USMC Sword Manual Procedures

USMC Sword Manual Procedures are commonly used in the Marine Corps. Marines considered Non-commissioned Officers (NCO) as well as Staff Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCO) may find themselves having to perform the "Sword Manual", which is a stationary drill.

USMC Model 1859 NCO Sword
Type	Sword
Place of origin	United States
Service history
In service	1859–present
Used by	United States Marine Corps non-commissioned officers
Wars	Mid-19th and early-20th centuries
Production history
Designer	Modeled on U.S. Army M1850 foot officers’ sword
Designed	Introduced 1859, notable design changes 1875, 1918
Manufacturer	Horstmann, Ames, various others
Produced	1859–present
No. built	Undetermined
Variants	Unetched blades until 1875, wide blades until 1918
Specifications
Length	34–36 in (860–910 mm) commonly
Blade length	28–30 in (710–760 mm) commonly
Blade type	Saber, slightly curved, single-edged with false edge, made from various carbon steels, modern versions made from stainless steel
Hilt type	Cast-brass hilt, leather-wrapped grip
Scabbard/sheath	Black leather scabbard, two brass mounts, frog stud

Description

Most Marines that fall under the category of NCO or SNCO will be mandated to take a leadership course. Part of these courses require Marines to complete multiple drills. One of those drills is the Sword Manual.

• NCOs
  • ^[1] take Corporal's Course
  • ^[1] take Sergeants Course
• SNCOs
  • ^[1] take SNCO Academy
  • ^[1] take SNCO Academy

Marine using an NCO Sword with the MCCUU.

Sword Manual Procedures

• Draw sword
  • Command: "Draw, sword"
  • On the preparatory command: "Draw"

1. Grip the scabbard just below the frog with the left hand. Tilt it forward to form an angle of 45 degrees with the deck. At the same time, reach across the front of the body and grasp the sword grip with the right hand; draw the sword about 10 inches from the scabbard until the right wrist and forearm are straight and parallel to the deck. The left hand holds the scabbard against the side.^[2]

• • On the command of execution : "Sword"

1. Draw the sword smartly, raising the right arm to its full extent, directly to the front at an angle of about 45 degrees, the sword in a straight line with the arm, true edge down; drop the left hand to the side.
   1. Pause for one count.
      1. Bring the false edge of the blade against the shoulder seam, blade vertical, back of the grip to the rear, and the arm nearly extended. The right thumb and forefinger embrace the lower part of the grip, with the thumb against the trouser seam, and the remaining fingers joined in a natural curl behind the end of the hilt as if holding a pen or pencil. This is the position of carry sword.

• Present sword from carry or order sword
• Order sword from present sword
• Carry sword from order sword or present sword
• Eyes right (left) from carry or order sword
• Parade rest from order sword
• At ease from any position of the sword
• Rest from any position of the sword
• Return to Attention
• Return sword from carry or order sword^[2]

See also

• U.S. Marine Corps swords
• U.S. regulation swords