6. Penetration of the Pointed Bullet.—A table will be found in the Appendix to Field Entrenchments of this series giving the approximate penetration of the pointed bullet when firing at various substances. In order to obtain bullet-proof cover, an extra thickness of substance must be added to these measurements of penetration. Earth should not be less than 3½ feet thick to afford bullet-proof cover. If the soil is free from stones, a thickness of 4 feet is desirable. This thickness may roughly be measured with a service rifle, 3 feet 8½ inches long.
Section 32.—Muscle Exercises.
1. (i) To accustom the muscles to the strain of prolonged firing the following exercises will be performed daily during the elementary training of recruits, and frequently by trained soldiers. Care must be taken that men are not unduly fatigued by the exercises, and that they do not commence them when they are tired. In each practice, a conspicuous object, representing the target, will be indicated, and the rifle will invariably be thrown into approximate alignment with it.
(ii) In the first and third exercises the correct aiming position will be assumed, including taking the pull, bringing the cheek on to the butt, and closing the left eye, but without actually aligning the sights. In the second exercise the first pull will be taken when the right hand grasps the rifle, but the head will not be lowered, the left eye will not be closed, nor will the sights be aligned.
2. First Practice.—To be performed with and without bayonet fixed. Caution:—Muscle Exercise. First Practice. Commands:—Standing or Lying—Load.
One.—Bring the rifle to the position for aiming, return at once to the position for loading, and continue the practice.
Unload.
3. Second Practice.—Caution:—Muscle Exercise. Second Practice. Commands:—Standing or Lying—Load.
One.—Bring the rifle to the position for aiming.
Two.—Quit the rifle with the right hand.
Three.—Seize the rifle with the right hand, and at the same time quit it with the left hand.
Unload.
Note.—The words Two and Three will be given at intervals of about 10 seconds. The trigger will not be pressed when in the third position.
4. Third Practice.—To be performed with and without bayonet fixed. Caution:—Muscle Exercise. Third Practice. Commands:—Standing or Lying—Load.