So i have spent some trying to figure this out, but have not. So i thought i would ask here.

I wish to create a contact that is standing ready with a rifle. Like a guard. I have tried using both federation officers in the enemy group tab, and tried the regular contacts.

Using the animations tab, i can make them do push ups, and dance, and other things.
But when i try to use Stand with a rifle, or even the shot gun one, nothing happens.

Is there anyway to make a contact stand while holding a rifle ready?

Thanks for any help.

Pretty sure that's not possible. I've asked this before and apparently guns only spawn when they start fighting.

EDIT. I guess you could create a fight while the player can't see the NPC(s) and hope they win

You can't do it with a contact. What you could do is use a friendly NPC group and have them fight a weak group, so that they'll win and have their weapons out. If you have a commander group fight an ensign animal group, or better yet the strongest captain group fight an ensign animal group, they will almost certainly win while taking minimal casualties.