Troops are trained to continue their fire upon the aiming point or
target designated, and at the sight setting announced, until a change
is ordered.

137. If the men are not already in the position of load, that position
is taken at the announcement of the sight setting; if the announcement
is omitted, the position is taken at the first command for firing.

138. When deployed, the use of the sling as an aid to accurate firing
is discretionary with each man.

_To Load._

139. Being in line or skirmish line at halt: 1. _With dummy (blank or
ball) cartridges_, 2. _LOAD_.

At the command _load_ each front-rank man or skirmisher faces half
right and carries the right foot to the right, about 1 foot, to such
position as will insure the greatest firmness and steadiness of the
body; raises, or lowers, the piece and drops it into the left hand at
the balance, left thumb extended along the stock, muzzle at the height
of the breast, and turns the cut-off up. With the right hand he turns
and draws the bolt back, takes a loaded clip and inserts the end in
the clip slots, places the thumb on the powder space of the top
cartridge, the fingers extending around the piece and tips resting on
the magazine floor plate; forces the cartridges into the magazine by
pressing down with the thumb; without removing the clip, thrusts the
bolt home, turning down the handle; turns the safety lock to the
"safe" and carries the hand to the small of the stock. Each rear rank
man moves to the right front, takes a similar position opposite the
interval to the right of his front rank man, muzzle of the piece
extending beyond the front rank, and loads.

A skirmish line may load while moving, the pieces being held as nearly
as practicable in the position of load.

If kneeling or sitting, the position of the piece is similar; if
kneeling, the left forearm rests on the left thigh; if sitting the
elbows are supported by the knees. If lying down, the left hand
steadies and supports the piece at the balance, the toe of the butt
resting on the ground, the muzzle off the ground.

For reference, these positions (standing, kneeling, and lying down)
are designated as that of _load_.

140. For instruction in loading: 1. _Simulate_, 2. _LOAD_.

Executed as above described except that the cut-off remains "off" and
the handling of cartridges is simulated.

The recruits are first taught to _simulate_ loading and firing; after
a few lessons dummy cartridges