Part 2
c. Shuffle Left.—To shuffle left, follow the same procedure for shuffle right, except move the left foot to the left and follow with the right. To move to the left front execute a partial whirl to the left and then shuffle forward in the desired direction. See figure 4 for an illustration of the shuffle left movement.
[Illustration: Figure 4.—Shuffle Left.]
d. Shuffle Forward.—To shuffle forward, step about 15 inches forward with the left foot and follow with the right foot to assume the guard position. See figure 5 for an illustration of the shuffle forward.
[Illustration: Figure 5.—Shuffle Forward.]
SECTION 3: INDIVIDUAL ATTACK
301. GENERAL
There are five basic attack movements; the slash (to include the horizontal slash), vertical butt stroke, smash, horizontal butt stroke, and jab. The movements described for hands, feet, and body are done simultaneously, both in the attack and during recovery to the guard position.
302. THE SLASH
a. Execution.—The slash is executed in the following manner:
(1) Assume the guard position.
(2) Step forward about 15 inches with the left foot, keeping the right foot in place as a base. (See fig. 6.)
(3) Hold the right hand in place, extending the left arm almost fully, while pulling back on the butt with the right arm. Swing the edge of the bayonet forward and down in a slashing arc aimed at the opponent’s neck area.
[Illustration: Figure 6.—Slash-Step Forward.]
(4) The step forward and the extension of the left arm are performed simultaneously. The forward step adds force to the slashing movement.
(5) At full extension of the arms, when delivery of the blow is complete, the bayonet should be flat. The left arm is extended, and the right forearm is held along the stock of the rifle, approximately waist high. (See fig. 7.)
b. Horizontal Slash.—There is a variation to this movement known as the horizontal slash. The difference is that the bayonet fighter steps forward with the left foot and rotates his body to the right by pivoting on the right foot. At the same time bring the rifle and bayonet to a relatively horizontal position in front of the body. Simultaneously, the right arm is pulled across the body and a hooking action is executed with the left arm. This slash is directed on a horizontal plane at the opponent’s head, neck or side.
c. Recovery to the Guard Position
(1) Bend the left arm, pivoting the rifle in the right hand.
(2) Take a step forward with the right foot.
(3) Rotate the body slightly to the front.
[Illustration: Figure 7.—Slash-Delivery.]
303. THE VERTICAL BUTT STROKE
a. Execution.—The vertical butt stroke is executed in the following manner:
(1) Assume the guard position.
(2) Step forward with the right foot about 15 inches. (See fig. 8.)
(3) Using the left hand as a pivot for the rifle, drive the right hand forward and upward in an uppercut type motion. Aim the butt of the rifle at the groin. If the opponent bends to avoid being hit in the groin, his midsection and chin will protrude. In this event, carry the stroke upward until contact is made with his midsection or chin along the centerline of his body.
(4) Execute the step and uppercut motion at the same time to add force to the blow. (See figs. 9 and 10.)
b. Recovery to the Guard Position.
(1) Pull the right hand back and down until the right elbow is again slightly forward of the right hip in a relaxed, natural position.
(2) Step forward with the left foot and assume the guard position.
[Illustration: Figure 8.—Vertical Butt Stroke-Step Forward.]
[Illustration: Figure 9.—Vertical Butt Stroke to the Groin.]
[Illustration: Figure 10.—Vertical Butt Stroke to the Chin.]
304. THE SMASH
a. Execution.—The smash, frequently used as a followup to the vertical or horizontal butt stroke, is executed as follows:
(1) Assume the guard position.
(2) Draw the left arm back to the neck area. The rifle is held with sling up. The rifle is now over the left shoulder, parallel to the deck. (See fig. 11.)
(3) Step toward the opponent about 15 inches with the right foot, slamming the rifle butt into the opponent’s face by extending the arms about 6 inches toward the target, the rifle remains parallel to the deck. (See fig. 12.)
(4) Follow with the left foot after the blow has been struck. If further extension of the arms is necessary, the bayonet fighter should shuffle forward and again execute the smash.
b. Recovery to the Guard Position.—Step forward with the left foot about 15 inches, assuming the guard position.
[Illustration: Figure 11.—Smash-Step Forward.]
[Illustration: Figure 12.—Smash-Delivery.]
