All company officers and non-commissioned officers should be taught how to instruct in bayonet training in order that they may be able to teach their squads and platoons this very important part of a soldier's training, which must be regularly practiced during the whole of his service at home, and during his periods of rest behind the firing-lines. The greatest care should be taken that the object representing the opponent and its support should be incapable of injuring the bayonet or butt. Only light sticks are to be used for parrying practice. The chief causes of injury to the bayonet are insufficient instruction, in the bayonet training lessons, failure to withdraw the bayonet clear of the dummy, and placing the dummies on hard, unprepared ground. BAYONET LESSONS _Formation._--Intervals or distances are taken as prescribed in paragraphs 109 and 111 I.D.R. Bayonets are fixed, paragraph 95, I.D.R. _Technique of Instruction._--Before requiring the soldier to take a position or execute a movement for the first time, the instructor should show him the position or how to execute the movement, stating the essential elements and explaining the purpose that they serve. Illustrate the position or movement a second time, requiring careful observation so that the men will be taught to use their eyes and brains right from the beginning. Now, require the men to assume the position or execute the movement under consideration. Accuracy and expertness will be developed by practice. Fatigue and exhaustion should be carefully guarded against. They prevent proper interest being taken in the exercises and delay the progress of the instruction. The training consists of five lessons and the Final Assault practice. _Lesson No. 1_ The First lesson is divided into: 1. The position of _Guard_, from which the various bayonet attacks are made. 2. The position of _High Port_, which is assumed when advancing. 3. The _Long Point_, which is the normal method of bayonet attack. 4. The _Withdrawal_, which follows the attack. THE POSITION OF GUARD Being at the Order Arms: Raise the piece with the right hand, throw it to the front. Grasp with both hands, the left at a convenient place above the rear sight so that the left arm is only slightly bent; right hand at the small of the stock and held just in front of the navel. The rifle is held naturally and easily, without constraint, barrel inclined slightly to the left. At the same time the left foot is carried forward to a point in a natural position such as a man walking might adopt on meeting with resistance. The left knee is slightly bent, right leg straight and braced. The right foot is flat on the ground with the toe inclined to the right front. [Illustration: THE LONG POINT] The common faults that will be noted in assuming the position are: 1. The body will be leaned back from the hips, which causes unsteadiness and does not permit quick and aggressive action.