united states army fm 23-25 bayonet 1953

8/6/2019 United States Army Fm 23-25 Bayonet 1953

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RESTRICTED~Secunty InformafionEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY FIELD MANUAL

FM 43-25 . .This manual supersedes F}i23-25~ 7 September 1943':~. '< """)' ~:IYOII(,~ lightillg.T.\(;() ;; I

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(G) Provide a means for m~intaining skill bycontinued training and practice after hours.b. Qualification Oourse. (Rescinded).* * * * *

1.1 Qualification Course, (Added)a. PU1']Wse. The qualification course gives the~it commander a way to measure the proficiency ofIs'troops in the technique of bayonet fighting, andt increases esprit within a unit by creating a com-I(ltitive attitude and uy offering special recognition()the men who qualify. It also makes demands onhesoldier's speed, accura,cy, strength, and endurancehat approach t-he demands made on him in actual,;JltYOnetombat .. b. De8(,l'iption. The qualification course consists',Jfthe Bayonet Assault Course (par. 21) containingIninimum of six fixed dummies and eight obstaclesIfthe type described in paragraph 19. Scorers are

I) aced at each fixed dummy to grade each man as hel~ecutes the movement. .c. Supervi80ry Pel'8onnel. To insure impartial'~'ol'illgand to maintain high staI~dards for qualifica-lOll, men who are not members of the company;~'llning the course are detailed to act as scorers.Jhe s('orer~should be (~etnile,d"'ell in a~vance to giveIe officer In charge tllne to refresh IUffiself on theIlbject and, if necessary, to train the scorers. TheIlliteI'detailed to administer the course should bel~r)eI'iencedin uayonet training. Ilis primary duty; to assign a scorer to each dummy and to insurelat the seorer is qualified to grade the men on the'


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execution of the movements for that dummy" Ihas oVl'rall supervisory responsibility for the scoing-he provides each scorer "'ith scoresheets aJtotals each man's score for the entire course. 'd. Scoring. Since assault courses at ditl'erent i

stallations may vary as to length and the numhof dummies, it is not practical to prescribe a stan1ard time limit or an invariable ll,nmber of POit,lts 1,quali(jeation. As a guide, 30 seconds for each.yards of a course can be used to estahlish a tilimit. The scoresheet (DA Form 1770-H) insur1a standard scoring system f9r each fixed dummyany assault course. DA I,""onl11770-R. will be replduee,d locally on,8 x 514-il;ch paper, as needed.qualIfy, the sol(her must score at 'least 75 percentthe total possible points and must negotiatecourse within the specified time limit. The officerieharge should thoroughly


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Offidal:MAXWELL D. TAYLOH,

General, Uni~ed States Army.('Ii ief ()f Staff.

U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1956

FA Bn (2)Inf En (5)Arll1ol' nn (5)l\IP Bn (5)AAA nn (1)Cml Cl) (2)En~r Co (10)VA Co (2)Iuf Co (10)

.. ArmOl' 00 (10)::\Il' Co (10)AIm Co (10)USMA ([iO)Gen & HI' SyC Scll (5) 'e.c(>pt Inf Sell (20)

1'l\1S'1' (1)Mil l\1sn (1)ARl\1A (1)l\1il Dist (1)

JOHN A. KLI~IN,.1[a}or General, United States A 1'111 1/,

'l'lie Adjutant General.

J)istrih~tion :.Ieth'c Army:T('c Rve, DA (1)'rec Rn' Ed (1)IIq COXAnc (1;')Army AA Comd

(2)OS :\Iaj Comd (5)exee!)t A I.'Fg(20)

OS Base Comd (5)Lo~ COlwl (5)MDW (i)Armies (10)Corps (G)Div (5)Bri~ (5)En;..,....Gp (5)Inf np (;'Armor Gp (5)Cml I:d (:;)En~I' Bn (5)

NO: State AO (j) ; units-same as Adive Army excel'allowance is one COllY to each unit. ,

US-IR: Hame as Adive Army exct>llt allowanee is oJ!eop." to each unit.

1;'01' explanation of ahbreviations uked, see SIt 320-Go-1.

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CONTENTS

Paragraphs Paf/6CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION

Purpose and scope . 1 1Uses of the bayon~L . 2 1Principles of bayonet fight- 3 2ing.

Developing a bayonet fighter_ 4 2CHAPTER 2. POSITIONS AND MOVEMENTSGeneral 5 4

Basic positions, rest positions, 6 5and movements.-Long thrust series . 7 14Shortthrustseries 8 20Butt strokes 9 21Parries 10 29

CHAPTER 3. GROUP ASSAULT TACTICSGeneral 11 34Group assault tactics 12 35

CHAPTER 4. ADVICE TO INSTRUCTORSInstructor 13 43Conduct of classes 14 44Commands 15 46Sequence of training . 16 48Continued training 17 52Conduct of training 18 52Training aids 19 53Training in group assault 20 73tactics.Assault course 21 74

Bayonet and knife disarm- . 22 76ing.

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CHAPTER 1INTRODUCTION

1. Purpose and ScopeThis manual is written for the purpose of teach-

ing you how to use the bayonet. It describes basictechniques, group assault tactics, and proceduresfor training. The techniques outlined in this man-ual will help you develop confidence in your abilityto successfully meet and defeat an enemy armedwith a bayonet. You will be sure of your abilityto use the weapon swiftly and accurately. Byaggressive and determined practice, you willlearn to act quickly and instinctively in anysituation.2.- Uses of the Bayoneta. Fire power alone cannot drive a determinedenemy from his. position. He will often remain in

his foxhole until driven out by hand-to-hand com-bat. The bayonet, or the threat of it, is one of thefinal means of defeating the enemy in everyassault.b. At night, on infiltration missions, or when-ever secrecy must be preserved, the bayonet isthe weapon of surprise and silence.c. In close combat, when hand-to-hand fightingmakes the use of bullets or grenades impractic-AGO 4240C RESTRICTED


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R ESTR IC TED-Security Inform ationable, or when the situation does not allow you toload your rifle, the bayonet is the most importantweapon you have.3. Principles of Bayonet Fighting

a. The bayonet is an offensive weapon. Itshould be used aggressively. Any delay in usingthe weapon can mean death.