305. THE HORIZONTAL BUTT STROKE
a. Execution.—The horizontal butt stroke is executed as follows:
(1) Assume the guard position.
(2) Step forward approximately 20 inches forward with the right foot, using the left foot as a pivot point. (See fig. 13.)
(3) Simultaneously, bring the rifle butt across in a horizontal arc, using the left hand as a pivot point. The right arm is almost completely extended. This is a fast hooking action.
(4) During delivery the rifle is held flat on its side so the toe of the rifle and the sling are pointed toward the target. If the rifle is not held flat, it is possible that the stock will be broken by the force of an aggressive butt stroke. (See figs. 14 and 15.)
(5) Aim the toe of the butt plate at the opponent’s head, neck, or side.
(6) The step, pivot, and blow should all occur simultaneously in order to add force to the blow.
b. Recovery to the Guard Position.
(1) Step forward with the left foot.
(2) Bend the right arm, lowering the right hand to assume the guard position.
[Illustration: Figure 13.—Horizontal Butt Stroke.]
[Illustration: Figure 14.—Horizontal Butt Stroke—Delivery to the Head.]
[Illustration: Figure 15.—Horizontal Butt Stroke—Delivery to the Side.]
306. THE JAB
a. Execution.—The jab is executed as follows:
(1) Assume the guard position.
(2) Move the left hand downward diagonally across the body, extending the left arm fully. At this point the blade of the bayonet should be flat, pointed toward the opponent. At the same time, pull the small of the stock to the rear with the right hand until the cone of the stock is opposite the hip bone and the right forearm is resting along the flat of the stock with the sling turned out. (See fig. 16.)
(3) Aim the blade at the opponents midsection from the stomach to the throat.
(4) Step forward about 15 inches with the left foot, pushing forward with the shoulders, and thrusting the blade into the opponent. (See figs. 17 and 18.)
b. Recovery to the Guard Position.
(1) Withdraw the blade and bring the right hand down and forward while bringing the left hand back.
(2) Step forward with the right foot and assume the guard position.
[Illustration: Figure 16.—Jab Step Forward.]
[Illustration: Figure 17.—Jab to the Throat.]
[Illustration: Figure 18.—Jab to the Midsection.]
SECTION 4: INDIVIDUAL DEFENSE
401. GENERAL
At times the bayonet fighter may lose the initiative and the opponent may move into the attack. Some defensive measures are therefore necessary for protection and in order to permit the bayonet fighter to regain the initiative. The basic defensive moves are the block and parry. The parry is effective against the jab, while the block is used against the slash and the vertical butt stroke. Timing, speed, and judgment are key factors in handling defensive moves. The parry is done either to the right or left, depending on the position of the incoming blade. If the opponent’s blade comes in above the bayonet fighter’s piece, the parry should be to the right. If it comes in below the bayonet fighter’s piece, the parry should be to the left.
402. PARRY RIGHT
a. Execution
(1) If the opponent’s blade is thrust toward the bayonet fighter in a position above the piece of the bayonet fighter, the parry will be to the right.
(2) From the guard position, step forward about 7 inches with the left foot, keeping the right foot as a base.
(3) Extend the left arm outward, to the right and down, engaging the opponent’s weapon and forcing it to the right and down. This is done by pulling the right hand back along the right hip. Ideally, the opponent’s weapon is engaged at the balance of the bayonet fighter’s weapon. The operating handle is pointed toward the deck after the opponent’s weapon is engaged. (See fig. 19.)
b. Move into the Attack and Recovery.
(1) Move directly into the attack rather than returning to the guard position.
(2) Deliver a jab, or step forward with the right foot and deliver a vertical butt stroke.
(3) Recover to the guard position as prescribed in section 3.
403. PARRY LEFT
a. Execution.
(1) If the opponent’s blade is thrust toward the bayonet fighter in a position below the piece of the bayonet fighter, the parry will be to the left.
[Illustration: Figure 19.—Parry Right.]
(2) From the guard position, step forward about 7 inches with the left foot, using the right foot as a base. Bring the rifle to a vertical position with the right forearm nearly parallel to the deck.
(3) Snap the left hand forward to the left and down engaging the opponent’s weapon anywhere between the back of the bayonet and the balance of the bayonet fighter’s piece. The rifle will be nearly horizontal with the operating handle up and the sling pointing toward the opponent. (See fig. 20.)
b. Move into the Attack and Recovery.
