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.]