b. The 'bayonet fighter attacks and kills hisenemy quickly and without mercy. He is alert totake advantage of any opening. If the enemy givesno opening, the attacker makes one by parryinghis opponent's weapon and then drives his bladeor rifle butt into the enemy with killing force.c. The throat area is most sensitive to attack bythe bayonet. An opponent will act by instinct to

protect this area from a thrust. By threateninghis enemy's throat with the P9int of the bayonet,the attacker will often cause him to drop his guardand leave other vulnerable parts of the body un-protected. Other sensitive parts of the body oftenexposed to the attacker's thrust are the face,chest, abdomen, and groin.4. Developing a Bayonet Fighter

a. Bayonet training is always pointed towarddevelopment of proper form, quickness with therifle and bayonet, footwork, and accuracy. Con-stant attempts to develop these four necessaryqualities will lead to the coordination, balance,speed, strength, and I endurance that the expertbayonet fighter must have. Differences in indi-2 RESTRICTED AGO 4240C


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RESTRICTED -Security Inform ation.vidual body make-up may require slight changesfrom the bayonet technique described in this man-ual. These changes will be allowed if the individ-ual's attack is effective.

b. All positions and movements described inthis manual are for a right-handed man. A left-handed man or a man who wishes to learn thebayonet left-handed must use the opposite handand foot for each phase of the described movement.

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POSITIONS AND MOVEMENTS5. General

a. Relax all muscles you do not use to go intoa position or to execute a movement. Hold therifle firmly, but do not be tense. Tense musclescause fatigue and tend to slow you down.

b. After proper training, all your movementswill be done by instinct. You will eventually strikeat openings without thinking and become aggres-sive in your attack. Your movements will not bedone in any fixed order.- You will achieve balancein all your movements, will be ready to strikeinstantly in any direction, and will keep strikinguntil you have killed your enemy. The positionsand movements explained in this chapter will helpyou to become the type of soldier your enemy willfear-A BAYONET FIGHTER.c. The basic positions in fighting with a bayonetare guard, short guard, and high port. The rest

positions, used only on the training field, are the"at ease" and "relax." The two basic movementsused at the beginning of your instruction are thewhirl and the high port and crossover. Thesepositions and movements help you to becomefamiliar with the rifle and bayonet and developthe practice of reacting to simple commands byinstinct.

d. The movements used to disable or kill yourenemy are the long thrust, the short thrust, the4 RESTRICTED AGO 4240C


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RESTRICTED-Security Informationvertical butt stroke, the horizontal butt stroke,the parry right, and the parry left. At first youwill learn these movements as separate actions.After further training, however, you must learnto execute these movements in a swift and con-tinuous manner.6. Basic Positions, Rest Positions, and Movements

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a. Guard. All movements in bayonet trainingbegin from the guard position. You assume theguard position (fig. 1) in the following manner: .

(1) Face your opponent.(2) Take a short step forward and to the

side with your left foot so that your feetare comfortably apart. Your toes arepointed toward your opponent. Bendyour knees slightly and lean your body .slightly forward. Your hips are level.

(3) Grasp the rifle with your left hand sothat your palm is against the left side ofthe rifle at the most comfortable pointforward of the balance. Your left arm isslightly bent. With. your right hand,grasp the small of the stock. Your fore-finger should not touch the trigger guard.The under and inside part of your fore-arm is held against the top of the stock..The base of the butt is pressed snuglyagainst the side of your hip. Hold therifle firmly, but not rigidly, with bothhands. The rifle is not canted. Point thebayonet at' the base of your opponent'sthroat. At the same time you are get-

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RESTR IC TED-Security Inform ationting into position, throw your rifle for-ward with the bayonet point straight to-ward your opponent. Catch the rifle withboth hands. This movement must beswift and sure.

(4) The weight of your body is balanced onboth legs so you can move quickly in anydirection.

Figure 1. Guard position.6 RESTRICTED AGO 4240C


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RESTRICTED -Security Information(5) Keep your eyes on your opponent's bayo-

net and body.b. Short Guard. This is a convenient carrying

position when moving through dense woods,brush, trenches, around buildings, or if you sud-denly meet an enemy at very close quarters. As-sume the short guard position (fig. 2) in the fol-lowing manner:

Figure 2. Short guard position.AGO 4240C RESTRICTED 7


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RESTRICTEDSecurity Information( 1) I' rom the guard position, bring the rifle

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RESTRICTED -Security Inform ationand hurdling obstacles. Assume the position ofhigh port (fig. 3) as follows:

(1) From the position of guard, shift therifle diagonally across your body withoutchanging the position of your feet orhands.

(2) Keep the sling of the rifle to the front.

Figure 5. Relax.AGO 4240C RESTRICTED 9


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RESTRICTED -Security Information(3) Keep your left wrist level with your left

shoulder and in front of it.(4) Keep the butt of the rifle to the right and

alongside the right thigh.(5) Keep your fight elbow pressed firmly

against your right side.d. Rest Positions. The rest positions are used

to give you a chance to relax during bayonettraining. They also give you a chance to listenwhile the instructor discusses the next exercise.(1) At Ease. To assume the at ease (fig. 4),

bring your feet on line and lower the rifleto the ground. Keep the butt alongsidethe right toe and on line with it. Hold therifle with. your right hand along the up-per handguard and extend the muzzle-end of the rifle forward of the body un-til the right arm is straight. This positionis a modified parade .rest position.

(2) Relax. To assume the relax (fig. 5),straighten up and drop the rifle horizon-tally across the front of your body by ex-tending your arms. The position of yourfeet and your grasp on the rifle do notchange.

e. }Vhirl Movement. The whirl is executed fromthe guard position (1 of fig. 6). Bring the rifle tot~e high port (2 of fig. 6) and whirl by pivotingon the ball of the leading foot and in the direc-tion of the leading foot (3 of fig. 6). Remain atthe high port until the whirl is completed. At thecompletion of the whirl take up the guard position(4 of fig. 6) .10 RESTRICTED AGO 42400


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RESTRICTED-Security Information/. Big h Port and Crossover 111ovement. While

performing certain movements in bayonet train-ing, two ranks will be moving toward each other.When the men in the ranks come too close tosafely execute another movement, the high portand crossover is used. On the command, HIGHPORT AND CROSSOVER, come to the high port posi-tion. Then move straight forward and pass youropponent so that your right shoulder passes hisright shoulder. Continue moving straight to thefront for approximately six steps; halt, and take

1. Gunrd positionFigU?oe 7. Long th1ust series.



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RESTRICTED -Security Informationup the guard position. Then, without any com-mand, execute the whirl and again assume theguard position.7. Long Thrust Seriesa. Execution ..(1) When executing the long thrust from the

normal guard position (1 of fig 7), bringyour rear foot forward and lunge. Yourentire body will be extended.

