Marine corps drill and ceremonies manual - Regimental Drum Major ...

moves around the platoon commander’s left to a position in front
of the right flank man in the first rank. He moves from man to
man by stepping off to the right in marching, halting, and
executing a left face. The platoon commander must move in the
same manner so as not to be in the company commander’s way.
(4) Each man executes the movements to inspection arms for his
weapon immediately after the company commander has completed the
left face movement and is facing him.
(5) The company commander takes all individual weapons from the
individual being inspected. He takes the rifle by grasping the
handguard with his right hand. The man whose rifle is being
inspected immediately drops his hands to his sides. After
inspecting the weapon, the company commander hands in back with
his right hand in the same position. The man smartly takes his
weapon by grasping the center of the handguard just forward of
the slipring with his left hand, closes the bolt, pulls the
trigger, and returns the weapon to order arms as soon as he
receives it. The company commander takes and returns other
weapons in the most convenient manner. A detailed inspection
will include bayonets and other equipment carried.
(6) Bayonets will be inspected when the company commander is in the
rear of the rank. He will take and replace them without
assistance from the man being inspected. The man will merely
raise his left arm when the company commander takes and replaces
the bayonet.
(7) Upon completion of the inspection of his platoon, the platoon
commander, having led the company commander down the rear of the
last squad, executes column left and halts when 3 paces beyond
the right flank man of the first rank. He faces left, calls the
entire platoon to attention, and then resumes his post, (see
par. 20-2b(1). The company commander passes to his right, faces
to the left in marching, halts, and executes a left face. He
then gives the platoon commander any instructions necessary.
The platoon and company commanders exchange salutes and the
latter proceeds to the next platoon.
(8) Upon completion of the inspection of each platoon, its commander
faces left and orders CLOSE RANKS, MARCH. At the command MARCH,
the platoon commander moves by the most direct route and takes
his post 6 paces in front of the center of his platoon.
(9) The company commander may direct the platoon commanders to make
the detailed inspection by the following order, PLATOON
COMMANDERS, INSPECT YOUR PLATOONS. In this case, each platoon
commander complies. They may direct their platoon sergeants to
accompany them for the purpose of taking notes. The company
commander will normally spot check individuals while platoon
commanders are inspecting their platoons. In this case, men at
ease will automatically come to attention upon his approach, and
to inspection arms if he stops in front of them, regardless of
whether they have been previously inspected.
20-3. INSPECTION OF PERSONAL FIELD EQUIPMENT IN RANKS
a. The company forms in column of platoons, in line for a preliminary
rifle inspection. After the inspection of the first platoon, the company
commander directs the platoon commander to prepare for inspection of
equipment. Upon his departure to inspect the arms of the next platoon,
the platoon commander orders FIRST SQUAD, 2 PACES FORWARD, MARCH; SECOND
SQUAD, 1 PACE FORWARD, MARCH. He then causes the platoon to take
interval, after which he commands UNSLING EQUIPMENT. Upon the completion
of this, he orders DISPLAY EQUIPMENT.
20-2