MANUAL FOR NONCOMMISSIONED OFnCERS. 129 



fix the eyes on the opening of the scabbard ; raise the hand ; 

 insert the blade and push it home; disengage the wrist from 

 the saber knot ; and turn the head to the front. 



When the saber is carried on tlie right the return saber is 

 executed, so far as possible, at the halt. 



250. Inspection saber and present saber are executed as when 

 dismounted. 



251. Guard.— ThTwst the feet home in the stirrups and 

 crouch slightly in the saddle, benduig forward from the waist. 

 Otherwise as explained dismounted. 



In the charge in close order the trooper (in single rank) 

 assumes the position indicated in par. 297, the body almost in 

 a horizontal line over the horse's neck, the arm fully extended 

 to the front, the saber, in the full grasp, in prolongation of the 

 arm, guard up, finger nails to the right, point at the height of 

 the eye. When difficult ground is encountered the trooper 

 takes the position of guard while passing it. 



If charging in double rank, the front-rank troopers conform 

 to the positions indicated for single rank. Those troopers who 

 are in the rear rank or who are directly in rear of others, take 

 the position of port saber. 



In the melee the troopers take the position of guard toward 

 the nearest enemy, crouching slightly in the saddle and ali\'B 

 to all possible attacks. • 



Manual of the Pistol, Mounted. 



252. The modifications of the dismounted manual, incident 

 to the employment of the pistol mounted are explained in the 

 corresponding paragraphs of the Manual of the Pistol, Dis- 

 mounted (pars. 145-156). 



the etfle. 



(For troops armed with the Cavalry Equipment, Model of 

 1912.) 



253. Before standing to horse the trooper atttaches his rifle 

 to his belt by passing the muzzle up through the belt ring 

 and engaging the snap hook of the belt ring into the trigger 

 guard. 



36G°— 17 5 