(2) Complete extending your body as yourrear foot strikes the ground. During thismovement, drive the bayonet with greatforce in a straight line at your oppo-nent's throat or at an unguarded partof the body. To do this, grasp the riflefirmly with both hands, guIding it withyour left hand. Extend your left armquickly to its full length so that yourbayonet darts toward the target. At theinstant you are fully extended, hold thecomb of the rifle stock inside of, andpressed against, your right forearm.Bend your front knee, lean your bodywell forward, and straighten your rearleg (2 of fig. 7).(3) Keep your eyes on the point of the bodyyou are attacking during the entiremovement.(4) Knowing your opponent may avoid yourthrust, be ready to move in swiftly withanother thrust or butt stroke. Recoverinstantly after you complete the thrust.Never linger in the extended position.14 RESTRICTED AGO 42400


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RESTRICTED -Security Information(5) The power fOt: the long thrust comes

from your arms, shoulders, back, legs,and the weight of your body. The dis.tance from which you begin the longthrust depends on your reach and onhow rapidly you and your opponent areapproaching each other. When you prac.'tice with the thrusting dummies, you willlearn the full distance that you can reach.It is important that you know your reachand be able to judge from what distanceyou can begin your thrust to reach yourtarget. You will be trained to execute thethrust with either foot forward.

b. Recovery. Bring your rear foot forward ofyour front; at the same time shift your weightforward (3 of fig. 7).c. Withdrawal.(1) Withdraw the bayonet. by lifting your

trailing foot and placing it slightly to therear. At the same time, jerk the rifleback along a straight line using all yourbody weight. Pull the rifle back untilyour left forearm hits the pit of yourstomach (4 of fig. 7).

(2) Assume the guard position by snappingthe rifle forward and bringing the toe. of your right foot on line with the heelof your left foot.

d. Common Errors.(1) "Telegraphing" the thrust by drawingthe rifle back just before delivering thethrust.L AGO 4"OC RESTRICTED _.~ 15


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2. Extended

3. Recovery

Figure 7. Long thrust series-Continued.(2) Thrusting with your arms alone. You

should also use the power of your legsand body.(3) Thrusting with a slight slash. This pre-

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4. WithdrawalFigure 7. Long thrust series-Continued.

(4) Carrying the point of the bayonet toohigh or canting the rifle.(5) Not bracing the rifle butt against the in-side of the right forearm.(6) Not leaning your body far enough for-ward.

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RESTRICTED-Security Information(7) Taking too long a step, causing you to

lose your balance.(8) Not bending the front knee enough.(9) Not keeping the eyes on the point you areattacking.(10) Moving the rifle forward in the recovery

instead of holding it steady.(11) Dropping the butt of the rifle in the re-

covery.(12) Not keeping your elbow straight whenrecovering.

1. Guard positionFigure 8. Short thrust series.

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RESTRICTEDSecurity Information(13) Not making the withdrawal with force.

You should use the weight of your bodyand legs as well as the strength of yourarms.(14) Not withdrawing the bayonet straightback. Do not allow the rifle butt to drop.

3. Recovery

Figure 8. Short thrust series-Continued.AGO 4240C RESTRICTED 19


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RESTRICTED -Security Information8. Short Thrust Series

a. Execution. To execute the short thrust fromthe normal guard position, move your lead footforward while lunging (1 and 2 of fig. 8).b. Reco've1'U. To recover from the short thrust,advance your trailing foot slightly. Do not shiftthe weight of your body or change the positionof your arms (3 of fig. 8).

4. WithdrawalF'ifJU?e 8. Short thrust series-Continued.

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RESTRICTED-Security Inform ationc. Withdrawal. The withdrawal in the short

thrust series is the same as in the long thrustseries (4 of fig. 8).d. Common Errors. The common errors in theshort thrust series are the same as in the long

thrust series.e. Practicing the Thrusts. Practice the thrust-ing movements with either foot forward. Remem-ber that after the recovery has been made, the footthat is on the opposite side from the rifle will al-ways be forward.' Execute the withdrawal in thesame manner for either the long or short thrust.

9. Butt Strokesa. General. You will not use the butt strokesand slashes in combat when you can use a thrust.

However, when there is not enough room to de-liver a thrust, or immediately. after your enemyhas avoided a thrust, butt strokes and slashes canbe used to great advantage. This is particularlytrue for close-in fighting. When using a buttstroke, you. can often knee your opponent in thegroin, trip him, or kick him in the legs. Buttstrokes, smashes, and slashes can be used effec-tively while fighting in trenches, woods, brush, orwhen your movements are restriCted.b. Vertical Butt Stroke Series. . .(1) Procedilre. In making the vertical butt

stroke from the guard position (1 of fig.9), step in with your rear foot and atthe same time drive the rifle butt for-ward and upward in a vertical arc to



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RESTR ICTED-Security Inform ationyour enemy's groin, solar plexus, or chin.Put'the force of your whole body into theblow (2 of fig. 9). You may also startthe vertical butt stroke from a crouchedposition and hit low points on your oppo-nent's body. In this position, yo':!make asmall, difficult target for your enemy tohit.

(2) Smash. If your opponent moves back-ward and the vertical butt stroke misses,step forward quickly with your left foot(3 of fig. 9) and drive the rifle butt athis head. In doing this, extend your armsfully forward. and bring your right footforward to keep your balance (4 of fig.9).

(3) Slash. If your opponent falls or jumpsout of butt range, continue to advanceand slash diagonally downward with thebayonet. Aim the slash toward the j unc-tion of the neck and shoulder. Hit eitherthis point or the head, throat, or arms (5of fig. 9). If the slash misses, it will bringyou close to the guard position. Continueto attack aggressively.

~. Horizontal Butt Strok.e Series. In this series,the rifle and bayonet are moved horizontally in-stead of vertically.

