5-17. These procedures apply to all movements while at Sling Arms:

• Remain at Sling Arms during all rest movements.  

• All individual and unit drill movements can be executed at Sling Arms except Double Time, Stack Arms, and Fix and Unfix Bayonets, which are executed from Order Arms.  

• When in formation at Sling Arms, execute the Hand Salute on the command Present, ARMS.  

• Platoon leaders and p latoon sergeants carry their rifles at Sling Arms during all drills and ceremonies, and from this position they execute Present Arms only. They do not execute Unsling Arms. This also applies to squad leaders when squads drill as separate units.  

• When all members of a unit are carrying their rifles at Sling Arms, the platoon leaders and platoon sergeants execute Present Arms only. They do not execute Unsling Arms.

5-18. To execute Sling Arms from Order Arms (see figure 5-11), use the following procedures:  

• To execute Sling Army from Order Arms with the sling(s) loose, the command for Sling Arms is Sling, ARMS.

• On the command of execution ARMS, grasp the sling near the upper sling swivel with the left hand, and release the right hand. Place the right hand and arm between the sling and carbine and place the sling over the right shoulder.  

• Re-grasp the sling with the right hand so that the wrist is straight, the right forearm is horizontal, the elbow is tight against the side, and the carbine is vertical.  

• Release the grasp of the left hand and move it sharply to the left side as in the Position of Attention.

5-19. To return the carbine to Order Arms with the sling tight, the command is Adjust, SLINGS (see figure 5-12 on page 5-16). On command of execution SLINGS, remove the carbine from the shoulder. Then, grasp the barrel with the right hand and raise it vertically. With the left hand, place the butt of the carbine on the right hip and cradle it in the crook of the right arm. Use both hands to tighten the sling on the ejection port side. Grasp the handguards just above the slip ring with the left hand and move the weapon to the Order Arms position. At the same time, move the right hand to the side and grasp the butt of the weapon. After grasping the butt with the right hand, release the grasp of the left hand and return it sharply to the side as in the Position of Attention and return to Order Arms.

5-20. From Order Arms with sling(s) tight, the command is Sling, ARMS. On the command of execution ARMS, reach across the body with the left hand and grasp the handguards just above the slip ring and, with the right hand, place the butt on the right hip, cradle the carbine in the crook of the right arm, and use both hands to adjust the sling. Grasp the sling with the left hand near the upper sling swivel and execute Sling Arms (as previously described in paragraph 5-17).

5-21. If an element is at Order Arms with the sling loose and the commander wants the sling to be tightened, they command Adjust, SLINGS. On the command of execution SLINGS, tighten the sling and guide the carbine to Order Arms (as previously described in paragraph 5-18).

Note: Unless otherwise specified, armed elements of a formation fall-in at Order Arms with slings loose.

5-22. To return the carbine to Order Arms with the sling loose, the command is Unsling, ARMS. On the command of execution ARMS, reach across the body with the left hand and grasp the sling at the right shoulder. Release the right hand grasp of the sling and remove the carbine from the shoulder. Grasp the barrel with the right hand, release the left hand and regrasp the handguards just above the slip ring, release the grasp of the right hand, and move the carbine to the Order Arms position (as previously described in paragraph 5- 18). Move the carbine to the position of Order Arms and regrasp the butt with the right hand. After grasping the butt with the right hand, release the grasp of the left hand and return it sharply to the side as in the Position of Attention and return to Order Arms.

5-23. To execute Salute while at Sling Arms (see figure 5-13), use the following procedures:  

• To Salute while at Sling Arms, the command is Present, ARMS:  

  • On the command of execution ARMS, reach across the body with the left hand and grasp the sling just above the right hand.  

  • Release the right hand and execute the Hand Salute

• To terminate the Hand Salute, the command is Order, ARMS:  

  • On the command of execution ARMS, lower the right hand sharply to the side as in the Position of Attention and then regrasp the sling at the original position.

  • After grasping the sling with the right hand, release the left hand and return it sharply to the left side as in the Position of Attention.

• When rendering reports or courtesy to an individual, the same rules apply for the Hand Salute (as explained in the individual drill).

Note: Individuals performing duty in congested areas, which would require frequent salutes, should carry the weapon at Sling Arms.

5-24. To execute Port Arms from Sling Arms (see figure 5-14 on page 5-18), use the following procedures:

• The command for this movement is Port, ARMS:

  • On the command of execution ARMS, reach across the body with the left hand and grasp the sling at the shoulder.  

  • Lift the weapon (by the sling), swing it to the front of the body, and grasp the small of the stock with the right hand.  

  • Release the sling (left hand) and regrasp the weapon just forward of the slip ring.

• Ensure that the carbine is 4 inches from the belt and held diagonally across the body. Keep the elbows in at the sides and the right forearm horizontal.

5-25. To resume Sling Arms, the command is Sling, ARMS. On the command of execution ARMS, grasp the sling near the upper sling swivel with the left hand. Release the right hand and swing the carbine back onto the shoulder by placing the right arm between the sling and carbine, immediately resume the position of Sling Arms.

5-26. To execute Inspection Arms from Sling Arms the command for this movement is Inspection, ARMS. On the command of execution ARMS, execute Port Arms and then execute counts three through seven in the same manner as for Inspection Arms from Order Arms:

• Ready, Port, ARMS is executed in the same manner as explained in the manual of arms.  

• To resume Sling Arms, the procedures are the same as from Port Arms.

5-27. To execute Inspection Arms when the magazine is in the carbine, remove the magazine (just before count three) with the left hand and place it between the waist (left front) and the clothing. Return the magazine immediately after pulling the trigger and before resuming Port Arms. If the pistol belt is worn, the magazine will be placed between the pistol belt and the clothing (left front).