(1) The importance of assuming the offense as a principle of war cannot be questioned. The bayonet is a symbol of the offense; of aggressiveness. It gives the infantryman courage and confidence, provided he is properly trained in its use. It gives individual infantrymen a more offensive attitude, and better enables them to accomplish their mission in the final assault. It gives them a means of personal protection, contributing to their security and safety. In addition to its offensive roles, the bayonet can serve as a last ditch protective measure.
(2) In situations where friendly and enemy troops are mingled in hand-to-hand combat, rifle fire may hit friendly personnel. However, the bayonet is more selective and kills only the person into which it is thrust. As long as the infantry closes with the enemy this capability remains important. In situations of reduced visibility the presence of the bayonet may discourage premature firing and the tragedy which can result from it. For a discussion of the employment of bayonets in the control of riots and civil disturbances, see FMFM 6-4, Marine Rifle Company/Platoon.
(3) When stealth is required the bayonet is irreplaceable. It is flexible, capable of being fixed to the end of the rifle or held as a knife, silent and deadly. It gives the riflemen two capacities, bullets and blade. Bayonet drill is an excellent physical conditioner. The bayonet assault course is strenuous exercise and develops a combination of fitness and skill that contributes to the creation of total military fitness.
102. PRINCIPLES OF BAYONET FIGHTING
The bayonet fighter should be aggressive, ruthless, savage, and vicious. Herein lies the key to success with the bayonet. He must never pause in his attack until he has killed his enemy. He must follow each vicious attack with another, remembering that if he does not kill his opponent, his opponent will kill him. Hesitation, delay, and excess maneuvering may result in death. The primary aim of the bayonet fighter is to get his blade into the enemy. All defensive moves, butt strokes, and footwork drive towards this end. They are actions taken to enable the bayonet fighter to sink his blade, for it is the blade that kills. He aims for the vital areas of the enemy. The throat is the best target, but the belly and chest are also vulnerable. When the enemy seeks to protect one vital area, he attacks another. He hacks, cuts, and slashes the face, arms, and hands in order to get to the vital areas. He makes maximum use of the rifle butt to open up vital areas. He delivers the butt strokes hard and close in, then kills with the blade. If the opponent gives no opening, he makes one by parrying his weapon. If required, the bayonet fighter protects himself through blocks and parries. The rifle and bayonet make a good shield. The best defense is not to allow the opponent to take the offensive. The successful bayonet fighter strikes the first blow and follows up with the kill. Training and practice are the only way to attain proper form, accuracy, agility, and speed with the rifle and feet. Practice and training in these traits lead to coordination, balance, speed, and endurance. The bayonet fighter must continue to practice these movements until they become second nature, and his attack as natural as running.
SECTION 2: POSITION AND MOVEMENTS
201. GENERAL
a. The basic starting and recovery position in bayonet fighting is the guard position. From this position all movements can originate. This includes movements to attack an enemy, which will be covered in section 3; movements to change direction; and movements of the feet. These movements are natural, instinctive, and easy to teach and execute. They bear a close resemblance to the established athletic skill of boxing. Although the hands are held in a relatively fixed position, the arm and foot movements, feinting, speed, and balance are markedly similar. In this system, the rifle and bayonet are used as a club or quarterstaff, as well as a spear. There is no sportsmanship in bayonet fighting. The opponent must be destroyed, not merely defeated.
b. Descriptions of movements will state approximate distances. These distances may be adjusted to suit the individual. All movements described are for a right-handed bayonet fighter.
c. The rifle and bayonet in the hands of a trained Marine become a deadly combination of spear, sword, club, and shield.