(1) Procedure. In making the horizontal buttstroke from the guard position, drive in

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1. Guard position

2. Execution

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Figure 9. Vertical butt st?oke series.RESTRICTED 23


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.,,--- .... ---.('",s'

3. Smash

----0----c_--, ---4. Recovery

FigU1'e 9. Vertical butt st'roke series-Continued.24 RESTRICTED AGO 42400


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5. SlashFigurc 9. 11crtical butt sh"oke series-Continued.

with force, advancing your rear foot.Swing the rifle butt diagonally through ahorizontal arc to your opponent's heador body (1 anc12 of fig. 10).

(2) Snwsh. If the horizontal butt strokemisses because your opponent has movedbackward, deliver a smash, keeping thebutt of the rifle in the same horizontalposition (3 of fig. 10). Advance yourright foot to keep your balance (4 of fig.10) .



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1. Guard position

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2. Execution

Figure 10. Horizontal butt stroke series.

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3. Smash

---------------------'~.::.)-- -- ----4. ~ecovery

Figur'e 10. Horizontal butt stroke series-Continued.AGO 4240C RESTRICTED 27


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RESTRICTED -Security Inform ation(:3) Slash. If the smash misses, continue the

attack \vith a slash, executing the move-ment the same as you did for the verticalbutt stroke series (5 of fig. 10).

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5. SlashPigure 10. Horizontal butt stroke se1'ies-Continued.

d. Common Errors.(l) Not reachi ng out at your opponent.(2) Tot putting the force of your arms and

body into the movement. Keep the planeof YOUI' bent right arm parallel to therifle and bayonet.

(3) Not using all your speed.28 RESTRICTED AGO 42400


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RESTRICTED-Security Inform ation10. Parriesa. Purpose. The parry is an offensive blow. You

use it to create an opening by striking your ene-my's bayonet out of the way. It is made by a for-ward and lateral movement of great force andspeed. Use your bayonet in a lateral movementonly until your enemy's weapon is driven clear ofyour body. The momentum of the parry carriesyou into a thrust or butt stroke. The position ofyour opponent's weapon will determine in whatdirection you will parry. It is best, however, tomake the parry in the direction that will give youan opening, so that you can instantly execute athrust or -butt stroke.b. Parry Right ..(1) To parry right from the guard position,

lunge forward as in a long thrust andstep slightly to the right oblique (1 and2 of fig. 11).

(2) At the same time, thrust your rifle diag-onaJly forward and to the right bystraightening your left arm in the direc-tion of the parry. Keep the rifle parallelto the guard position. The comb of thestock is pressed firmly against the underand inner surface of your right forearm.Your diagonal movement is stopped assoon as you drive your enemy's bladeclear of your body.



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1. Guard position 2. ExecutionFigure 11. Parry right.

(3) The parry is continued into a long thrustduring the same forward step. Your ene-my's blade will be driven clear of yourbody as your bayonet strikes it. At theinstant your bayonet glances off the oppo-nent's weapon, drive your blade into himin the same continuous movement.(4) To parry right before using a shortthrust, execute the same movement aswhen you use a long thrust. Make theparry just before you lunge forward\vith your leading foot.



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RESTR ICTED -Security Inform ation(5) Recovery and withdrawal from the parry

right is done in the same manner as inthe long and short thrust series (3 and 4of fig. 11).

4. Withdrawal8. RecoveryFigure 11. Pa1-ry right--Continued.

c. Parry Left. To parry left from the guardposition, lunge forward as in the short thrust andAGO 4240C RESTRICTED 31


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RESTRICTEDSecurity Informationstep slightly to the left oblique. Thrust the rifleforward and to the left so that the butt is approxi-mately in front of your left groin, deflecting theopponent's bayonet clear of your body (1 and 2 offig. 12). The parry left is followed by a thrust.However. if the point of your bayonet is not online with yom' enemy so a thrust can be used, abutt stJ'oke is effective.

1. Guard position 2. Execution

32Figure 12. Parry left.

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CHAPTER 3GROUP ASSAULT TACTICS

11. Generala. When you engage in a bayonet fight, you are

acting as an individual. Remember, however, thatwhile you are fighting for yourself, teamwork withyour teammates may be essential for victory.When you and your teammates assault an enemyposition, you will not know which one of theenemy'you will engage until you get within bayo-net range. You will not know whether you willsuddenly be attacked by several of the enemy atthe same time, or whether you and a few of yourteammates will attack a single enemy. The fight-ers who have the teamwork, skill, and presence ofmind, take quick advantage of any situation togain numerical superiority. There is strength innumbers.

b. If two soldiers who suddenly confront oneof the enemy are able to put him out of action ina few seconds, they can quickly turn on anotheropponent. If you and your unit are able to dothis in the first critical seconds of meeting the ene-my 'in hand-to-hand fighting, you-may be able toreduce the enemy's initial strength by many men.When you gain that numerical advantage, youcan usually destroy the rest of the enemy in a fewseconds. However, if your unit does I}ot have34 RESTRICTED AGO 4240C


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RESTRICTEDSecurity Information-training in team attack, a single enemy can hold~ff a pair of bayonet fighters for a few seconds."This will giye another of the enemy time to rushin and aid his comrade," thus ending the two-to-one advantage which you had.c. To be effective, group assault tactics mustbe simple and flexible. It is impossible to knowwhat the exact situation will be until you and theenemy are within a few paces of each other. Move-ments have to be fast and automatic. You cannottake the time in hand-to-hand combat to tell yourteammate how to attack.12. Group Assault Tacticsa. Two Against One.

(1) Approach. Let us say that your unit as-saults a position and you and your team-

ol olAGO 4240C

1. Approach

Figure 13. Two against one.RESTRICTED 35


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RESTRICTED -Security Inform ationmate confront a single enemy. You donot know what the enemy is going to doso you cannot plan a coordinated attackat this time. Therefore, you advance di-rectly forward on a run, but neither younor your teammate converge on the ene-my (1 of fig. 13).

(2) Contact. As you or your teammate comewithin bayonet range, one of you willinitially be opposed by the single enemy.The opposed man advances upon the ene-my in a frontal attack (2 of fig. 13).

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-02. ContactFigure 13. Two against one-Continued.The other man quickly moves until he isopposite the opponent's' fhnk. He then



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RESTRICTED -Security Informationturns sharply to strike the enemy's ex-posed flank or rear.

