II. INSTRUCTION WITH THE RIFLE.

Fig. 5, par. 94.

Fig. 6, par. 95.

Carry the rifle diagonally across the body and take the position of port arms.

97. Being at port arms: 1.Present, 2.ARMS.

Carry the rifle to a vertical position in front of the center of the body and take the position of present arms.

98. Being at present or port arms: 1.Order, 2.ARMS.

Let go with the right hand; lower and carry the rifle to the right with the left hand; regrasp it with the right hand just above the lower band; let go with the left hand, and take the next to the last position in coming to the order. (TWO) Complete the order.

99. Being at order arms: 1.Right shoulder, 2.ARMS.

With the right hand raise and throw the rifle diagonally across the body; carry the right hand quickly to the butt, embracing it, the heel between the first two fingers. (TWO) Without changing the grasp of the right hand, place the rifleon the right shoulder, barrel up and inclined at an angle of about 45° from the horizontal, trigger guard in the hollow of the shoulder, right elbow near the side, the rifle in a vertical plane perpendicular to the front; carry the left hand, thumb, and fingers extended and joined, to the small of the stock, tip of the forefinger touching the cocking piece, wrist straight and elbow down. (THREE) Drop the left hand by the side. (Fig.7.)

Fig. 7, par. 99.

100. Being at right shoulder arms: 1.Order, 2.ARMS.

Press the butt down quickly and throw the rifle diagonally across the body, the right hand retaining the grasp of the butt. (TWO), (THREE) Execute order arms as described from port arms.

101. Being at port arms: 1.Right shoulder, 2.ARMS.

Change the right hand to the butt. (TWO), (THREE) As in right shoulder arms fromorder arms.

102. Being at right shoulder arms: 1.Port, 2.ARMS.

Press the butt down quickly and throw the rifle diagonally across the body, the right hand retaining its grasp of the butt. (TWO) Change the right hand to the small of the stock.

103. Being at right shoulder arms: 1.Present, 2.ARMS.

Execute port arms. (THREE) Execute present arms.

104. Being at present arms: 1.Right shoulder, 2.ARMS.

Execute port arms. (TWO), (THREE), (FOUR). Execute right shoulder arms as from port arms.

105. Being at port arms: 1.Left shoulder, 2.ARMS.

Carry the rifle with the right hand and place it on the left shoulder, barrel up, trigger guard in the hollow of the shoulder; at the same time grasp the butt with the left hand, heel between first and second fingers, thumb and fingers closed on the stock. (TWO) Drop the right hand by the side.

Left shoulder armsmay be ordered directly from the order, right shoulder, or present, or the reverse. At the commandArmsexecuteport armsand continue in cadence to the position ordered.

106. Being at left shoulder arms: 1.Port, 2.ARMS.

Grasp the rifle with the right hand at the small of the stock. (TWO) Carry the rifle to the right with the right hand, regrasp it with the left and take the position of port arms.

107. Being at order arms: 1.Parade, 2.REST.

Carry the right foot 6 inches straight to the rear, left knee slightly bent; carry the muzzle In front of the center of the body, barrel to the left; grasp the rifle with the left hand just below the stacking swivel and with the right hand below and against the left. (Fig.8.)

Being at parade rest: 1.Squad, 2.ATTENTION.

Resume the order, the left hand quitting the rifle opposite the right hip.

Fig. 8, par. 107.

108. Being at order arms.1.Trail, 2.ARMS.

Raise the rifle, right arm slightly bent, and incline the muzzle forward so that the barrel makes an angle of about 30° with the vertical. (Fig.9.)

When it can be done without danger or inconvenience to others, the rifle may be grasped at the balance and muzzle lowered until the rifle is horizontal; a similar position in the left hand may be used.

Fig. 9, par. 108.

109. Being at trail arms: 1.Order, 2.ARMS.

Lower the rifle with the right hand and resume the order.

RIFLE SALUTE.

110. Being at right shoulder arms: 1.Rifle, 2.SALUTE.

Fig. 11, par. 111.

Fig. 10, par. 110.

