6. Arms Hanging Naturally, thumbs against the seams of the trousers, fingers extended, and back of hand turned out.
The arms must not be forcibly extended nor held rigidly; if they are, a compensating faulty curve will occur in the lumbar region.
7. Head Erect, Chin Raised until neck is vertical, eyes fixed upon some object at their own height.
Every tendency to draw the chin in must be counteracted.
8. When this position is correctly assumed, the men will be taught to incline the body forward until the weight rests chiefly upon the balls of the feet, heels resting lightly upon the ground.
When properly assumed, a vertical line drawn from the top of the head should pass in front of the ear, shoulder and thighs, and find its base at the balls of the feet.
Every tendency toward rigidity must be avoided; all muscles are contracted only enough to maintain this position, which is one of co-ordination, of physical and mental alertness, that makes for mobility, activity and grace. A man who faints standing at attention has not taken the proper position.
Rests.
Position Of Rest And At Ease.—When men are standing at rest or at ease they must be cautioned to avoid assuming any position that will nullify the object of the position of Attention. Standing on one leg, folding arms, allowing shoulders or head to droop forward, must be discountenanced persistently until the men form the habit of resting with feet separated but on the same line, hands elapsed behind the back,—head, shoulders and trunk erect, (m.p.t., pp. 21 and 22.)
Fall Out.—Leave ranks.