I noticed that in years after Desert Storm, US forces as well as those around the world changed the way they held their rifles in their guarded but rested position. It used to be straight across the body with one hand on the grip, the other one on the barrel handle.
![](../../../homepage.mac.com/stazon/iblog/C1935680534/E20060720204724/Media/somalia_1993.gif)
Today you see them being slightly hunched toward the ground with a single finger on the grip.
![](../../../www.baseops.net/militarybooks/army_7.jpg)
My only question is, was this a standardized change made in the 90's for all US service personal on how to hold their rifles when not firing? Does anyone know why this change was made and its benefits?
Thanks for any help on this subject!
James