[757]. The purpose of combined movements is to develop more vigorous attacks and more effective defenses than are obtained by the single movements; to develop skill in passing from attack to defense and the reverse. Every movement to the front should be accompanied by an attack, which is increased in effectiveness by the forward movement of the body. Every movement to the rear should ordinarily be accompanied by a parry and should always be followed by an attack. Movements to the right or left may be accompanied by attacks or defenses. (46)
[758]. Not more than three movements will be used in any combination. The instructor should first indicate the number of movements that are to be combined as two movements or three movements. The execution is determined by one command of execution, and the position of guard is taken upon the completion of the last movement only.
Examples
- Front pass and LUNGE.
- Right step and THRUST.
- Left step and low parry RIGHT.
- Rear pass, parry left and LUNGE.
- Lunge and cut RIGHT.
- Parry right and parry HIGH.
- Butt strike and cut DOWN.
- Thrust and parry HIGH.
- Parry high and LUNGE.
- Advance, thrust and cut RIGHT.
- Right step, parry left and cut DOWN.
- To the left, butt strike and cut DOWN.
- To the right rear, cut down and butt STRIKE. (47)
[759]. Attacks against dummies will be practiced. The approach will be made against the dummies both in quick time and double time. (48)
V. PRACTICAL BAYONET COMBAT
[760]. The principles of practical bayonet combat should be taught as far as possible during the progress of instruction in bayonet exercises. (49)
[761]. The soldier must be continually impressed with the extreme importance of the offensive due to its moral effect. Should an attack fail, it should be followed immediately by another attack before the opponent has an opportunity to assume the offensive. Keep the opponent on the defensive. If, due to circumstances, it is necessary to take the defensive, constantly watch for an opportunity to assume the offensive and take immediate advantage of it. (50)
[762]. Observe the ground with a view to obtaining the best footing. Time for this will generally be too limited to permit more than a single hasty glance. (51)
[763]. In personal combat watch the opponent's eyes if they can be plainly seen, and do not fix the eyes on his weapon nor upon the point of your attack. If his eyes can not be plainly seen, as in night attacks, watch the movements of his weapon and of his body. (52)