(c) Assumption of a vicious, aggressive attitude was the “spirit of the bayonet.” An actual bayonet fight was depicted as lasting only a few seconds during which time the bayonet fighter was to kill his opponent or be killed himself. The necessity for aggressive action was as obvious then as it is today. The enemy was to be forced on the defensive; the battle was won if this was achieved. The attack consisted of a succession of thrusts, cuts, feints, and butt strokes delivered in succession and without pause, so as not to allow the opponent to recover. (d) The employment of teamwork in the bayonet assault was emphasized. The assaulting troops remained on line. An individual who got too far ahead and was killed before assistance could arrive was not contributing to a successful assault. Similarly, an individual who remained behind was useless in the assault. (2) The individual attack movements described in early manuals closely resemble those taught and employed today. Today’s system is somewhat simpler and facilitates better balance of the bayonet fighter and control of the weapon. Training consisted of individual familiarization with the movements, the use of dummies, thrusting rings, and practice in assaulting enemy trenches with troops on line. The latter category received more emphasis. Dummies were placed in trenches and attacked by bayonet fighters. The system of bayonet fighting taught to American fighting men during World War II closely resembled that employed during World War I. The basics of this system were established in 1905 and changed very little through the conduct of World Wars I and II. Bayonets were employed during World War I principally in the assault of enemy trenches, while, in World War II, their employment was extended to include seizure of key enemy held terrain objectives.