166. 1. Return, 2. SABER.
At the command return, grasp the scabbard as in draw saber and carry the opening to the front. Carry the saber to the front with arm half extended until the thumb is about 6 inches in front of the chin, the blade vertical, guard to the left, the thumb extended along the side of the grip, the little finger joined with the others.
At the command saber, move the wrist to opposite the left shoulder, lower the blade and pass it across and along the left arm, point to the rear. Turn the head to the left, fixing the eyes upon the opening of the scabbard: raise the right hand and insert the blade in the scabbard and push it home. Disengage the wrist from the saber knot and resume the position of attention.
167. Being at carry saber: 1. Present, 2, SABER.
Without changing the position of the left hand, execute at the command saber what is prescribed in par. 166 at the command return, except that the grip is held in the full grasp. The saber is said to be held in the full grasp when all four fingers grasp the grip, the thumb extending along the back in the groove, the fingers pressing the back of the grip against the heel of the hand.
Officers at the command: 1. Present, execute present saber as described above; at the command: 2. SABER, they lower the saber until the point is 12 inches from the ground and directed to the front, guard to the left, right arm straight, hand beside the thigh. Mounted, the point Is lowered to the level of the stirrup.
168. Being at carry saber: 1. Port, 2. SABER.
Carry the right foot about 24 inches to the right, bring the left hand to the position of the bridle hand and raise the saber to a vertical position, guard to the front, grip held in the full grasp, right hand about 12 inches in front of the shoulder.
To resume the carry: 1. Carry, 2. SABER.
169. Being at carry saber, or in any position: GUARD.