(3) Alternate Attack. If the enemy turnssuddenly toward the man on the flank,he exposes himself to the man makingthe frontal attack. This man strikes in-stantly (3 of fig. 13).

3. Alternate attackFigure 13. Two against one-Continued.

In any such coordinated attack, the manwho makes the kill is usually the one whois not closely engaged with the enemy'sbayonet. The entire operation is carried.out in a few seconds. The approach, con-tact, and atta~~: are one continuous as-sault (1, 2, and 3 of fig. 14).



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1. Approach

2. Contact

3. Alternate attack

Pigure 14. G'roup assault tactics, two against one.38 RESTRICTED AGO 4240C


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RESTR ICTED -Security. Inform ationb. Three Against Two.(1) Approach. When three' attackers ap-. proach two of the enemy, .none of thethree knows who will be engaged firstby the enemy. They therefore move di-rectly forward at a run (1 of fig. 15).

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1. ApproachFigure15. Threeagaimt tWO.

(2) Contact. As they get within' bayonetrange, two of the attackers will normallybe engaged by two of the enemy. For themoment, one attacker is left 'free. Hecontinues directly forward until he isopposite the flank of the enemy nearestto him and the one most vulnerable toattack. He turns suddenly toward that


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RESTRICTED-Security Informationenemy and strikes him in the exposedside, as in the two-against-one maneuver.The other two attackers maintain theirfrontal attacks (2 of fig. 15).

2.' ContactFigure 15. Three against two-Continued.

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When one of the enemy is killed, the Iother enemy is struck in the flank by thefirst free attacker who can reach him.If either enemy whose flank is being at.t~cked turns to defend himself, h~ leaves IhImself open to the attacker makIng the Ifrontal assault.

c. Two Against Three. When the situation is'reversed, and you and your teammate are con.lfronted by three opponents, each of you attacks a

AGO 424000


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RESTRICTED ~Security Informationman on the flanks, leaving one enemy in the mid-dle. He is attacked immediately after you or yourteammate have killed your opponent (fig. 16).o-- .... .-.-

/"II,\,

o'-- - ......."\1n l

r_.-......

AGO 42400

Figure 16. Two against three.

ol1. Approach

Figure 17. One agaimt two.RESTRICTED 41

~

-


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RESTRICTED -Security Informationd. One Against Two. When two enemy soldiers'confront you, dart to the flank of one enemy or theother (1 and 2 of fig. 17). Do not permit yourself

to be caught between your opponents. By movingquickly to one side or the other, you keep the ene-my nearest you between yourself and the enemyfurthest from you. Then concentrate on killingone enemy at a time (2 of fig. 17).

,,--,I \\ J" "....

__.._- 1--"\'Q

. Contact

42

Figure17. One against two-Continued.

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CHAPTER 4ADVICE TO INSTRUCTORS

13. Instructora. As an instructor, you should encourage your

men to yell. This yelling should be voluntary andnot forced. Noise, however, is no substitute forenthusiasm or ability. You should never curse orencourage your men to curse.b. Men must be in good physical condition be-fore they begin bayonet training. Further condi-

tioning is gradual. To obtain best results, do notpermit the men to become muscle-sore.c. Explain and demonstrate movements brieflyand clearly. You and your assistants first demon-strate the movement at full speed. Then the move-ment is demonstrated in slow motion and isbroken down and explained so that the parts ofthe movement are clear to the troops.d. You must stress speed, balance, timing, andjudgment of distance. Since a tense man cannotfight effectively with the bayonet, you should also

stress the relaxation of muscles.e. Each man must think and act for himself.Therefore, you should avoid the harmful practiceof turning bayonet work into a drill. Commandsshould be used only at the start of training. Com-mands do not help the men think for themselvesor achieve the muscle coordination necessary forAGO 42400 RESTRICTED 43


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RESTRICTED -Security Informationbayonet fighting. Therefore, the coach-and-pupilmethod training, which does not employ, com-mands, must be undertaken as early as possible./. Teamwork is stressed during instruction ingroup assault tactics and on the assault course.

14. Conduct of Classesa. ltfass Formation .. A mass formation of not

more than 200 men may be used during trainingin the fundamentals of bayonet techniques, posi-tions, and movements. The formation is similarto that used in massed physical training except foran increase in the distances and intervals betweenmen. Assistant instructors correct errors. Menwho are slow to learn-are taken out of the forma-tion for individual instruction.b. Group Formation.(1) For bayonet training in platoons orsmaller groups, the men form in tworanks at normal interval. The instructor

designates one man in the rear rank as"base man." This man immediatelytakes up the high port position. The in-structor then commands FORM FOR BAYO-NET TRAINING, THIS MAN (pointing)BASE, MOVE. At the command MOVE,the base man assumes the guard posi-tion. The rest of the men in the rearrank run to the right and left respec-tively, and take up a 3-step interval.They face to the front and go into theguard position. Each front rank manruns by the shortest route to a position



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RESTRICTED -Security Informationabout 10 steps from and immediately infront of the man who was formerly be-hind him, and assumes the guard posi-tion. While moving to position, all mencarry their rifles at t~e high port.

(2) To assemble the group, the instructorcommands ASSEMBLE, MOVE. At thecommand MQVE, the base man comes to.attention. All others form on him at arun and come to attention.

(3) To form for more detailed instruction,the instructor stands in front of the tworanks and directs the flanks to close to-ward the center. This produces a three-sided formation which enables the entiregroup to hear and see the conference ordemonstration. At the end of the in-struction, the instructor. orders BACK TO

. YOUR PLACES.c. Use of the Training Stick. When the posi-

tions and movements have been learned, the menwork in pairs as coach and pupil with the trainingstick. In handling the training stick, the coach isspeedy and aggressive. He moves fast and offerslogical targets at proper distances. He does nothold the pupil's freedom and vigor of movementin check. He is on the alert to spot and correcterrors made by the pupil.d. Quickening Exercises. Quickening exercisesat the beginl1ing of bayonet training periods relaxthe men and help to develop coordination ofmuscles used in bayonet combat. Five or 10

minutes should be given for these exercises. TheAGO 42400 RESTRICTED 45


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RESTRICTED -Security Informationexercises may include boxing, wrestling, personalcontests, and group games involving teamwork.Calisthenics are not recommended for thispurpose.15. CommandsThe following commands may be used at thebeginning of bayonet training (commands given

by the numbers should not be used unless thebayonet fighters show that they lack enough co-ordination to execute the movements while work-ing from slow motion to normal speed) :a. To form for bayonet training /and to re-assemble, the instructor commands-FORM FOR BAYONET TRAINING, THIS MAN BASE}:MOVE.

