not considerations in the following [movements]: inastare or levate [fix or raise] the bayonet, while stationary; from fianc'arm (or pied'arm) [order arms] to presentat'arm [present arms] and vice-versa; from fianc'arm (or pied'arm) [order arms] to spall'arm [shoulder arms] and vice-versa. At the start of the instruction the more complex movements must be separated into steps so that the soldiers can easily learn perform them with simultaneity and precision. For the bilanc'arm movements - bracc'arm - tracoll'arm, to spall'arm (and vice-versa) quickness is essentially required rather than simultaneity and precision. 29. The facing movements [fianco and front] are described in n. 25 without arms, they are executed the same with arms: the soldier however, if marching with bilanc'arm, on the warning command, will straighten up the weapon, bringing it beside him and pressing the right elbow to his side and returning to bilanc'arm when completing the movement; if armed with rifle or carbine, he performs the movement holding the weapon at fianc'arm; if armed with rifle 91, at pied'arm, lifting the butt of the rifle so it doesnt drag on the ground.

30. To ground or to recover equipment and the weapons. Whenever is decided necessary and opportune to ground or to recover the [soldiers] equipment or weapons, the commands are: Material a terra; o materiali in spalla; lasciate le armi, o ripigliate le armi. When placing the weapons on the ground (or grounding equipment) take care of not to damage [the weapon], specifically the sights.

31. Position of attenti [attention] (fianc'arm with the rifle and carbine and pied'arm with the rifle 91). Command and execution, as for the position of attention without weapon, assuming the position of which to the figs. 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 and if at tracoll'arm (sling arms) as in the fig. 52.

32. Position of riposo [rest]: command and execution as for the position of riposo without arms. On order they assumed the position shown in figs. 17 and 18, and, if at tracoll'arm (sling arms) as that of the fig. 53.

15

Figure 12

Figure 13

fianc'arm

16

Figure 14

Figure 15

pied'arm

17

Figure 16

Figure 17

riposo

18

33. Individual Salute with the arms: a) from the stationary position: with the same formalities as explained in letter a) of the n. 12 [the soldier] assumes the position of attenti, swiftly bringing the left hand to the weapon, as it appears in figs. 19 and 20; b) in reporting to a superior: [once the soldier] reaches three footsteps from the superior he comes to fianc'arm or pied'arm and then completes the same movement described in the salute without weapon in the same manner as in the preceding letter a). If the rifle (or carbine) is at tracoll'arm (sling arms), the salute consists of assuming the position shown in fig. 52; c) in march: it is the same as been said in n. 12 d) in regards in march without weapon, but the right arm doesnt move if the rifle is carried (spall'arm -bracc'arm - bilanc'arm), or if it is moving with the body (tracoll'arm). 34. To break ranks [fall out]. From stationary or in march, the command: Rompete la righe -MARC, Salute in the suitable way instructed in the preceding number and to leave the place without noise, remaining in the area pointed out by the instructor.
Figure 18

riposo

35. To fix or raise the bayonet. - The bayonet is fixed (or unsheathed) from any position or carry of the arms, both from

19

Figure 19

Figure 20

20

the stationary and while marching, except when in the position of presentat'arm2. The command: baionetta; a) while stationary: those armed with rifle or the carbine mod. 91, bring the left hand to the button or the lock of the bayonet (figures 21 and 22), then press it and lower [the blade], then they rotate the bayonet upwards (figures 23 and 24), while shouting: " Savoia ", and then they lock it downwards. Once completed, they take the position of fianc'arm. Those armed with carbine mod. 91 T.S. bring the weapon vertically in front of the right eye and grasp it with the left hand as in the fig. 25; with the right hand they unsheathe the bayonet and bring it aloft vertically with a straight arm while shouting: " Savoia " (fig. 26), then affix it and then return immediately the position of fianc'arm. With the rifle mod. 91, the command is clearly given in three separate steps: " ba ...ionet ...ta." The command: BA: push the muzzle of the weapon to the front while the butt is on the ground: with the left hand to grasp the weapon under the front barrel band (fig. 27);
2

IONET: with the right hand unsheathe the bayonet and bring aloft vertically with a straight arm shouting: " Savoia " (fig. 28); TA: Affix the bayonet (fig.29) and immediately to return in the position of pied'arm. b) while moving, [with] any type of weapon, [the bayonet] is unsheathed or bayonet is released with the left hand and is fixed with the maximum quickness, the tempo varying, but uniformly, onto its position on the weapon. While marching in bilanc'arm with several ranks, the infantrymen of the ranks behind the first must hold the weapon with the end of the bayonet lifted, so that to avoid any danger of injury to the companions that are in front [of them]. To remove the bayonet the command,: LEVATE: with the rifle or the carbine the movements are the reverse to those descriptions above that appeared (figures 30 and 31); with the rifle mod. 91 the command is given clearly in three separate counts: " LE ...VA...TE."

