(3) The bayonet fighting system currently taught and employed by the Marine Corps was developed by Doctor Armond H. Seidler, professor in the Department of Physical Education at the University of Illinois. Dr. Seidler was a bayonet instructor in the U.S. Army during World War II when the Biddle system was taught. He felt the movements of the old system were awkward and difficult to execute, and often caused the bayonet fighter to lose his balance. If the bayonet fighter failed to disable his opponent with the first blow he was then frequently left at the enemy’s mercy. Dr. Seidler was convinced that the movements of the Biddle system were unnatural and this would result in their being discarded in an actual bayonet fight, and the bayonet fighter resorting to a disorganized attack on his enemy. Under the Seidler system the guard position remains the basic position. All movements begin from the guard position and each movement consists of an attack and a recovery. The recovery is a return to the guard position. In the execution of a movement, the two phases follow without deliberate pause. This makes the entire movement a uniformly smooth action. The attack may be continued without returning to the guard position, either by repeating the same movement or utilizing another followup movement. Followup movements are designed so that a blocked initial movement sets the opponent up for the delivery of another killing blow without the bayonet fighter having to return to the guard position and without loss of balance. c. The Importance of the Bayonet.—The importance of the bayonet cannot be measured by the frequency of its use or the number of casualties for which it accounts. It is indispensable because of the confidence it breeds in the individual fighting man, and the willingness instilled in him to close with the enemy and destroy him. Closing with and destroying the enemy is the mission of the infantry, and the major importance of the bayonet is that it allows the individual Marine to accomplish this mission under a wide variety of conditions. The bayonet is always loaded and always operative. (1) The importance of assuming the offense as a principle of war cannot be questioned. The bayonet is a symbol of the offense; of aggressiveness. It gives the infantryman courage and confidence, provided he is properly trained in its use. It gives individual infantrymen a more offensive attitude, and better enables them to accomplish their mission in the final assault. It gives them a means of personal protection, contributing to their security and safety. In addition to its offensive roles, the bayonet can serve as a last ditch protective measure.