(ii) In ordering arms from the examine, the first motion is to seize the rifle with the right hand between the backsight and the band, at the same time bringing the left foot back to the right. With the second motion the rifle will be brought to the order, the left hand being cut away to the side. CHAPTER II THE THEORY AND PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF RIFLE FIRE Section =8=.--General Information. =1. Need of Theoretical Knowledge.=--A knowledge of the theory of rifle fire is of great importance in enabling the best use to be made of the powerful and accurate weapon with which the soldier is armed. The next step in the soldier’s musketry training after he has been instructed in the construction, care, and cleaning of his rifle will therefore be devoted to teaching him the theory and application of rifle fire. This instruction will consist of lectures, important points being illustrated by the aid of diagrams or drawings made with chalk on a blackboard, and by practical demonstrations when possible. =2. Difference between Peace and War Conditions.=--(i) It is, however, of the utmost importance that the soldier should be taught from the first to apply his theoretical knowledge correctly. _The soldier must be made to realize clearly that the moral conditions under which fire is delivered in war are very different from those of peace._ Therefore deductions made as to the effect of fire from the theory of musketry applied under peace conditions, when firing takes place on open level ground under good conditions of light and atmosphere at visible targets at known distances with weapons in good condition in the total absence of any strain of excitement or fatigue and of the enemy’s fire, must not be applied to conclusions as to the effect of fire delivered under war conditions. [Illustration: BM = _Axis of barrel_ MF = _Line of departure_ MS = _Line of fire_ LOS = _Line of sight_ MTS = _Trajectory_ =Fig. 2.= ILLUSTRATION OF TRAJECTORY ETC.] [Illustration: AG = _Horizontal plane_ CMF = _Axis of barrel_ BMO = _Line of sight_ ML = ” ” _departure_ BMC = _Angle of tangent elevation--T_ OMP = _Angle of sight--S_ FMP = _Angle of quadrant elevation--QE_ LMP = _Angle of departure--D_ LMF = ” ” _jump--J_ MHO = _Trajectory_ =Fig. 3.= ILLUSTRATION OF TRAJECTORY ETC.] (ii) For under war conditions targets beyond close range are usually invisible or indistinct, and frequently in motion; distances are uncertain and difficult to judge; firing takes place under all conditions of light and atmosphere over every variety of ground, under the strain of excitement and fatigue in the face of artillery and rifle fire, with weapons which rapidly become imperfect owing to heavy wear. Accordingly, the theory of rifle fire is considered in this book in relation to practical service conditions.