a. The basic starting and recovery position in bayonet fighting is the guard position. From this position all movements can originate. This includes movements to attack an enemy, which will be covered in section 3; movements to change direction; and movements of the feet. These movements are natural, instinctive, and easy to teach and execute. They bear a close resemblance to the established athletic skill of boxing. Although the hands are held in a relatively fixed position, the arm and foot movements, feinting, speed, and balance are markedly similar. In this system, the rifle and bayonet are used as a club or quarterstaff, as well as a spear. There is no sportsmanship in bayonet fighting. The opponent must be destroyed, not merely defeated. b. Descriptions of movements will state approximate distances. These distances may be adjusted to suit the individual. All movements described are for a right-handed bayonet fighter. c. The rifle and bayonet in the hands of a trained Marine become a deadly combination of spear, sword, club, and shield. 202. THE GUARD POSITION a. General.—As in boxing the basic position of the bayonet fighter is the GUARD position. The bayonet fighter in this position is relaxed and alert. The initial attack movement begins from this position. Each movement consists of an attack and a recovery. The recovery is in fact a return to the guard position. In executing a movement the phases follow each other without a deliberate pause, thus making the entire movement a uniformly smooth action. The attack may be continued without returning to the guard position by repeating the same movement or utilizing another movement. In the guard position the bayonet fighter is ready to move into the attack to ward off his enemy. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate front and side views of a bayonet fighter in the guard position. b. Position of the Feet.—The feet are spread apart about shoulder width. The left foot is about 6 inches forward of the right, in line with the right instep. [Illustration: Figure 1.—Guard Position—Front View.] [Illustration: Figure 2.—Guard Position—Side View.] c. Position of the Body.—The body is held erect or bent slightly forward from the hips, if this is more comfortable. The knees are slightly bent, and the weight is evenly balanced on the balls of both feet. The right elbow is slightly forward of the right hip in a relaxed, natural position and the right forearm is held approximately parallel to the deck depending on the size of the individual. The head is held high permitting continuous eye contact with the opponent. The opponent’s facial expression, especially the eyes, may give the bayonet fighter warning of his intentions, but the bayonet fighter must also keep the opponent’s feet and hands in view through peripheral vision.