(1) After the parry left, a slash can be delivered by stepping forward with the left foot. A horizontal or vertical butt stroke can be delivered by stepping forward with the right foot.
(2) Recover to the guard position as prescribed in section 3.
404. BLOCK AGAINST SLASH
a. Execution.
(1) From the guard position, thrust the rifle out and up. The weapon stays in the same general position as in the guard position, but the arms are now nearly at full extension.
(2) Push the balance of the rifle into the opponent’s rifle. (See fig. 21.)
[Illustration: Figure 20.—Parry Left.]
b. Move Into the Attack and Recovery.
(1) After the opponent’s slash is blocked he is overextended and off balance.
(2) Counter with a slash or horizontal butt stroke.
(3) Recover to the guard position in the same manner as outlined in section 3.
405. BLOCK AGAINST VERTICAL BUTT STROKE
a. Execution
(1) From the guard position, extend the arms out and down.
(2) The rifle is now nearly horizontal to the deck, and the arms fully extended.
(3) Engage the opponent’s stock near the balance of the rifle. (See fig. 22.)
b. Move into the Attack and Recovery
(1) Counter with a horizontal slash or horizontal butt stroke.
(2) Recover to the guard position in the same manner prescribed in section 3.
[Illustration: Figure 21.—Block Slash.]
[Illustration: Figure 22.—Block Vertical Butt Stroke.]
SECTION 5: COMBINATION MOVEMENTS
501. GENERAL
Followup movements are attack movements which naturally and harmoniously follow other attack movements. The followup movement is executed from the completed position of the previous movement, rather than after recovery to the guard position. To ensure a successful attack a bayonet fighter follows each movement with another attack movement until he has killed his opponent. All attack movements are designed so that the attacker is in position to deliver another attack movement should his initial attack not be successful. For example, if the attacker delivers a slash which is blocked, he is in excellent position to followup with a vertical butt stroke. Ideally, the followup movement is executed in the same plane as the previous movement, and it is in keeping with this principle that the followup movements listed in the following paragraph are designed. The most important principle is to follow the initial attack with another offensive action so that the initiative is not lost. The key principle here is aggressiveness rather than a memorized technique. Aggressiveness is the real spirit of the followup attack. Show no mercy, for the enemy will show none.
502. LIST OF MOVEMENTS
The below listed combinations allow the best transition from one attack movement to another with the least amount of wasted motion. This enables the bayonet fighter to stay on the attack without having to return to the guard position after an unsuccessful initial attack, thus risking loss of the initiative.
a. Guard, slash, vertical butt stroke or horizontal butt stroke, recover to guard position.
b. Guard, parry left, vertical butt stroke or horizontal butt stroke, smash, slash, recover to guard position.
c. Guard, jab, vertical butt stroke, smash, slash, recover to guard position.
d. Guard, parry right, jab, recover to guard position.
e. Guard, block slash, vertical butt stroke, smash, recover to guard position.
f. Guard, block vertical butt stroke, slash or jab, horizontal butt stroke, recover to guard position.
g. Guard, block vertical butt stroke, horizontal slash, vertical butt stroke, smash, recover to guard position.
SECTION 6: GROUP ATTACK AND DEFENSE
601. GENERAL
a. All the individuals in group actions employ the same individual movements previously described.
b. Teamwork is important in any endeavor, and especially in fighting. The bayonet fighting team can use a few simple tactics to take advantage of superior numbers before the enemy reinforces his position. Teamwork can also be used to overcome a numerical advantage favoring the enemy.
602. GROUP ATTACK
a. Two Against One.—Two Marines approach a single enemy. Unable to anticipate his actions they advance directly forward but neither converges on him. As the range closes, the enemy will turn his attention toward one of the two. This Marine advances quickly toward the enemy and engages him. The other Marine advances quickly toward the enemy’s exposed flank and kills him. Should the enemy turn to guard his exposed flank he exposes the other flank, and can be killed by the Marine who first attacked him. In such a coordinated attack the Marine who makes the kill is usually the one attacking the exposed flank. The approach, attack, and kill are made in a very few seconds. The importance of speed and aggressive action is obvious. (See fig. 23.)
b. Three Against Two.—Three Marines approach two opponents. The Marines advance directly forward awaiting the enemy’s reaction. Two Marines will be engaged. The third then moves swiftly to the exposed flank of one of the enemy, usually the nearest to his position. As soon as one enemy is killed, the other is attacked swiftly from his exposed flank by the Marine who can reach him first. Should either enemy being attacked on the exposed flank turn to defend that flank, he is swiftly killed by the Marine who was originally making the frontal attack. (See fig. 24).
