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

3-4. TRAIL ARMS
a. When at order arms and a command is given to move a unit a short
distance, to face the unit, or to align the unit, trail arms is executed
automatically on the command of execution for the movement. The rifle is
returned to order arms gently and without command upon completion of the
movement.
b. For training purposes, trail arms nay be executed while halted
at order arms. The command is TRAIL ARMS. At the command of execution
ARMS, the rifle is raised vertically 3 inches off the deck. The wrist is
kept straight with the thumb along the seam of the trousers (see fig. 3-4).
Figure 3-4.--Trail Arms.
c. At the command ORDER ARMS, the rifle is gently and quietly
lowered vertically to the position of order arms.
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