(_a_) Thorough familiarity with the weapon and facility in manipulating its mechanism under all conditions. This is acquired by training in the =Manual of the Pistol=. Constant practice is necessary in rapidly drawing the pistol from its holster, loading it, withdrawing magazine, and inserting magazine, at first at a halt, later in motion, and finally at rapid gaits. (_b_) Skill in firing the pistol. This is acquired by actual practice in the preliminary exercises and range firing as prescribed in the =Small-Arms Firing Manual=. (_c_) Control of the horse. This is acquired in the =School of the Trooper=. (_d_) The thorough inculcation in the trooper of the habit of _withholding his fire until within close range_. This can well be accomplished in individual training by exercises in firing or simulating fire at one or more silhouette targets. The trooper approaches at a gait graduated in accordance with his state of training and is required to withhold his fire until he passes a certain line. =160.= The other elements that enter into effective use of the pistol as a mounted weapon relate to the formations and tactics employed rather than to individual training. They pertain, therefore, to collective rather than individual instruction. =161.= If any command be required in connection with the characteristic use of the pistol in mounted combat, it consists simply of an indication of the moment at which fire may begin. For this purpose the command =COMMENCE FIRING= may be employed in any case for which a command may be desirable. MANUAL OF THE SABER, DISMOUNTED. =162.= For this instruction, dismounted, the saber in the scabbard is carried in the left hand. In the position of attention the saber will be held upright by the side, guard to the front, the shoe of the scabbard resting on the ground close to the left foot and just in front of the heel. The left arm will be extended, the fingers and thumb grasping the scabbard, back of the hand outward. In the necessary movements on foot with the saber in hand the saber is carried with the hilt to the front and higher than the shoe of the scabbard. Officers, dismounted, may carry the saber in the hollow of the left arm, elbow bent, forearm horizontal, guard of the saber to the front, blade vertical. An officer or noncommissioned officer habitually draws saber before giving any commands involving the use of that weapon by those under him. Officers and noncommissioned officers out of ranks draw saber only on occasions when the men draw saber unless otherwise prescribed. The saber may be drawn for signaling. =163.= The saber is intended for mounted combat. The instructor will impress upon the recruit from the first that the use of the saber in war is ordinarily limited to occasions of mounted combat, and that instruction on foot in its use is merely preliminary to the mounted training which the recruit will receive later.