Manual for Noncommissioned Officers and Privates of Cavalry of the Army / of the United States 1917. To be also used by Engineer Companies (Mounted) for Cavalry Instruction and Training

by United States. War Department

Each trooper at once unslings his rifle (or takes it from the scabbard) and resumes his position similar to stand to horse, his rifle at the order, the reins as described in par. 262.

264. As the inspector approaches the right of the rank the trooper on the right executes inspection arms (par. 112).

The inspector takes the piece, grasping it with his right hand just above the rear sight, the man dropping his hands. The inspector inspects the piece, and, with the hand and piece in the same position as in receiving it, hands it back to the man, who takes it with the left hand at the balance, executes port arms, and slings the rifle or places it in the scabbard, according to his equipment.

As the inspector returns the piece the next man executes inspection arms, and so on through the troop.

Should the piece be inspected without handling, each man proceeds as above as soon as the captain passes to the next man.

265. As the inspector approaches the right of the rank of odd numbers, after completing the inspection of the rifles of the even numbers, the first two troopers of the rank execute inspection pistol.

To inspect the pistol closely the inspector grasps it with his left hand above the trooper's hand, makes such examination as is desired, and hands the pistol back to the trooper in the same position as that in which the inspector took the weapon. The trooper takes the pistol with the right hand as in inspection pistol and executes return pistol. Should the pistols be inspected without handling, each man executes return pistol as the inspector passes to the next trooper.

266. If no indication be given for the inspection of rifles they remain slung or in the scabbard, according to the equipment carried. If only rifles are ordered inspected, pistols are not presented for inspection and rifles are slung or returned to the scabbard as soon as inspected.

If only pistols are ordered inspected, they are presented by the two troopers on the right when the inspector approaches the rank the first time after dismounting.

267. During the inspection of arms the inspector, observes the appearance of the men, horses, equipment, and clothing.