When I was a young lad and enlisted in the US Navy, my first experience like everyone was boot camp.
After receiving a new wardrobe, we were marched to the armory and issued a weapon. In our case, it was an old Springfield. That weapon became our bunkmate. We carried it everywhere with us.
Many hours were spent on the parade ground marching and training for our graduation from boot camp. Included in that training was the "16 Count Manual Arms," and the proper way to "Present Arms."
Every day during those training periods, the voice of the Chief coming over the loudspeakers instructed us that "Present Arms" was the "hightest honor we could present to Old Glory."