ASSEMBLE, MOVE.b. The commands used in f;LSSumingthe basicpositions are-ON GUARDSHORT GUARDHIGH PORT

c. The commands used in assuming additionalpositions are-AT EASERELAX

d. The commands for the high port and cross-over, and whirl are-HIGH PORT AND CROSSOVER, READY, WHIRL.

e. The commands used in the thrust movementsare-46 RESTRICTED AGO 42400


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RESTRICTED -Security Information(1) By the Numbers

LONG THRUST AND HOLD, MOVERECOVER AND HOLD, MOVEWITHDRAW AND HOLD, MOVEON GUARDSHORT THRUST AND HOLD, MOVERECOVER AND HOLD, MOVEWITHDRAW AND HOLD, MOVEON GUARD(2) Without the NumbersLONG THRUST SERIES, MOVES~ORT THRUST SERIES, MOVE

/. The commands used in the butt stroke move-ments are-. (1) By the Numbers

VERTICAL BUTT STROKE AND HOLD, MOVE, SMASH, RECOVER, AND HOLD, MOVESLASH AND HOLD, ~IOVEON GUARDHORIZONTAL BUTT STROKE AND HOLD,MOVE

SMASH, RECOVER, AND HOLD, MOVESLASH AND HOLD, MOVEON GUARD

(2) Without the NumbersVERTICAL BUTT STROKE SERIES, l\tIOVEHORIZONTAL BUTT STROKE SERIES, MOVE

g. The commands used in the parries are-(1) By the Numbers

PARRY RIGHT, LONG THRUST, AND HOLD,MOVE

RECOVER AND HOLD, MOVEAGO 42400 RESTRICTED 47


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RESTRICTED -Security InformationWITHDRAW AND HOLD, MOVEON GUARDPARRY LEFT, SHORT THRUST, AND HOLD,MOVE

VERTICAL BUTT STROKE AND HOLD, MOVESMASH, RECOVER, AND HOLD, MOVESLASH AND HOLD, MOVEON GUARD

(2). Without the NumbersPARRY RIGHT, LONG THRUST SERIES,l\iOVE

PARRY LEFT, SHORT THRUST SERIES,MOVE

16. Sequence of TrainingA suggested outline for a program of instruc.tion in the bayonet is as follows (training shouldnot exceed one 50-minute period in anyone day) :a. First Period.(1) Introduction to bayonet training.(2) Dem0!1strate and explain the basic posi-

tions and movements as follows:(a) Guard and short guard.(b) High port.(c) At ease and relax.(d) '\Vhirl.(e) High port and crossover.

(3) Practical work in the basic positions andmovements. The group is either in massformation controlled by the instructor,or in platoon or smaller groups con.trolled by assistant instructors.



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RESTRICTED -Security Informationb. Second Period.(1) Review previous instruction.(2) Teach the long thrust series from a halt

and against each other from a run.c. Third Period.(1) Review previous instructions.(2) Teach the short thrust series from a halt

and against each other from a run.d. Fourth Period.(1) Review previous instruction.(2) Introduce training sticks and teach long

and short thrust series with the trainingsticks.

e. Fifth Period.(1) Introduce thrusting dumnlies.(2) Practice the long and short thrust series

using the vertical and prone thrustingdummies.

f. Sixth Period.(1) Introduce the vertical butt stroke series.(2) Teach the vertical butt stroke series

from a halt and against each other froma run.

g. Seventh Period.(1) Review previous instruction.(2) Teach the horizontal butt stroke series

from a halt and against each other froma run.

h. Eighth Period.(1) Review previous instruction.



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RESTRICTED-Security Information(2) Practice the vertical and horizontal butt

stroke series using the training sticks."i. Ninth Period.(1) Introduce the parries.(2) Teach the parry right and parry left

series from a halt and against each otherfrom a run.

j. Tenth Period.(1) Review previous instruction.(2) Practice the parry right and parry left

series using the training sticks.k. Eleventh Period.(1) Practice the vertical and horizontal butt

stroke series using the thrustingdummies.(2) Practice the parry right and parry left

series using the thrusting dummies.l. Twelfth Period. Practice all movements using

the training sticks.m. Thirteenth Period.(1) Practice using' the vertical and prone

thrusting dummies from a walk andfrom a run.

(2) Practice using the swinging dummiesfrom a walk and from a run. (If pos-sible, dummies should be placed on dif-ferent terrain features which come asclose as possible to combat conditions.)

n. Fourteenth Period.(1) Introduce the bayonet assault course.

This course is used as a test.so RESTRICTED AGO 4240C


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RESTRICTED -Security Information(2) Supervise practical work in the assault

course.o. Fifteenth Period.(1) Introduce bayonet and knife disarming.(2) Supervise practical work in bayonet dis-

arming.p. Sixteenth Period.(1) Review previous instruction.(2) Supervise practical work in knife dis-

arming.q. Seventeenth Period.(1) Review previous instruction.(2) Supervise the bayonet assault course at

a run.r. Eighteenth Period. Introduce group assault

tactics. Scabbards must be fixed over bayonetsand strong control measures used. Practice groupassault tactics employing two men against one andone man against two. .s. Nineteenth Period. Practice group assaulttactics employing three men against two and twomen against three.t. Twentieth Period. Practice group assault

tactics using two men against one, one managainst. two, three men against two, and two menagainst three.u. Twenty-first Period.(1) Review bayonet and knife disarming.(2) Supervise the assault course on a run

with pack.AGO 4240C RESTRICTED 51

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RESTRICTED -Security Information17. Continued TrainingYou need continued and repeated periods of

bayonet practice to train. and keep you alert as abayonet fighter. These periods should follow thetraining outline described in paragraph 16. Tokeep your form and alertness, 20 minutes of prac-tice three days a week are necessary. Such periodswill deal with assault course practice and othertraining ,procedures of a varied and vigorousnature.18. Conduct of Training

a. Front-sight covers for rifles that areequipped with them will always be placed on thesight during bayonet training.

