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.
(3) Do not permit personnel to attack the first obstacle until
preceding personnel have reached the third obstacle.
(4) When the last obstacle is completed, personnel should be directed
to return by specific routes to the designated marshalling area,
remaining at least 5 yards away from the closest obstacle.
e. 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.
704. THE PUGIL STICK
a. General.—The execution of the movements of bayonet fighting in
response to a verbal command from instructors are kept to a minimum.
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 student sees for himself the importance of assuming the attack
immediately, as well as the importance of aggressiveness and ferocity.
He sees which combinations of blows are successful, and learns to
understand the result of his making a mistake in an actual bayonet
fight. Here he learns the meaning of the term “kill or be killed.”
[Illustration: Figure 37.—The Pugil Stick Material.]
b. Construction.—See figure 37.
(1) Materials for construction of the pugil stick include the following:
(a) An octagonal stick 1¾ inches in diameter and 44 inches long.
(b) Two canvas bags 10 inches long, one 6 inches in diameter and one 8
inches in diameter.
(c) Chopped foam rubber and cotton padding.
(d) A roll of foam rubber 15 inches wide.
(e) Tape, wire, and tacks.
(2) Method of Construction.
(a) Cut grooves ½-inch deep in the stick as shown in the diagram (see
fig. 37). Taper the stick at the hand grips to approximately 1¼ inches
in diameter.
(b) Fill the bags with chopped foam rubber and cotton.
(c) Wire and tack the bags to the end of the stick. Tighten the wire
into the grooves at the end of the stick. The stick should extend 6
inches into the bag, leaving 4 inches of overlap and making the total
length of the pugil stick 52 inches, the length of the M-14 rifle with
bayonet.
(d) Cover the wire and tacks with tape.
(e) Wrap foam rubber around the center of the stick, leaving only the
6 to 8 inches of tapered hand grip exposed. Secure the foam rubber
padding with tape.
(3) Size of Pugil Stick.—The pugil stick should be approximately the
same length and weight as the M-14 rifle with bayonet attached. This
enables the bayonet fighter to train with a weapon which closely
approximates the weapon he uses in an actual combat situation.
c. Safety Equipment and Precautions
(1) Whenever engaged in a pugil stick bout, the student should be
equipped with the following:
(a) A football helmet with full bird cage face mask.
(b) Lacrosse gloves.
(c) Protective cup athletic supporter.
(2) Instructors in charge of pugil stick bouts see that proper bayonet
fighting procedures are followed by students engaged in bouts. The
proper bayonet fighting grip is employed at all times. The pugil stick
is not used as a baseball bat. In no instance do the hands leave the
pugil stick. Neither throwing or swinging is allowed. Pugil stick
fighters refrain from hitting their opponent with the center portion of
the pugil stick.
(3) Instructors ensure that protective equipment is properly secured
before the bout begins. Bouts will be stopped whenever one participant
becomes completely defenseless, after a telling blow has been struck,
when equipment becomes loosened or knocked off, or when the pugil stick
is being used improperly. Students are instructed to stop all action
when the whistle is blown.
d. Regulations for Bouts
(1) 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.
(3) Contests continue until one contestant has scored a killing blow.
A killing blow is one delivered solidly to the head, neck, groin, or
midsection with the blade end of the pugil stick; and to the head,
groin, or neck with the butt end of the stick. If a killing blow is
struck in the first few seconds of the bout, for training purposes
the bout may be continued for a prescribed period of time. The winner
will be the individual who struck the most killing blows in the time
allotted. Time limits may be set by the instructor, taking into
consideration the physical condition of the students and the time
available.
(4) Instructors periodically remind students that basic attack
movements and combinations are most effective. Instructors also
continually emphasize aggressiveness. They ensure that all trainees
yell and growl while engaged in a bout.
(5) Short bouts, with rapid changing of equipment, retains enthusiasm
and interest.
(6) Bouts begin with both contestants in the guard position and about 5
yards apart. (See figs. 38 and 39.)
(7) No score occurs if a student removes either hand from the weapon to
throw or swing at his opponent. (See fig. 40.)
[Illustration: Figure 38.—On Guard With Pugil Stick.]
[Illustration: Figure 39.—Square Off With Pugil Stick.]
[Illustration: Figure 40.—Vertical Butt Stroke With Pugil Stick.]
