WWII G.I. Weapon Carrying Methods
Published: August 30, 2010
Author & Researcher: Charles McFarlane
Contributor & Editor: Mike Ellis
Section I: Training
As you can see in the below photos, GIs in training were given little leeway in how they held their weapons. They were required to maintain positive control of the rifle at all times. Let's look at a few common variations on this theme.
Full Port Arms (used for most purposes)
Most of the time, positive control was ensured by holding the rifle with two hands, one at the handguard, and one at the pistol grip. The rifle stayed at approximately 45 degrees with muzzle safely pointed skyward. The closest manual of arms position to this is known as "port arms", thus I've named it such. It was not a stiff parade ground position of attention but a general stance of carry, however during rifle drill “port arms” was practiced until it became muscle memory. If there was a 1940s equivalent to the "low ready", this was it.
Easy Order Arms (used at rest)
During training, GIs were also given opportunity to rest. In these moments it was common to place the buttplate on the ground, and hold the rifle near the muzzle with one hand. This is similar to the parade ground "order arms", thus our designation for it. It was another “muscle memory” position, common in many Armies and seen in many images.
Section II: Theatre Maneuvering and Combat Situations. This is a look at GIs in a tactical setting, where combat experience required new methods.
Section III: Non Combat. This is the most relevant for reenactors, with group shots and posed pictures showing GIs in relaxed situations.
