e. The coach will adjust the sandbag as follows:

(1) Have the pupil assume the prone position and aim at the target.

(2) Set the sandbag on its bottom and arrange the sand so that it is slightly higher than the back of the pupil's left hand.

(3) Facing the pupil, straddle the rifle barrel and slide the sandbag against the pupil's left forearm, so that the narrow side of the bag supports his forearm and wrist and the back of his hand rests on top.

(4) Lower the sandbag to the proper height by pounding it with the hand.

216. Sitting position (see Pl. 11).— -a. The firer sits half-faced to the right; feet well apart and well braced on the heels, which are dug slightly into the ground; body leaning well forward; both arms resting inside the legs and well braced; cheek pressed firmly against the stock and placed as far forward as possible without straining; left hand near the lower band swivel, the rifle resting on the palm of the hand.

b. The sitting position is used in the field when firing from ground that slopes downward to the front. In practicing this position the feet may be slightly lower than the ground upon which the pupil sits. Sitting on a low sandbag is authorized.

217. Kneeling position (see Pl. 12).-The firer kneels halffaced to the right on the right knee, sitting on the right heel: the left knee bent so that the left lower leg is vertical; left arm well under the rifle and resting on the left knee, with the point of the elbow beyond the kneecap; right elbow approximately at the height of the shoulder; cheek pressed firmly against the stock and placed as far forward as possible without strain. Sitting on the side of the foot instead of the heel is authorized.

218. Standing position (see Pl. 13).-The firer stands halffaced to the right; feet from 1 foot to 2 feet apart; body erect and well balanced; left elbow well under the rifle; left hand grasping the piece in front of the balance, rifle resting on the palm of the left hand, which grasps the piece in front of the balance; butt of the piece high up on the shoulder and firmly held; right elbow approximately at the height of the shoulder; cheek pressed against the stock and placed as far forward as possible without strain. A position with the left hand against or under the trigger guard and with the left upper arm sup

ported against the body is not a practical field position and is prohibited.

219. Positions in standing trench.-a. These positions will vary according to the style of trench and build of the man. In

PLATE 11.-Sitting position

general, it is a good plan to have as many points of support for the body and arms as possible.

In a trench that has no berm for the left elbow the position is the normal standing position. The left hand is placed against the top of the parapet and the rifle, just beyond the hand, rests

on the parapet. With the berm, the position is about the same except that the left elbow rests on the berm. When the berm

is wide enough, as it often is, both elbows can be rested on it, in which case the position of the upper part of the body is about the same as in the prone position with the sandbag rest.

b. In all positions in a trench the soldier should lean well against the butt of the rifle to insure firmness and steadiness. 220. Position exercises.—Instruction in positions is the second step in the preparatory training and is conducted as follows:

a. The instructor assembles his squad or group, shows them the proper method of blackening the front and rear sights of the rifle, and has each pupil blacken his sights.

b. The instructor explains and demonstrates the hasty sling adjustment and assists each pupil to adjust his sling. He explains the loop sling adjustment and assists each pupil to adjust his sling.

c. The instructor explains and demonstrates the proper manner of taking up the slack and has each pupil practice it.

d. The instructor explains and demonstrates the proper manner of holding the breath and has each pupil practice it.

e. The instructor explains and demonstrates the use of the aiming device.

f. The instructor explains the general rules which apply to all positions.

g. The instructor explains and demonstrates the prone position, prone positions with sandbag rest, sitting, kneeling, and standing position. He has each pupil assume each of these positions and corrects any errors that exist.

h. The above points having been shown to the assembled group, the instruction becomes individual by the coach and pupil method supervised by the instructor. Small aiming bull'seyes are used for this instruction. These bull's-eyes must be placed at different heights so that in aiming from the various positions the rifle will be horizontal.

221. Duties of the coach in position exercises.—In the position exercises the coach watches the following points:

a. That the sights are blackened.

b. That the gun sling is properly adjusted, is tight enough to give support, and is high up on the arm.

c. That the proper position is taken.

d. That the slack is taken up promptly.

e. That the aim is correct.

f. That the breath is held while aiming. As soon as the aim becomes unsteady the exercises cease and after a short rest are repeated. The coach checks the pupil's aim occasionally by means of the aiming device, and the pupil's manner of holding his breath by watching his back. The trigger is not squeezed in the position exercises.