The “long thrust” is made against an opponent at a range of about four to five feet from the attacker’s eye.
To withdraw the bayonet after a long thrust has been delivered, draw the rifle straight back until the right hand is well behind the hip and immediately resume the guard. If the leverage or proximity to the object transfixed renders it necessary, the left hand must first be slipped up close to the stacking swivel and, when a pupil has reached that stage of delivering a thrust while advancing on a dummy, he will adopt this method.
After every thrust a rapid “withdrawal,” essential to quick work with the bayonet, should be practised before returning to the guard.
PROGRESSION.
First Practice:
PLATE II.—“LONG THRUST.”
Men should always be made to thrust at a target, e.g., at a named part of the body of the opposite man—“At the right eye; thrust, withdraw.” Oblique thrust should be practised by thrusting at the men to the right or left fronts.
