Marine bayonet training

by United States. Marine Corps

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.