[going hot]

Low ready sucks with a full length rifle with bayonet affixed for the same reason a long spear carried low sucks. it cannot be brought to bear quickly, especially in bush.

Bottom line, the actual combatant will carry any weapon based on the environment and type of danger likely to spring out of the foliage or countryside.

. In the movies, most scenes of battle ready troopers shucking and jiving down the lane with rifles pointed to the sun or slung on shoulders is used to make some movie point, other than the fact that they in fact are ready to be all killed in a snap of the fingers with their pants down.

[ArrogantBustard]

Bottom line, the actual combatant will carry any weapon based on the environment and type of danger likely to spring out of the foliage or countryside.

Yep ... and it's pretty obvious (to me, at least) when picking up and holding a weapon which way (muzzle up or muzzle down) to carry it will be more comfortable, less tiring, and quicker to aim.