b. To acquire the correct form and coordina-tion, practice the movements first in slow motionrather than by the numbers. Then increase thepace in order to develop greater speed and aggres-siveness.c. Initial training in parries includes the actualparrying of an opponent's bayonet and rifle to de-velop a sense of distance, force, and timing .. Thecoach-and-pupil method should be used in all prac-tical work periods. Both men will have theirbayonets fixed on their rifles. Scabbards areplaced over the bayonets for safety purposes. The.instructor directs the coaches to execute a thrustat half speed. The pupils parry right and thrust,parry left and thrust, or butt stroke at half speed.After practicing for 1 minute, the instructor di-rects the coach and pupil to change places. He52 RESTRICTED AGO 4240C


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RESTRICTED -:-Security Informationsupervises and controls the exercise to pick outerrors, to avoid sparring tactics, and to give equalpractice to both ranks. The exercise is limited tobrief periods.d. As soon as the pupils have learned all thepositions and movements accurately and withspeed, they will use the training stick. Trainingwith the stick gives them a small target whir.lthey can attack with speed; force, accuracy, A.ndaggressiveness without the coach being inj ured.They use the bare bayonet so that both pupil andthe coach will become used to seeing it.e. Training with the swinging dummies de-velops judgment of distance, balance, and force.Stress will be put on maximum extension of thebody and rifle.f. Practice in group assault tactics and on theassault course develops the important elements ofteamwork.g. Throughout bayonet training, soldiers aretrained to see and strike instantly at any opening.This training develops coordination between theeyes and muscles and mental and physical alert-ness. A mechanical, plodding motion and a slowreaction to sudden situations must be overcome.19.' Training Aidsa. Dummies. Different types of dummies should

. be constructed as. an aid to training.(1) Thrusting dummies can .be made bypressing materials, such as cane, willow,bamboo, swamp grass, or small brush,into a rectangular form approximately



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RESTRICTED-Security In form ation36 inches by 12 inches by 9 inches. Thismaterial is tied together with wire orrope. A heavy cardboard is placed. onone side, and the bundle is covered withburlap or other suitable material.

(2) Suggested frames and their dimensionsare shown in 1 and 2 of figure 18, andin figures 19 and 20.

(3) Where thrust dummies are needed inlarge quantities, some mechanical methodof construction can be employed (fig.21). In training centers, permanent typedummies with steel frames may be con-structed if funds and materials are avail-able. The training aids suggested in thismanual are constructed of cheap mate-rials and may be found in most any areawhere bayonet training is required.

(4) Construction details of the vertical butt .stroke dummy are shown in figure 22.

(5) The horizontal butt stroke dummy ismade by stuffing some light material,such as straw or old rags,. into heavycloth or burlap bags (fig. 23).

(6) Additional dummies for use qn the as-sault course, and suggested types of ob-stacles, include those shown in figures24 to 34.



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1. DummJ' in bed frame ""!'

2. Bwinirinir dummJ' and traae\Figure 18. ThruBting dummr.

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FlgurtJ tl. Press for construction of thnutlng dum.u,.

AGO 42400Figure t~. Vertical butt atrok, dumm,.RESTRICTED 57


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I,~ I


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Figure 25. Individual prone shelter with drone dumm71to be attacked.

Figure 6. Foxhole with exposed head lor athrusting attack.AGO 42400 RESTRICTED 59


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Figure 27. Hurdles.

i.~:~ 0:.:'

Figure 28. Log balance and horizonta.lladder.


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Figure 29. Fence vault.

AGO 42400Figure 30. Wall scale..

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Figure 81. Ditch jump. .

Figure 82. Tunnel crawl.62 RESTRICTED AGO 42400


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Figwre ss. Double apron fence.b. Swinging Dummies. When individuals have

mastered the long thrust and short thrust series,they will practice thrusting at paper disks orcircles painted on swinging dummies. A group ofnot more than six to eight men practice on adummy. Removescabbard and proceed as follows:

(1) Scratch a take-off line on the ground forthe first few thrusts. Extend the bodyand rifle in a correct long thrust posi-tion and determine where the location ofthis line should be. The position of theleading foot is the location of the take-off line. Discontinue the use of the take-off line as soon as they learn the rangeof their thrust, since its continued usewill cause them to concentrate on theirfeet rather than on executing a properthrust.(2) First they execute the thrust from a halt.Then execute it after taking severalsteps. G'radually increase the distance



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Figure 91". Surprise dumm1!.

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RESTRICTED -Security Informationand speed of advance. Finally, make theadvance at" a run from a point about 20steps from the dummy. When they areabout 5 steps from the dummy they gointo the guard position before executingthe thrust. They advance in a practicaland natural way, without regard towhich foot is to the front when makingthe thrust.(3) After mastering this procedure, theyexecute a long thrust at one circle andone or several short thrusts at othercircles. The short thrusts will be doneone right afte~ the other.

c. Withdr.awal Board.(1) The instructor uses the withdrawalboard to teach pupils to use the weightof their entire body in making a with-drawal after the bayonet has becometightly imbedded in a target.

(2) The board may be any piece of lumberlh to 1 inch thick, 4 inches wide, and11h to 2 feet long. It is placed on a 4" by4" swinging dummy upright by nailingor screwing the lower end of the boardto one of the uprights about 3lh feetfrom the ground.(3) Push the bayonet, scabbard removed, be-tween the board and upright. The coachpresses the upper end of the board sothat the bayonet is clamped. The diffi-culty of the withdrawal shows the neces-sity of using proper technique.

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RESTRICTEDSecurity Informationd. Training Stick. The tr~ining stick is made

from any light piece of wood 6 feet long and 1inch thick. One end is padded with cloth or waste.A 5-inch loop made of stiff rope or insulated thickwire is attached to the other end.

(1) When the coach places either end of thetraining stick on the ground, the pupilimmediately comes to the guard position(fig. 35). The pupil threatens the coachwith the bayonet point as long as he isclose enough to attack. The coach thenplaces either end of the stick in any posi-tion he wants, and the pupil attacks thestick.

