Chapter VII: 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.)

1. Approach

2. Contact

3. Alternate attack

Figure 23.—Two Against One.]

1. Approach

2. Contact

Figure 24.—Three Against Two.]

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.)

Figure 26.—Two Against Three.]