(1) Assume the guard position.
(2) Step forward about 15 inches with the left foot, keeping the right foot in place as a base. (See fig. [6].)
(3) Hold the right hand in place, extending the left arm almost fully, while pulling back on the butt with the right arm. Swing the edge of the bayonet forward and down in a slashing arc aimed at the opponent’s neck area.
Figure 6.—Slash-Step Forward.
(4) The step forward and the extension of the left arm are performed simultaneously. The forward step adds force to the slashing movement.
(5) At full extension of the arms, when delivery of the blow is complete, the bayonet should be flat. The left arm is extended, and the right forearm is held along the stock of the rifle, approximately waist high. (See fig. [7].)
b. Horizontal Slash.—There is a variation to this movement known as the horizontal slash. The difference is that the bayonet fighter steps forward with the left foot and rotates his body to the right by pivoting on the right foot. At the same time bring the rifle and bayonet to a relatively horizontal position in front of the body. Simultaneously, the right arm is pulled across the body and a hooking action is executed with the left arm. This slash is directed on a horizontal plane at the opponent’s head, neck or side.
c. Recovery to the Guard Position
(1) Bend the left arm, pivoting the rifle in the right hand.