For this position, which is assumed to always be executed while stationary, it is necessary to fix the bayonet before giving the command of presentat'arm.

21

Figure 21

Figure 22

22

Figure 23

Figure 24

23

Figure 25

Figure 26

24

Figure 27

Figure 28

25

Figure 29

Figure 30

26

To the commands: LE: push the muzzle of the weapon to the front while the butt is on the ground: with the left hand to grasp the weapon under the front barrel band (fig. 29); VA: remove the bayonet with the right hand and to bring it vertically aloft with a straight arm (fig. 32); TE: put the bayonet into the sheath doing it by pass the left arm before the body (fig.27): immediately to take back the position of piedarm passing the left arm close to the body. 36. Position of presentat'arm [present arms]. - The salute with the presentat'arms is completed (with the bayonet first raised) from the position of fianc'arm or pied'arm, in two counts; the command: Presentat' - ARM: a) with the rifle or the carbine: 1 step: with the right hand move the rifle so it is aligned with the right eye, barrel to the rear, with the rear sight 10 cms. from the body (fig. 33, 34, 37); energetically and resolutely grasp it [the rifle] with the left hand with the thumb along the sling and the fingers united and around the stock, the left forearm is horizontal with the elbow held against the body (figures 34 and 35).

Figure 31

27

Figure 32

Figure 33

28

Figure 34

Figure 35

29

Figure 36

Figure 37

presentat'arm

30

2 step: rotate the right hand holding the weapon on the neck of the stock, thumb behind the bolt and the other fingers in front, [fingers] together and slightly bend: keeping the rifle or carbine vertical, extending the arms naturally (figures 36 and 37); b) with the rifle mod. 91: 1 count: lift the rifle with the right hand, grasping it under the sling below the barrel band: move it to bring it in line with the right eye, barrel to the rear, with the rear sight 10 cms. from the body, (fig.38); energetically and resolutely grasp it [the rifle] with the left hand with the thumb along the stock ling and the fingers united and around the stock so that the lower hand corresponds to the upper hand superior extremity of the I lift: the horizontal left forearm, the narrow elbow to the body (fig.39); 2 step: to bring the right hand to the stock with energy: folding the thumb, under and against the rear of the bolt and with the other fingers together and slightly bend holding: vertical the rifle: the right arm naturally extended (figure 37 and 40). To return to fianc'arm or pied'arm, the movement is performed in three counts; to the command: Fianc ARM (o pied ARM): a) with the rifle or the carbine:

1 count: rapidly remove the right hand from the weapon bringing it to 10 cms. away (fig. 41) and energetically grasp the weapon as in fianc'arm; 2 count: bring the weapon to the right side, the left hand remaining on it, fingers together and straight, and the forearm held horizontal (fig. 42); 3 count: return in the position of attenti passing the left arm in front of the body. b) with the rifle mod. 91: 1 count: rapidly remove the right hand energetically grasping the weapon under the sling under the other hand; the thumb opposite to the other fingers that are together and folded around the stock (fig. 39). 2 count: to bring beside the rifle right with the thumb of the right hand against the buttock, the left hand remaining on it, fingers together and straight, and the forearm held horizontal (fig. 43); 3 count: return to the position of pied'arm by lowering the rifle with the right arm and with energy pass the left arm in front of the body. 37. Position of bilanc'arm [carry arms]. -from fiancarm (or pied'arm) the command: Bilanc' - ARM; a) with the rifle or carbine: move the weapon in front of you supporting it with the left hand under the bayonet channel (fig. 44), grasp it with the right hand - thumb above and the

31

other fingers under the stock in front of the receiver, lowering so that the weapon is horizontal, removing the other [hand] extended arm naturally and to bring the left arm in the position of attention (fig. 45); b) with the rifle mod. 91: snap the rifle up with the right hand [letting the rifle slide in the hand] and assume the position of which to the figure 46; extended arm naturally, without effort. From bilanc'arm the command: fianc' - ARM (or pied' - ARM): a) with the rifle or the carbine: to straighten it up with the right hand; grasp it with the left hand under the band with the sling swivel (fig. 47); to grasp it with the right hand on the small of the stock and bring it in the position of fianc'arm; b) with the rifle mod. 91: to straighten it with the right hand allowing it to slide down in the same one, and to take the position of attenti. The soldier while marching in bilanc'arm, on the command of: ALT, he takes, without any other command, the position of fianc'arm (or pied'arm) as his right foot approaches his left one. The two steps to come to fianc'arm (or pied'arm) are performed to the cadence of the footsteps.

