Chapter IV: Section 3: Individual Attack

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.

(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.

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.

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.

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.

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.