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].)
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].)
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].)
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].)
Figure 30.—Obstacle 4.
Figure 31.—Obstacle 5.
(6) Obstacle number 6 is a target for a smash. (See fig. [32].)
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].)
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].)
Figure 34.—Obstacle 8.
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.
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.