Chapter III: Section 2: Position and Movements

201. GENERAL

a. The basic starting and recovery position in bayonet fighting is the guard position. From this position all movements can originate. This includes movements to attack an enemy, which will be covered in section 3; movements to change direction; and movements of the feet. These movements are natural, instinctive, and easy to teach and execute. They bear a close resemblance to the established athletic skill of boxing. Although the hands are held in a relatively fixed position, the arm and foot movements, feinting, speed, and balance are markedly similar. In this system, the rifle and bayonet are used as a club or quarterstaff, as well as a spear. There is no sportsmanship in bayonet fighting. The opponent must be destroyed, not merely defeated.

b. Descriptions of movements will state approximate distances. These distances may be adjusted to suit the individual. All movements described are for a right-handed bayonet fighter.

c. The rifle and bayonet in the hands of a trained Marine become a deadly combination of spear, sword, club, and shield.

202. THE GUARD POSITION

a. General.—As in boxing the basic position of the bayonet fighter is the GUARD position. The bayonet fighter in this position is relaxed and alert. The initial attack movement begins from this position. Each movement consists of an attack and a recovery. The recovery is in fact a return to the guard position. In executing a movement the phases follow each other without a deliberate pause, thus making the entire movement a uniformly smooth action. The attack may be continued without returning to the guard position by repeating the same movement or utilizing another movement. In the guard position the bayonet fighter is ready to move into the attack to ward off his enemy. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate front and side views of a bayonet fighter in the guard position.

b. Position of the Feet.—The feet are spread apart about shoulder width. The left foot is about 6 inches forward of the right, in line with the right instep.

c. Position of the Body.—The body is held erect or bent slightly forward from the hips, if this is more comfortable. The knees are slightly bent, and the weight is evenly balanced on the balls of both feet. The right elbow is slightly forward of the right hip in a relaxed, natural position and the right forearm is held approximately parallel to the deck depending on the size of the individual. 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.

e. Position of the Rifle.—The rifle is held so it bisects the angle made by the neck and the left shoulder. 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.

f. The Growl.—A yell or growl can be effective prior to an attack to temporarily stun the opponent and cause him to freeze momentarily. This yell or growl should be a short, loud, vicious noise, executed in much the same manner as a tiger growls just before he pounces on his victim. The yell or growl adds a feeling of aggressiveness, self-confidence, and force to each attack movement.

203. CHANGE OF DIRECTION

a. General.—The whirl is used to face an opponent not positioned directly to the bayonet fighter’s front. Whirl movements are executed by pivoting on the foot of the side to which the change of direction is to be made. The rifle and bayonet are held in the guard position during the execution of the whirl.

b. Execution of the Whirl.—It is possible to whirl 180° to the right or left, pivoting on the foot closest to the opponent. It is not necessary to whirl the entire 180° if stopping short of that distance permits the bayonet fighter to face his opponent.

204. FOOT MOVEMENTS

a. General.—Proper foot movements must be utilized in order to enable the bayonet fighter to maintain balance and maneuverability of his body at all times, and thus retain the capability of delivering effective attack movements. The feet are picked up and set down with a slight stomp in the shuffle. They are not slid along the ground. On the battlefield there are numerous obstacles to trip the bayonet fighter who slides his feet. One foot is kept on the deck at all times. Never bring the feet together as this results in vulnerability to the slightest attack or push. The shuffle is used to the front or either side.

b. Shuffle Right.—To shuffle right, step to the right about 15 inches with the right foot, and follow with the left foot. To move to the right front, execute a partial whirl to the right and then shuffle forward in the desired direction. Figure 3 illustrates steps involved in the shuffle right movement.

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.

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.