603. GROUP DEFENSE
a. One Against Two.—When one Marine is engaged by two enemy opponents, he immediately dashes to the outboard flank of the nearest enemy. Should he allow himself to be caught between the two, he will be easily killed. He always keeps an enemy between himself and the other enemy so they can be engaged and killed one at a time. A savage attack and quick disposal of one enemy, before the second can move to the aid of the first, turns the tide. (See fig. 25.)
[Illustration:
1. Approach
2. Contact
3. Alternate attack
Figure 23.—Two Against One.]
[Illustration:
1. Approach
2. Contact
Figure 24.—Three Against Two.]
[Illustration:
1. Approach
2. Contact
Figure 25.—One Against Two.]
b. Two Against Three.—When two Marines are engaged by three enemy, both move to the outboard flanks of the enemy, leaving one enemy in the middle. Each Marine savagely attacks and disposes of his adversary before the enemy in the middle can act to help one of his companions. Once one Marine has defeated his opponent he turns on the lone enemy in the middle. Again, victory will go the side which acts swiftly and aggressively. (See fig. 26.)
[Illustration: Two Against Three.
Figure 26.—Two Against Three.]
SECTION 7: TRAINING
701. GENERAL
a. In addition to introducing the student to the offensive and defensive movements of bayonet fighting, the initial stages of training should emphasize the development of speed, form, balance, timing, coordination, and a vicious, aggressive attitude, all important in bayonet fighting. The instructor works to develop a genuine determination in his students; i.e., to gain the initiative from the beginning and move in to kill the opponent. Each student yells and growls as he executes his practice moves to get into the proper habit. This gives the student the self-confidence and enthusiasm he needs. The instructor tries to make the yell spontaneous, if possible, but if students fail to perform properly, they are encouraged until they do so.
b. Future training rekindles the spirit of aggressiveness. Variety is employed in training to avoid boredom and useless repetition. The use of training aids such as the pugil stick and bayonet assault course provide this variety, and are also extremely valuable as training vehicles. Bayonet training should be as vigorous as possible in order to contribute to the physical condition of the student. It should be emphasized that bayonet fighting is not for the soft and paunchy.
702. DEMONSTRATION AND APPLICATION OF THE BASIC FUNDAMENTALS
a. The recommended sequence for demonstration and application of the basic fundamentals of bayonet fighting is as follows:
(1) Guard position and footwork.
(2) Attack movements.
(3) Defensive movements.
(4) Combined movements.
(5) Group attack and defense.
b. Each position and movement is explained in detail and demonstrated by the primary instructor. Fundamentals and footwork, as well as attack and defensive movements, are covered slowly and thoroughly.
c. After a thorough explanation and demonstration, the students move slowly through everything covered in subparagraph a, above, in slow motion, by the numbers, until they are thoroughly familiar with what they have been taught. Speed is increased as the students become more familiar with the movements until they are being conducted at full speed. Timing, enthusiasm, and an aggressive spirit are maintained.
d. The whole sequence should be completed for one group of movements before the next is taught. For example, the student should be thoroughly familiar with the positions and footwork, and have mastered them at the normal rate, before he is introduced to the attack movements.
e. After individual movements have been mastered, combinations and followup movements are taught. These movements are then practiced by the students until they become second nature. The most effective movement to follow another is influenced by the opponent’s reaction. These movements are stressed and practiced until they become automatic. The bayonet fighter cannot stop to consider his next move. It is necessary that the student be able to deliver a forceful, aggressive series of attack movements, accompanied by proper footwork, without hesitation or indecision.
f. Practice of the attack and defensive movements against another student at half speed facilitates correction of errors. The two students correct one another, and secondary instructors move among the students, assisting with corrections.
g. Throughout training the student should be relaxed to avoid rigidity. The weapons should be held firmly, but not tensely. All phases of bayonet fighting are practiced until they are executed instinctively. The student should be able to strike at openings without thinking, and remain in the attack until he has killed his opponent.
