One.—Bring the rifle to the position for aiming.
Unload.
Note.—The men will be trained progressively to hold the rifle in this position until they can do so without fatigue for two minutes.
5. Cadet Muscle Exercises.—(i) In the case of Cadets, the above muscle exercises may be carried out with a light rifle. Alternatively the special exercises for Cadets suggested in the following paragraph may be carried out in preference to the second and third Regulation muscle exercises, the strain of which may develop slowness of movement in young, growing lads by making the muscular tissues heavy rather than well-toned. Moreover, the repetition of these exercises is monotonous, and may cause a distaste for them in youths. Cadet muscle exercises which consist of going through the various movements of assuming the different firing positions, loading, sighting, aiming, and pressing the trigger, are therefore suggested as a substitute for the Regulation muscle exercises. The introduction of aiming at a mark—preferably a service target—in the course of muscle exercises will help to develop the muscles of the eye, together with those of the body and limbs.
(ii) These exercises have the advantages of occupying the mind of the cadet while exercising his muscles, and so diverting attention from the mere repetition of continued muscular effort, which is wearisome. They avoid the heavy strain of the third Regulation musketry exercise, and attain the object of the second—namely, to develop a firm grip of the hand on the weapon, which is essential to service shooting, while practising cadets in seizing the weapon quickly in the proper places. They further embrace all the muscles used in the act of firing by including the firing positions and trigger-pressing instead of those used in taking aim alone, and at the same time co-ordinate them into the quick, active movements essential for snapshooting and rapid firing.
(iii) Cadets must not be practised at these exercises till they have been trained to perform correctly the various movements necessary for assuming the different firing positions, loading, sighting, bringing the rifle to the shoulder for aim, and pressing the trigger. They may be exercised in squads, but the instructor must supervise the work of each cadet, and be careful to see that all the separate movements combined in each exercise are carried out correctly, without being slurred or wrongly made.
(iv) The instructor must also be careful to see that no cadet continues any muscle exercise until he is fatigued. The exercises must be light at first, and gradually increased according to the strength of individual cadets as their muscles grow stronger. Exercises will be carried out under the control of the instructor and according to his directions. Each exercise will be carried out in a series of three movements, which may be repeated for a number of times at his discretion.
(v) Cadet Muscle Exercise.—Caution:—Muscle Exercise. Commands:—Firing Position. Rate of Fire.
One.—Assume the firing position ordered, and bring the rifle to the position for loading.
Two.—Perform the action of loading and adjusting sights correctly to a given range.
Three.—Bring the rifle to the position for aiming, press the trigger, and return at once to the position for loading.
Note.—Rapid loading and unloading in the prone position with the rifle to the shoulder will also prove a useful muscle exercise.