The bayonet is essentially a weapon of offense to be used with skill and vigor. To await an opportunity for using the bayonet entails defeat. An approaching enemy will simply stand out of bayonet range and shoot down the defenders. In an assault the enemy should be killed with the bayonet. Firing should be avoided. A bullet passing through an opponent's body may kill a friend who happens to be in the line of fire. THE BAYONET ASSAULT Training in the final assault is conducted only after the soldier has received a thorough course of instruction in the preliminary lessons and has acquired complete control over his weapons. This training must approximate as nearly as possible the conditions of actual fighting. Instructors should endeavor by every means in their power to arouse the interest and imagination of the men. Each problem should be carefully explained beforehand so that every man may have a complete knowledge of just exactly what is being attempted. Each target must be regarded as an armed opponent and each line of targets as an enemy line, attacking, defending or retiring, to be disposed of accordingly. Any tendency towards carelessness and slackness must be corrected at once and all the men must be impressed with the fact that a practice assault that is not carried out with quickness, vigor and determination is worse than useless. Lack of imagination or lack of understanding of what is being attempted, leading to a violation of the principles of tactics in practice assaults against dummy targets, can only lead to disaster in a real assault against the enemy. Nervous tension, due to the anticipation of an attack, the advance across the open and the final dash at the enemy all combine to tire an assaulting party. It is only by their physical fitness and superior skill with the bayonet that they can overcome a comparatively fresh foe. Accuracy in directing the bayonet when moving rapidly or surmounting obstacles; a thrust of sufficient force to penetrate clothing and equipment; a clean withdrawal, which requires no small effort, especially when the bayonet is fixed by a bone; are all of the greatest importance. METHOD OF CARRYING THE RIFLE WITH BAYONET FIXED 1. A quick, short advance. Carry the rifle at the position of "High Port." This position is suitable for close formations. It minimizes risks of accidents when surmounting obstacles. It can be maintained with the left hand alone, allowing a free use of the right when necessary. 2. Long advance, in close formation. Carry the rifle slung over the left shoulder, barrel perpendicular, sling to the front. This allows the free use of both hands. 3. Long advance, in open order. Carry the rifle at the "Trail." TEAMWORK