Back to First War
The commands of the Steuben musket drill seem too slow and deliberate to
modern ears to be of efficient use in a battle situation. However, through
proper execution of the training commands, the soldiers became a well-
synchronized unit. Speed came with practice. In the stress of battle,
officers gave shortened combat commands, and Washington's men could fire
coordinated volleys of musket fire every fifteen seconds.
The Training Commands
1. Half-cock Firelock
Soldier pulls musket cock back one
notch and opens the steel (frizzen).
2. Handle Cartridge
Soldier slaps cartridge box to settle
the powder in the cartridges, tears open
the cartridge with his teeth, and places
the opened cartridge under his chin to
protect it.
3. Prime
Soldier places a small amount of powder in the
pan.
4. Shut Pan
Soldier shuts the steel to hold the powder in
the pan and casts the musket about in order to
place the cartridge in the barrel.
5. Charge with Cartridge
Soldier dumps powder down the barrel and then
places the paper-wrapped musket balls into the
barrel.
6. Draw Rammer
Soldier draws the ramrod out.
7. Ram Down Cartridge
Soldier rams paper-wrapped musket balls down
securely on top of the powder with the ramrod.
8. Return Rammer
Soldier returns ramrod to its place beneath the
barrel.
9. Shoulder Firelock
Soldier holds musket steady on the left
shoulder.
10. Poise Firelock
Soldier places musket in the ready position.
11. Full-cock Firelock
Soldier pulls musket cock back to second notch.
12. Take Aim
Soldier levels musket.
13. Fire
Fires musket.
Combat Commands
1. Load
Soldier loads musket using steps 1-9. From the
shouldered firelock position, the officers can
order the soldiers to charge, retreat, or
fire.
If the officers want the soldiers to fire, the
commands are:
2. Make Ready
Soldier goes through poise position and pulls
musket cock back to second notch.
3. Take Aim
Soldier levels musket.
4. Fire
Fires musket.