While marching in the position of bilanc'arm the weapon can be passed to that of bracc'arm, tracoll'arm, spall'arm 38. Position of bracc'arm [right shoulder sling arms] From fianc'arm (or pied'arm) or from bilanc'arm while marching, the command Bracc'- ARM: a) with the rifle or carbine: lift it as appears in the fig. 48, to bring it with the left hand; with lively movement, on the right shoulder (figures 49 and 50); b) with the rifle mod. 91: lift it as appears in the figure 51 and to complete the following movement as for the rifle or carbine; c) the soldier in fianc'arm (or pied'arm) when given the order to march takes, without command, the position of bilanc'arm, completing the movement simultaneously with the first footstep. The command: fianc'-ARM (or pied'-ARM); a) with the rifle or carbine: with the right hand to the small of the stock and with the left to the sling near the higher sling swivel, to remove it from the shoulder as it appears from the fig. 49; to unthread the right arm from under the sling and grasped the rifle or the carbine at the to the small of the stock, to bring it to the side assuming the position of attenti;

32

Figure 38

Figure 39

33

Figure 40

presentat'arm

Figure 41

34

Figure 42

Figure 43

35

Figure 44

Figure 45

bilanc'arm

36

Figure 46

Figure 47

bilanc'arm

37

Figure 48

Figure 49

38

Figure 50

Figure 51

bracc'arm

39

b) with the rifle mod. 91: with the same movement of the letter a) to bring the rifle to pied'arm assuming the position of attenti; c) the soldier marching in bracc'arm, on the command of alt, takes, without awaiting another command, the position of fianc'arm (or pied'arm). While marching in the position of bracc'arm it [the rifle] can be passed to that of Bilanc'arm, tracoll'arm or spall'arm. 39. Position of tracoll'arm [sling arms across back]. From fianc'arm (or pied'arm), bilanc'arm, bracc'arm, spall'arm to the command of: Tracoll-Arm.

(1), to the command: spall'- Arm: with the rifle or carbine (three counts): 1 count: to snap up the weapon, lifting it so the left hand grabs it as in fig. 54; then the right hand grasps it as it appears in fig. 55; 2 count: to support the weapon to the right shoulder making to flow from the left hand, handling it so it looks like that in fig. 56; 3 count: to the position of attenti.

The rifle or carbine is prepared to be worn like a bandolier across the back, as from fig. 52. Such position can also be assumed in the following cases: on bicycle or in motorcycle when the weapon is not held in special custody; in units with pack animals, when he must load and unload weapons and materials; in the special service as a driver or courier; to overcome terrain obstacles that requires the free use of the two arms. The position of tracoll'arm is maintained during rests (fig. 53) and to the command of halt when marching. 40. Position of spall'arm [shoulder arms]: a) from fianc'arm (or pied'arm) it is passed to spall'arm

with the rifle 91: the same movements are completed as described for the rifle or carbine. It is returned to the original position to the command: fianc'- Arm (or pied'- Arm): with the rifle or carbine (three counts): 1 count: bring the rifle in the position of 1 count of fianc'arm and spall'arm, fig. 54, doing it go down in front of the body; 2 count: grasp it with the right hand as in fianc'arm and bring to the side with snap, barrel back], accompanying it with a sweep of the left hand near the barrel band;

40

Figure 53 Figure 52

tracoll'arm il riposo

tracoll'arm

41

Figure 54

Figure 55

42

3 count: assume the position of attenti; with the rifle mod. 91: 1 count: as for the rifle or carbine; 2 count: grasp it with the right hand as it appears in fig. 57, guiding it to bring it to the right side, toward the body, with a sweep of the left hand to bring the left forearm horizontal ; 3 count: to extent the right arm to take a position of attenti. b) from bilanc'arm - bracc'arm - tracoll'arm passed to spall'arm to the command,: spall' Arm. The movement is performed with maximum speed with all the necessary movements to bring the weapon from the position of bilanc'arm, or bracc'arm, or tracoll'arm to the position of the 1 count of the spall'arm, then bring it to the shoulder without the three counts. c) from spall'arm it is passed to bilanc'arm - bracc'arm tracoll'arm, to the command:
Figure 56

spall'arm

bilanc'- Arm, bracc'- Arm,

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tracoll'- Arm, complete the same movement as the 1 count of fianc'arm or spall'arm (or pied'arm) and after wards with maximum speed take the weapon to bilanc'arm - or to bracc'arm - or to tracoll'arm. d) the soldier while marching in spall'arm, to the command of ALT stops, remaining in the position of spall'arm; [The soldier] returns to fianc'arm or pied'arm with a suitable command.

Figure 57

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