First Special Service Force
6th CO, 3rd REG
Living History Group Member: HRS

Training Manual TM 10-275, Principles of Cold Weather Clothing and Equipment, 26 October 1944, offered the following directions on how to attach the rifle to the rucksack:

a) Hold the rifle at the balance point with the left hand, with sling down.

b) Snap the wire hook, which is on the right horn of the pack frame, into the butt swivel on the side toward the body. Hold the piece erect from the swivel.

c) Bring the strap from the right top of the rucksack forward over the right shoulder, passing outside the piece.

d) Grasp the strap with the left hand and snap it over the head, allowing the rifle to drop between the pack and the right should, with the sling to the body. Place the ring on the strap into the hook on the left shoulder strap. The ring will slide in and out of the hook most easily if it is turned half over and rolled in or out. The rifle is released by rolling the ring out of the hook, putting the strap over the head, and letting the piece slide down the strap into the hand. The hook is then unsnapped from the butt swivel.”