What is the act of allowing the rifle to drop to the side when not in a ready position called?

The act of allowing the rifle to drop to the side when it is not in a ready position is known as “Order Arms.” This position signifies that the rifle is held in a relaxed state, typically at the side of the body, and is not prepared for immediate action or engagement. It is the default resting position for a service member when the rifle is not in use, symbolizing that the service member is not in a combat-ready state.

In contrast, other positions have distinct purposes: "Present Arms" is used for saluting with the rifle, "Ready Arms" depicts readiness for immediate action (where the rifle is held at a specific angle), and "Tactical Arms" involves holding the rifle at a high or low ready position for tactical movement. Understanding these distinct positions and their appropriate contexts is crucial for military drills and ceremonies.