inspection arms

American  

noun

1. a position in military drill in which the missile chamber of a weapon is open for inspection.

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Etymology

Origin of inspection arms

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

One of those challenges was inspection arms, a drill where the recruit prepares his or her rifle for visual inspection by an officer.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 9, 2025

As the inspector returns the piece the next man executes inspection arms, and so on through the troop.

From Manual for Noncommissioned Officers and Privates of Cavalry of the Army of the United States 1917 to be also used by Engineer Companies (Mounted) for Cavalry Instruction and Training by Department, U. S. War

Pieces, having been ordered loaded, are kept loaded without command until the command unload, or inspection arms, fresh clips being inserted when the magazine is exhausted.

From The Plattsburg Manual A Handbook for Military Training by Ellis, Olin Oglesby

As the captain returns the piece, the next man executes inspection arms, and so on through the company.

From Manual of Military Training Second, Revised Edition by Moss, James A. (James Alfred)

Each man, as the captain approaches him executes inspection arms.

From Manual of Military Training Second, Revised Edition by Moss, James A. (James Alfred)