United States Marine Corps

“ 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. ”

“ 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 [Pg 54] flank. The approach, attack, and kill are made in a very few seconds. The importance of speed and aggressive action is obvious. ”

“ If the bayonet fighter failed to disable his opponent with the first blow he was then frequently left at the enemy’s mercy. Dr. Seidler was convinced that the movements of the Biddle system were unnatural and this would result in their being discarded in an actual bayonet fight, and the bayonet fighter resorting to a disorganized attack on his enemy. Under the Seidler system the guard position remains the basic position. All movements begin from the guard position and each movement consists of an attack and a recovery. The recovery is a return to the guard position. ”

“ He makes maximum use of the rifle butt to open up vital areas. He delivers the butt strokes hard and close in, then kills with the blade. If the opponent gives no opening, he makes one by parrying his weapon. If required, the bayonet fighter protects himself through blocks and parries. The rifle and bayonet make a good shield. The best defense is not to allow the opponent to take the offensive. The successful bayonet fighter strikes the first blow and follows up with the kill. Training and practice are the only way to attain proper form, accuracy, agility, and speed with the rifle and feet. ”

“ 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. ”

“ Demonstration and Application.—All movements, offensive, defensive, and combinations are demonstrated with the pugil stick. The student is then given the opportunity to go through the movements with the pugil stick in slow motion, and then at normal speed. After gaining proficiency in all movements the students are given an opportunity to practice what they have learned against a target. An artificial stationary target offering resistance further develops timing and coordination. Heavy bags, similar to the type used by boxers in training, can be used effectively to train bayonet fighters. ”

“ An individual who got too far ahead and was killed before assistance could arrive was not contributing to a successful assault. Similarly, an individual who remained behind was useless in the assault.
(2) The individual attack movements described in early manuals closely resemble those taught and employed today. Today’s system is somewhat simpler and facilitates better balance of the bayonet fighter and control of the weapon. Training consisted of individual familiarization with the movements, the use of dummies, thrusting rings, and practice in assaulting enemy trenches with troops on line. ”

“ This type of training is necessary to teach the movements, but once they have been learned the student must automatically execute them in response to the movements of his opponent. There is no substitute for practical application when learning a skill. Actual bayonet fighting is not practical because of the hazards involved. However, bouts employing the pugil stick bear a close resemblance to actual bayonet fights, and can be employed without serious injury to either contestant. ”

“ The head is held high permitting continuous eye contact with the opponent. The opponent’s facial expression, especially the eyes, may give the bayonet fighter warning of his intentions, but the bayonet fighter must also keep the opponent’s feet and hands in view through peripheral vision.
d. Position of the Hands.—The hands grip the rifle firmly, but not tensely. The left hand grasps the rifle just below the upper sling swivel, under the sling. The right hand holds the small of the stock behind the trigger guard. ”

“ Practice and training in these traits lead to coordination, balance, speed, and endurance. The bayonet fighter must continue to practice these movements until they become second nature, and his attack as natural as running. ”

“ 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.)
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1. Approach
2. ”

“ It is held a sufficient distance from the chest to contribute to the balance of the bayonet fighter, usually 10 to 15 inches. The right arm is bent slightly providing a firm, solid position. The extended position of the arms protects the bayonet fighter’s body against an attacker’s blows and permits ready parry movements. In the guard position the rifle is held as in port arms, except that the sling and cutting edge of the blade face the opponent. ”

“ Speed is increased as the students become more [Pg 61] 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. ”

“ The throat is the best target, but the belly and chest are also vulnerable. When the enemy seeks to protect one vital area, he attacks another. He hacks, cuts, and slashes the face, arms, and hands in order to get to the vital areas. ”

“ Demonstration and Application.—The first phase of the assault course training includes a demonstration of the technique of attacking each obstacle by the instructor. The instructor then runs the entire course employing the correct movements on each obstacle. The students then practice their movements on the individual obstacles. When the students have gained sufficient proficiency they move through the entire assault course. ”

“ 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. ”

“ It gives the infantryman courage and confidence, provided he is properly trained in its use. It gives individual infantrymen a more offensive attitude, and better enables them to accomplish their mission in the final assault. It gives them a means of personal protection, contributing to their security and safety. In addition to its offensive roles, the bayonet can serve as a last ditch protective measure. ”

“ 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. ”

“ 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. ”

“ Students are normally paired off so that opponents are of approximately equal height and weight.
(2) Each bout is officiated by an instructor with a whistle.
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(3) Contests continue until one contestant has scored a killing blow. ”

“ 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. ”