(8) A round-robin type elimination is effective in getting all students
into bouts, and emphasizing the importance of aggressive action in
winning. The winners of each bout are allowed to fight again after a
brief rest, until they are defeated. This provides one winner in the
end, with appropriate personal recognition.
e. 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. (See
fig. 41.) After the student has attacked the dummies, allowing him
the sensation of attacking a solid target, and practicing the attack
movements, he is then ready for bouts against other students.
[Illustration: Figure 41.—Stationary Targets for Pugil Stick Training.]
INDEX
Paragraph Page
A
Assault course 703 62
Construction 703c 70
Demonstration and application 703e 72
Obstacles 703b 63
figs. 27-36 63-71
Purpose 703a 62
Safety precautions 703d 70
Attack, group 602 53
Three against two 602b 54
Two against one 602a 53
B
Bayonet:
Evolution of 101a 1
Importance 101c 9
Bayonet fighting techniques:
Change of direction 203 18
Combination movements 501 51
Development of 101b 4
Foot movements 204 18
Group attack 602 53
Group defense 603 54
Guard position 202 14
Individual attack 301 23
Individual defense 401 43
Principles of 102 10
Biddle system 101b(3) 8
Blocks:
Against slash 404 46
fig. 21 49
Against vertical butt stroke. 405 48
fig. 22 50
C
Change of direction 203 18
General 203a 18
Whirl, execution of 203b 18
Combination movements 501 5
Combination obstacle fig. 36 71
Construction of obstacles 703c 70
Construction of pugil stick 704b 73
Course, assault 703 62
D
Defense, group 603 54
One against two 603a 54
Two against three 603b 54
Direction, change of 203 18
E
Evolution of the bayonet 101a 1
F
Foot movements 204 18
General 204a 18
Shuffle forward 204d 20
fig. 5 21
Shuffle left 204c 19
fig. 4 20
Shuffle right 204b 19
fig. 3 19
G
Group attack 602 53
Two against one 602a 53
fig. 23 55
Three against two 602b 54
fig. 24 56
Group defense 603 54
One against two 603a 54
fig. 25 57
Two against three 603b 54
fig. 26 58
Growl 202f 17
Guard position 202a 14
figs. 1 & 2 15 & 16
Position of body 202c 14
Position of feet 202b 14
Position of hands 202d 17
Position of rifle 202e 17
H
Horizontal butt stroke 305 34
Execution figs. 13-15 35-37
Obstacle fig. 34 69
Recovery to guard position 305b 34
Horizontal slash 302b 25
I
Importance of bayonet 101c 9
Individual attack 301 23
Horizontal butt stroke 305 34
figs. 13-15 35-37
Horizontal slash 302b 25
Jab 306 38
figs. 16-18 39-41
Slash 302 23
figs. 6 & 7 24 & 26
Smash 304 31
figs. 11 & 12 32 & 33
Vertical butt stroke 303 27
figs. 8-10 28-30
Individual defense 401 43
Block against slash fig. 21 49
Block against vertical butt stroke 405 48
fig. 22 50
Parry left 403 44
fig. 20 47
Parry right 402 43
fig. 19 45
J
Jab 306 38
Execution figs. 16-18 39-41
Obstacles fig. 27 63
fig. 31 66
fig. 35 69
Recovery to guard position 306b 38
M
Movements:
Combination 501 51
Foot 204 18
General 204a 18
Individual attack 301 23
O
Obstacles 703b 63
figs. 27-36 63-71
Construction of 703c 70
P
Parry left 403 44
fig. 20 47
Parry right 402 43
fig. 19 45
Pugil stick 704 73
Construction 704b 73
fig. 37 74
Employment figs. 38-40 78-80
Regulations for bouts 704d 76
Safety equipment and precautions 704c 75
S
Seidler, Dr. Armond H. 101b(3) 8
Slash 302 23
Execution 302a 23
figs. 6 & 7 24 & 26
Obstacle fig. 30 66
Recovery to guard position 302c 25
Smash 304 31
Execution figs. 11 & 12 32 & 33
Obstacles fig. 29 65
fig. 32 67
Recovery to guard position 304b 31
T
Training 701 59
Assault course 703 62
Demonstration and application, basic principles 702 60
General 701 59
Pugil stick 704 73
V
Vertical butt stroke 303 27
Execution figs. 8-10 28-30
Obstacles fig. 28 64
fig. 30 66
Recovery to guard position 303b 27
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Transcriber’s Notes
pg 6 Changed: make a precise parade or calisthentic
to: make a precise parade or calisthenic
pg 6 Changed: Assumption of a vicious, aggessive
to: Assumption of a vicious, aggressive
pg 17 Changed: temporarily stun the oponent
to: temporarily stun the opponent