Figure 35. Training stick, guard position.66 RESTRICTED AGO 42400


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RESTRICTED -Security Information(2) If the ring is offered, the pupil attacks

either with a long or short thrust. Thetype of thrust used is judged by the dis-tance between the bayonet point and thestick (fig. 36). If the point is putthrough the ring, he withdraws andtakes up the guard position. He con-tinues the attack if another target isoffered.(3) If the coach presents the padded end ofthe stick groin high and approximatelythree feet from the pupil he will execute

Figure 36. Training stick, thrusting.AGO 42400 RESTRICTED 67


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1. Execution

2. SmashFigw'e 37. Training stick, vertical butt stroke.

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RESTRICTED -Security Informationthe vertical butt stroke (1 of fig. 37).If he misses, the coach \vill move backand present the padded end shoulderhigh for the smash (2 of fig. 37). If hemisses the smash, the coach will con-tinue to move back, dropping the stickat a 450 angle. The pupil executes theslash (3 of fig. 37). If he hits the targ'et,he takes up the guard, or continues theattack if the coach continues to offer atarget.

(4) If the coach presents the padded end ofthe stick shoulder high and approxi-mately twelve inches from the point of

3. Slash

Figure 37. T1'aining stick, vertical butt stroke-Continued.



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RESTRICTED-Security Informationthe bayonet, the pupil executes the hori-zontal butt stroke (1 of fig. 38). If hemisses the target, the coach will presentthe target for the smash and slash (2and 3 of fig. 38).

(5) For practicing the parries, the coachholds the training stick with his right

1. EXCl:lIliOIl

2. Smash

Figllre .:S. Trail/ing stick, horizontal butt st1'oke.70 RESTRICTED AGO 4240C


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:l. Slash

ViyJlre SS. Tmiuill{) stick, horizolltul butt stroke-Continued.

hand in the loop and his left hand up onthe training stick. He assumes the guardposition and stands about 12 feet in frontof the pupil (1 of fig. 39). Guiding the

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1. Guard position

2. Parry rig-ht

3. Parry left

Pi[J1tre :U). Training st'ick, panies.72 RESTRICTED AGO 4240C


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RESTRICTED-Security Informationstick initially with his left hand, thecoach thrusts the padded end directly atthe pupil's head or body, lunging for-ward as he thrusts. The pupil executesthe parry right or parry left, dependingon which direction is best (2 and 3 offig. 39). The coach immediately followsup by presenting a suitable target forthe attack which must follow the parry.Care will be exercised that the coach doesnot swing the stick into the pupil. Ifsweeping movements are made with thestick, the pupil will probably develop asweeping parry.

20. Training in Group Assault Tacticsa. General. Training in group assault tactics

will not begin until troops have become proficientin bayonet technique. They. will practice groupassault tactics in groups of three and five. Bayo-nets will be fixed, but scabbards will be placedover them for safety purposes. The movementsare executed as in actual combat, except that therepresented enemy is struck lightly, simulatingthe actual killing blow. Individuals who simulatethe enemy in group assault practice do not takethe offensive, but remain on the defensive in orderto illustrate plainly the principles and tactics in-volved. When the enemy (or any attacker) hasbeeN touched on the body by the opponent's bayo-net, h~ drops to one knee and remains out ofaction until that bout is ended. After the prin-ciple~ have been learned, the men rotate so thatAG0424iC RESTRICTED 73

I


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RESTRICTED-Security Informationeach fights in every position several times. Atfirst, practice is at half speed, with emphasis onposition and coordination. When they 'possessthese essentials, increase Y!lur speed to themaximum.b. Sequence of Training. Group assault tactics

will be practiced in the following order (par. 15) :(1) Two men against one.(2) Three men against two.(3) Two men against three.(4) One man against two.

21. Assault Coursea. Purpose. The bayonet ass ault course may be

used as a qualification course to test the degree ofproficiency of a bayonet fighter. Primarily, thebayonet assault course, used in a course of bayonettraining, accomplishes the following:

(1) It provides bayonet fighting under con-ditions approximating combat.

(2) H aids you in developing speed, strength,and endurance.(3) It offers a challenge to the determination

and will power which are so essentialin combat.(4) It provides a means for obtaining goodhabits in group action and teamwork.(5) It measures skill in bayonet fighting-.(6) It provides a means for maintaining your

skill by continued training and practiceafter hours.

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c~ Description.(1) Assault courses should be laid out onrough terrain, preferably wooded. Thelength of the course. may vary from 200to 300 yards. The number and type ofobstacles on the course depend upon localconditions and the ingenuity of thebuilder. The builder should make use ofnatural obstacles, such as streams, ra-vines, "ridges, and thick woods. He shouldconstruct artificial obstacles, such astrenches, ditches, craters, wire entangle-ments, fences, log walks, hurdles, andhorizontal ladders.

(2) Targets should consist of movable dum-mies, placed in logical locations. Thedummies should often be moved to newlocations. The builder should place sur-prise. targets at various points and sus-pend swinging dummies from trees. Hemay hinge others to swing out from be-hind trees or thickets. He can buildthrust and butt stroke dummies with 4"by 4" timbers, set into bored holes. Hecan move the dummies by placing similarholes at different points on the course.He should include several targets for em-

RESTRICTED-Security Inform ationb. Qualification Course. A scorer may be placed

~~teach fixed dummy in the assault course. \Vhenhe bayonet fighter completes the movement de-igned for the particular dummy, the scorer will~rade him as to the degree of proficiency in theeXecution of the movement:IIII


-


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RESTRICTED -Security Informationployment of group assault' tactics~ .

(3) The course should have sufficient lanes1to permit one-half squad to run thecourse under the squad, assistant squad'j.or other designated leader.

d. Running the Course. .(1) Variations in local terrain and differ#

ences in the placement of' obstacles anddummies make it impossible to have 11fixed time limit. Troops should first rUIlthe Course at a moderate pace and in#crease their speed as their technique andphysical condition develop.(2) The instructor sees that discipline andorganized control' are kept .. He desig ..nates one man in each assaulting groupas the leader. The group operates as ateam under this leader.'(3) The instructor and his' assistants will bestationed along the course to observe the

methods of attack and to makecorrec ..tiofis, if necessary.22. Bayonet and Knife; Disarming:Method and techniques. of bayonet and knife

united states army fm 23-25 bayonet 1953

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