After the several positions hereinbefore described have been learned, the Points should be made at a definite place on a target, such as the throat, the stomach, the head, etc.
As progress is made, the pause between the point and the withdrawal is shortened until the soldier comes directly to the position of Guard from the point. Proficiency will finally be attained in making a "feint point" at one part of the target and the real point at another, for example: Feint at the head and point at the right thigh; feint at the stomach and point at the neck, etc.
Attacks at a retreating foe should be made against the kidneys, the position of which should be shown to the soldier.
Vulnerable Parts of the Body
If possible, the point of the bayonet should be directed against the opponents throat, especially in hand to hand fighting. The point of the bayonet will easily enter and make a fatal wound on penetrating a few inches. Other and more or less exposed parts are the face, chest, lower abdomen, thighs and the region of the kidneys when the back is turned. Four to six inches penetration is sufficient to incapacitate and allow for a quick withdrawal, whereas if a bayonet is driven home too far it is often impossible to withdraw it.
As soon as the nomenclature of the positions and movements are learned the men should work in pairs. They should be practiced in pointing in various directions. 1. At the opposite man's hand, which he places in various positions on and off the body. 2. At thrusting rings tied on the end of a stick.
This practice is conducted without word of command, so that the eyes and brain may be trained.
It is not sufficient that a dummy be merely transfixed. Some particular spot on the dummy should constitute the target. Discs or numbers should be placed on the dummy and the men required to point at a distance of about five feet from it and later as they become more proficient, to point after advancing several paces. The advance must be made in a practical manner and the point delivered with either foot to the front.
The rifle must never be drawn back when making a Long Point in a forward movement. The impetus of the body and the forward stretching of the arms supply sufficient force.