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

. At the command UNSLING EQUIPMENT, each man draws his bayonet and
thrusts it into the ground, with his left hand, outside and against the
left instep. The bayonet ring is to the front. Men not armed with the
bayonet mark the place with their left heels. This is to mark the rear
right corner of the individual’s equipment lay-out. Each man armed with a
shoulder weapon lays it on the ground with muzzle to the front, barrel to
the left, and butt near the toe of his right foot. He then unslings his
equipment and places it on the ground 1 foot in front of his feet. The
top of the pack should be to the front and the side which faces rear when
worn should be up. All men resume attention when finished.
c. At the command DISPLAY EQUIPMENT, packs are opened and equipment
displayed as in current directives. The equipment is displayed in the
interval to the left of each man. As he finishes arranging his equipment,
each man resumes attention in his original position in ranks.
d. The company commander returns to the first platoon after inspecking
the arms of the last. He passes along the ranks from right to
left as before. When finished inspecting the platoon, he directs the
platoon commander to have the packs rolled and proceeds the platoon to the
next platoon to be inspected. The post of the platoon commander and his
action during the company commander’s arrival and departure is the same as
described in paragraph 20-2b.
e. The platoon commander then commands ROLL PACKS. Each man
assembles his equipment and rolls his pack. He places it in front of him,
as described in paragraph 20-3b and comes to attention.
f. After all equipment is assembled and packs rolled, the platoon
commander commands SLING EQUIPMENT. All men sling packs, fasten belts,
and take arms. They then assume their original place in formation, at
attention and order arms.
g. The platoon commander then causes the platoon to close interval
and then close ranks, after which he gives REST or AT EASE.
h. In units such as weapons or headquarters and service companies
which have special combat equipment, the company commander, after packs
have been opened or after individual inspection, directs DISPLAY
MACHINEGUN (MORTAR, or other) EQUIPMENT. Gun teams/squads under the
direction of their leaders break ranks and lay out their weapons and
accessories for inspection as described in the gun drill for that
particular weapon. Headquarters personnel lay out their fire control,
communication, or other equipment in a similar manner. Such equipment is
displayed 3 paces from the squad’s flank from which interval was taken.
The rear of the equipment is placed on line with the rear of the
individual field equipment.
20-4. INSPECTING OFFICER OTHER THAN COMPANY COMMANDER
Should the inspecting officer be other than the company commander,
the latter will face the original front of his company after commanding AT
EASE. Upon the approach of the inspecting officer, the inspection
proceeds as previously explained. The company commander follows the
inspecting officer.
20-5. BATTALION INSPECTIONS
a. The battalion is formed in column of companies with companies in
line or in line with companies in line, as prescribed in chapter 10.
Before the inspection, the battalion commander indicates whether crewserved
weapons and special equipment are to be displayed. They may be
laid out at the armory or left on their transportation for subsequent
inspection.
b. When the companies are in position, the battalion commander
commands PREPARE FOR INSPECTION. At this command, all companies prepare
as described in paragraph 20-2. The color guard proceeds to a position 3
paces in rear of the battalion staff.
20-3