MANUAL FOR NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 109 



161. If any command be required in connection with the 

 characteristic use of the pistol in mounted combat, it consists 

 simplj' of an indication of the momen*: at which fire may begin. 

 For this purpose the command COMMENCE FIRING may be 

 employed in any case for which a command may be desirable. 



MANUAL OF THE SABER, DISMOUNTED. 



162. For this instruction, dismounted, the saber in the scab- 

 bard is carried in the left hand. 



In the position of attention the saber will be held upright by 

 the side, guard to the front, the shoe of the scabbard resting 

 on the ground close to the left foot and just in front of the 

 heel. The left arm will be extended, the fingers and thumb 

 grasping the scabbard, back of the hand outward. 



In the necessary movements on foot with the saber in hand 

 the saber is carried with the hilt to the front and higher than 

 the shoe of the scabbard. 



Oflicers, dismounted, may carry the saber in the hollow of 

 the left arm, elbow bent, forearm horizontal, guard of the 

 saber to the front, blade vertical. An officer or noncommis- 

 sioned officer habitually draws saber before giving any com- 

 mands involving the use of that weapon by those under him. 

 Officers and noncommissioned officers out of ranks draw saber 

 only on occasions when the men draw saber unless otherwise 

 prescribed. The saber may be drawn for signaling. 



163. The saber is intended for mounted combat. The In- 

 structor will impress upon the recruit from the first that the 

 use of the saber in war is ordinarily limited to occasions of 

 mounted combat, and that instruction on foot in its use is 

 merely preliminary to the mounted training which the recruit 

 will receive later. 



164. For dismounted instruction, if the squad is in ranks 

 the : .structor causes intervals or distances (pars. 85-88) to be 

 taken before drawing saber. 



165. 1. Draw, 2. SABER. 



At the command draw, grasp the scabbard with the left 

 hand about 4 inches from the mouth, place the left hand 

 against the thigh, and carry the hilt to the front; turn the 

 head slightly to the left without deranging the position and 

 glance at the saber knot ; engage the right wrist in the saber 



