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Einzelausbildung mit Gewehr

(Individual Training with the Rifle)

Rifle Drill

      

Grundstellunggrundstellungbasic position
This is not an order. The basic position with Gewehr is called Grundstellung. The position is simple and is always used when ordered to Angetregen (fall in). Just stand at Stillgestanden (Attention) with your rifle on your right side, butt-plate on the ground next to your right foot, aligned with your toes, and finger guard pointing forwards. Grasp the rifle with your right hand level with your left, thumb curled behind and the four fingers joined and extended pointing slightly downwards.
Grundstellung
Common Errors:
  1. Muzzle sticks out away from shoulder or not in line with it
  2. Four fingers are not extended cleanly and touching the rifle.
  3. Butt-plate is not close to foot
  4. Butt-plate is not in line with the toes
  5. Rifle is twisted, trigger guard is not pointing cleanly forwards.
das Gewehr, ab!das ge'vair, abOrder arms!
This order is given when you are to return to Grundstellung (basic position). When performed from das Gewehr, über (shoulder arms), it is done in three counts.
  1. Extend the left arm down and outwards so the rifle slides down your chest while simultaneously turning your hand to the left 90 degrees so the trigger guard points to your left. Bring your right hand across your chest and grab the rifle at shoulder height (same spot you hold the rifle when standing in Gewehr ab), and elbow slightly away and down, and pause momentarily.
  2. Swing the rifle down across your body and land the butt-plate on the ground with trigger guard pointing to your right and upright. Simultaneously bring your left arm down to your side in the basic stance.
  3. Turn the rifle to point the trigger guard forward and slide the butt-plate towards your foot. You should now be standing in the basic position.
Gewehr ab
Common Errors:
  1. Right hand grab is bowed outward instead of in close to the body over the ammo pouches
  2. Right hand does not properly and securely grab the rifle.
  3. Rifle leans instead of being upright with the body.
  4. Left hand is not in the basic position after the maneuver.
  5. Rifle butt is out of alignment with the foot.
das Gewehr,  über!das ge'vair, ooberLeft shoulder, arms!
This command is executed in four steps ending with the rifle almost vertical and supported by your left hand and shoulder. The action is done entirely by the arms and the rest of the body should remain absolutely rigid. Starting from  Grundstellung:
ub6
  1. The right hand brings the rifle up vertically above the center of the body so the top ring is in line with your collar. Grab with the left hand just underneath the right. The rifle should be several inches away from the chest directly over the tunic buttons with the trigger guard pointing left.
  2. Now move your right hand down and grab just above the bolt.
  3. Place the rifle over the left shoulder with the right hand while simultaneously grabbing the butt-plate with the left hand and rotating the rifle 90 degrees. The trigger guard should be at about your armpit. and a momentary pause. Bring your left hand into your body so the rifle is nearly vertical and the elbow only sticks out slightly.
  4. Now snap your right hand down to your side at attention.
Gewehr ueber
Common Errors:
  1. Upper body moves
  2. Incorrect Rifle position:
    1. Rifle is twisted
    2. Rifle is wrong
    3. Rifle is too steep
    4. Rifle is at an angle
    5. Left elbow sticks out
  3. Head moves
Achtung! Präsentiert, das Gewehr!pray-sen-teert das ge-vairPresent, arms!
The order is given starting from a position of das Gewehr über! (left shoulder arm). The commanding officer then barks out the command Achtung! ... Präsentiert das ... Gewehr!
pa1  pa2  pa3
Upon hearing the command Achtung:
  • The soldier rotates the rifle in his left hand 90 degrees clockwise until the trigger guard is facing to the left. Simultaneously grab at the rifle grip with the right hand, keep your fingers extended and joined together. 
Upon hearing the command Präsentiert das ... Gewehr:
  • With the right hand, rotate the weapon another 90 degrees clockwise while swinging the rifle forwards and down. 
  • Simultaneously bring your right foot back a half step and release the butt of the stock with your left hand and move it up along the left side of the stock and grasping it next to the lower sight. 
  • Extend the fingers of your left hand joined together facing away from the body and the thumb up under the bolt next to your body. 
  • The final position of the rifle should be over your left breast pocket, parallel to the body, with the trigger guard facing away. The top metal band of the barrel should be centered and level with your left eye.
present arms
Common Errors:
  1. Rifle is not parallel to your Tunic buttons.
  2. Presented rifle is twisted.
  3. Top of the action not level with the Patronnentasche
  4. Right hand is not in the correct location
Returning to das Gewehr über is simple and done in two steps. Upon hearing the command das Gewehr über!
  1. Lift your rifle with the right hand replacing it on the left should while moving the left hand back to the butt plate.
  2. The right hand is then returned to the position of attention.
das Gewehr, umhängenge'vair, oom-haehng'enSling arms!
Also das Gewehr, über but with the strap down so the rifle is hung on the right shoulder instead of against the left shoulder. The command is only given at das Gewehr, ab (order arms) and is done in three steps.
umh1  umh2  umh3
  1. With your right hand bring the rifle up vertically directly in front of the body above the chest.
  2. Grab the rifle with your left hand directly below your right hand. With the right grab the strap with your thumb extended on the underside and pull it tight to your chest.
  3. Swing the rifle around your right side onto your shoulder and your left hand back into the basic position, and keeping your right hand on the strap.

Gewehr umhangen

das Gewehr, abnehmen!ge'vair, ab-nay'minUnsling arms!
When in the position das Gewehr, umhängen (sling arms) the command given to unsling is das Gewehr, abnehmen, and return back to the basic position in the reverse order of das Gewehr, umhängen.
 
das Gewehr in die Hande! ge'vair in dee hahnduTake arms!
This is just an order to grab or move your rifle and carry it in your hand. The rifle should almost always carried by your right hand by gripping it around the action and held down at arms length at your waist keeping your left hand free. This will allow you free movement and speed while running.

Soldat mit Gewehr


Advanced:  
GewehrRifle
Gewehr im AnschlagWeapon at the ready
Setzt die, Gewehr! Zusammen!Stack Arms!
Laded und sichern!Lock and Load!
Seitengewehr, pflanzt auf!Fix Bayonets!
Sietengewer, an ort!Unfix Bayonets!
abgeschossenes Gewehrdischarge rifle
das Gewehr richtenTo align the sights
ein Gewehr anlegenTo raise a gun to your shoulder
sein Gewehr richtento aim ones rifle
ein Gewehr spannenTo cock a gun
Gewehr bei Fuß stehento be ready for battle
Das Gewehr war (nicht) entsichertThe rifle had the safety catch (on) off

References:

Reibert: Der Dienst Unterricht im Heere (Army Service Training Manual: printed 1940)

der Ersta Zug 



 

by Klaus | ©2007