703. THE ASSAULT COURSE
a. Purpose.—The bayonet assault course is constructed in order to achieve the following objectives:
(1) To familiarize the student with situations simulating those with which he might be confronted in an actual combat situation.
(2) To aid in developing the student’s speed, strength, and endurance.
(3) To challenge the determination and will power of the student. These qualities are extremely important.
(4) To provide a means for obtaining good bayonet fighting habits.
(5) To develop skill in bayonet fighting and make the various movements instinctive and second nature.
b. Obstacles.—The model assault course presented in this publication consists of ten obstacles. They are offered as examples of what can be used. The number and type of obstacles included in any given course depend on the ingenuity of the builders and local conditions. These obstacles are attacked with a mockup rifle which should resemble the M-14 rifle in weight and dimensions.
(1) Obstacle number 1 represents an enemy in the guard position. The student executes a parry right, steps forward, and executes a jab. (See fig. 27.)
[Illustration: Figure 27.—Obstacle 1.]
(2) Obstacle number 2 represents an enemy in the guard position. The student executes a parry right, steps forward and executes a vertical butt stroke. (See fig. 28.)
[Illustration: Figure 28.—Obstacle 2.]
(3) Obstacle number 3 represents an opponent in a position best suited for attack by the smash. The student steps forward and delivers the smash. (See fig. 29.)
[Illustration: Figure 29.—Obstacle 3.]
(4) Obstacle number 4 is a target for a vertical butt stroke. (See fig. 30.)
(5) Obstacle number 5 represents an opponent running toward the bayonet fighter. The student executes a jab so that the blade penetrates the center of the obstacle. The instructor emphasizes the importance of withdrawing the blade before moving on. (See fig. 31.)
[Illustration: Figure 30.—Obstacle 4.]
[Illustration: Figure 31.—Obstacle 5.]
(6) Obstacle number 6 is a target for a smash. (See fig. 32.)
[Illustration: Figure 32.—Obstacle 6.]
(7) Obstacle number 7 represents an enemy’s head and shoulders protruding from a foxhole. The student slashes at the tire portion of the obstacle. (See fig. 33.)
(8) Obstacle number 8 is a target for a horizontal butt stroke. The student executes the horizontal butt stroke, hitting the bag on top of the post. (See fig. 34.)
[Illustration: Figure 33.—Obstacle 7.]
(9) Obstacle number 9 represents an enemy behind an embankment. The student charges over the embankment, turns to face the enemy, executes a jab, then withdraws. (See fig. 35.)
(10) Obstacle number 10 is a training aid which can be used in connection with either basic or advanced bayonet drill. It is inexpensive and versatile. The trainee has his choice of methods of attack and can utilize all accepted bayonet movements against this obstacle. It can be used to introduce a “free” movement within an established course, depending on the individuals speed or position, or to constitute an entire course, utilizing assistant instructors to call different methods of attack in order to vary the trainees approach to the aid. (See fig. 36.)
[Illustration: Figure 34.—Obstacle 8.]
[Illustration: Figure 35.—Obstacle 9.]
c. Construction.—The ten obstacles are constructed from readily available materials. They consist mostly of old auto tires, canvas, and 2 by 4 inches and 4 by 4 inches lumber. Obstacles 1, 2, and 10 have moving wooden arms which are not difficult to construct. The obstacles should be set far enough apart to allow maneuvering between them. The assault course can be laid out in any available terrain, and should be at least 200 to 300 meters in length. Rugged terrain provides excellent physical conditioning facilities. Natural obstacles such as streams, ridges, thick foliage, etc., can be used to make the course more difficult. Artificial obstacles such as wire entanglements, log walks, hurdles, and fences can also be added.
[Illustration: Figure 36.—Obstacle 10 (Combination Obstacle).]
d. Safety Precautions.—Students should first run the assault course at a moderate pace, and increase their speed as their technique and physical condition improve. The instructor ensures that discipline and control are maintained. The instructor and his assistants station themselves along the course to observe the method of attack and make necessary corrections. In addition, the following safety precautions should be observed:
(1) Ensure that the bayonet is securely attached to the weapon before beginning the assault course.
(2) Caution personnel to remain in the line of obstacles. Serious injury can result if personnel are permitted to zigzag through the course.