191-376-4122 (SL1) - Position Yourself in Riot Control Formations
Standards: Position yourself in a formation, as directed by the squad or platoon leader to control the crowd effectively.

1.   Assume the safe-port position as shown in Figure 191-376-4122-1.

Figure 191-376-4122-1. Safe-port position

Note. Use this position when moving into a riot-control formation or when changing formations.

a. Grasp the small of the gun stock with your right hand. The forefinger should be toward the rear of the pistol grip.

b. Use your left hand to hold the sling against the hand guard by grasping the weapon just below the sling and touching the upper swing swivel. Ensure that the magazine well faces away from your body.

c. Hold the upper part of your left arm parallel with the ground, and bend your elbow so the forearm is straight up.

d. Keep your right elbow close to the body.

e. Position the heel of the rifle butt slightly to the right of your right shirt pocket.

f.  Slant the rifle enough to look straight ahead over the magazine well.

2.   Assume the safeguard position as shown in Figure 191-376-4122-2.

Figure 191-376-4122-2. Safeguard position

a. Use your right hand to grasp the small of the stock and hold it against the right side of your waist. The butt of the stock will extend to the rear of your buttocks.

b. Use your left arm, slightly bent at the elbow, to grasp the weapon just below the sling swivel using your left hand. Turn the weapon so the magazine well is facing down.

c. Raise the bayonet to throat level.

d. Place your feet together as for the position of attention when at a halt.

3.   Assume the on-guard position as shown in Figure 191-376-4122-3.

Figure 191-376-4122-3. On-guard position

a. Grasp the pistol grip with your right hand and, using right forearm, hold the stock snugly against your right waist, with the rifle butt even with the right seam of your trousers.

b. Use your left arm, slightly bent at the elbow, to grasp the weapon just below the sling swivel using your left hand. Turn the weapon so the magazine well is facing down.

c. Place your feet a comfortable distance apart when at a halt. Line up your left heel with your right toe and point your toes at the crowd. Slightly bend your knees, and lean forward while keeping your hips level. Point the bayonet at throat level.

d. Make a resounding stomp with your left foot when assuming the on-guard position.

Note. When using riot batons, execute the positions according to the supervisor's commands. Refer to Task 191-376-4121.

4.   Form a squad line formation using the hand signal as shown in Figure 191-376-4122-4.  Assume the safe-port position when the command "squad as skirmishers" is given or when the squad leader gives the hand-and-arm signal for a squad line formation.

Figure 191-376-4122-4. Hand signal for a squad line formation

Note. 

1.  On the command "MOVE," the base member will double-time to the position indicated by the squad leader.

2.  Remaining squad members will double-time forward and position themselves on line with the base member, one pace to the right of the preceding member.

3.  Everyone will remain in the safe port position until ordered to another position.

4.  Any size squad, platoon, or larger unit can be employed, and a crowd control formation can be adapted to fit the unit's organization.

5.   Form the squad echelon-right formation using hand signals as shown in Figure 191-376-4122-5.    Assume the safe port position when the command of "SQUAD ECHELON RIGHT" is given or when the squad leader gives the hand signal for an echelon-right formation.

Figure 191-376-4122-5. Hand Signal for a squad right formation

Notes.

1.  On the command "MOVE," the base member will double-time to the position indicated by the squad leader.

2.  Remaining squad members will double-time forward and position themselves on line with the base member, one pace to the right and one pace to the rear of the preceding member.

3.  Everyone will remain at safe port until ordered to another position.

6.   Form a squad echelon-left formation (Figure 191-376-4122-6).

Figure 191-376-4122-6. Hand signal for a squad echelon-left formation

7.   Form the squad wedge formation using the hand signal shown in Figure 191-376-4122-7.  Assume the safe-port position when the command "SQUAD WEDGE" is given or when the squad leader gives the hand signal for a wedge formation.

Figure 191-376-4122-7. Hand signal for a squad wedge formation

Notes.

1.  On the command "MOVE," the base member will double-time to the position indicated by the squad leader.

2.  Remaining odd-numbered squad members will double-time forward and position themselves on line with the base member, one pace to the left and one pace to the rear of the preceding member.

3.  Remaining even-numbered squad members will double-time forward and position themselves on line with the base member, one pace to the right and one pace to the rear of the preceding member.

4. Everyone will remain at the safe-port position until ordered to another position.

8.   Assemble from a riot control formation.

a. On the command "SQUAD ASSEMBLE," assume the safe-port position.

b. On the command "MOVE," the base member will double-time to the position indicated by the squad leader.

Note.  Remaining squad members will double-time forward and form a column behind the base member.  Everyone will remain at the safe-port position until ordered to another position.