Carry the left hand smartly to the small of the stock, forearm horizontal, palm of the hand down, thumb and fingersextended and joined, forefinger touching end of cocking piece; look toward the person saluted. (TWO) Drop left hand by the side; turn head and eyes to the front. (Fig.10.)

With the rifle on the left shoulder, the salute is rendered in a corresponding manner with the right hand.

111. Being at order or trail arms: 1.Rifle, 2.SALUTE.

Carry the left hand smartly to the right side, palm of the hand down, thumb and fingers extended and joined, forefinger against the rifle near the muzzle; look toward the person saluted. (TWO) Drop the left hand by the side; turn the head and eyes to the front. (Fig.11.)

THE INSPECTION.

112. Being at order arms: 1.Inspection, 2.ARMS.

At the second command, take the position of port arms. (TWO) Seize the bolt handle with the thumb and forefinger of the right hand, turn the handle up, draw the bolt back and glance at the chamber. Having found the chamber empty, or having emptied it, raise the head and eyes to the front. (Fig.12.)

Fig. 12, par. 112.

113. Being at inspection arms: 1.Order (right shoulder, port), 2.ARMS.

At the preparatory command, push the bolt forward, turn the handle down, pull the trigger, and resume port arms. At the command arms complete the movement ordered.

TO DISMISS.

114. Being at halt: 1.Inspection, 2.ARMS, 3.Port, 4.ARMS, 5.DISMISSED.

TO STACK AND TAKE ARMS.

115.Three rifles only are used to make a stack; rifles not so used are, in this connection, termed loose rifles.

Being in line at a halt:STACK ARMS.

At the command stack, No. 3 steps back and covers No. 2, No. 2 raises his rifle with the right hand, grasps it with the left at the upper band and rests the butt between his feet, barrel to the front, muzzle inclined slightly to the front and opposite the center of the interval on his right, the thumb and forefinger raising the stacking swivel; No. 3 then passes his rifle, barrel to the rear, to No. 2, who grasps it between the bands with his right hand and throws the butt about 2 feet in advance of that of his own rifle and opposite the right of the interval, the right hand slipping to the upper band, the thumb and forefinger raising the stacking swivel, which he engages with that of his own rifle; No. 1 raises his rifle with the right hand, carries it well forward, barrel to the front, the left hand guiding the stacking swivel, engages the lower hook of the swivel of his own rifle with the free hook of that of No. 3; he then turns the barrel outward into the angle formed by the other two rifles and lowers the butt to the ground to the right of and against the toe of his right shoe. No. 2 lays loose rifles on the stack; No. 3 resumes his place in line. When each man has finished handling rifles, he takes the position of attention. The instructor may then rest or dismiss the squad, leaving the arms stacked.

On re-forming, the men take their places in rear of the stacks.

116. Being in line, behind the stacks: TAKE ARMS.

No. 3 steps back and covers No. 2; No. 2 returns the loose rifles, then grasps his own rifle with the left hand, the rifle of No. 3 with his right hand, grasping both between the bands; No. 1 grasps his rifle in the same way with the right hand. No. 1 disengages his rifle by raising the butt from the ground and then turning the rifle to the right, detaches it from the stack; No. 2 disengages and detaches his rifle by turning it to the left, and then passes the rifle of No. 3 to him; No. 3 resumes his place in line; all resume the order.

KNEELING AND LYING DOWN.

117.If standing:KNEEL.

Half face to the right; carry the right toe about 1 foot to the left rear of the left heel; kneel on the right knee, sitting as nearly as possible on the right heel; left forearm across left thigh; rifle remains in position of order arms, right hand grasping it above the lower band. This is the position oforder arms, kneeling. (Fig.13.)

Fig. 13, par. 117.

Fig. 14, par. 118.

118.If standing or kneeling:LIE DOWN.

Kneel, but with right knee against left heel; carry back the left foot and lie flat on the belly, inclining body about 35° to the right; rifle horizontal, barrel up, muzzle off the ground and pointed to the front; elbows on the ground; left hand at the balance, right hand grasping the small of the stock opposite the neck. This is the position oforder arms, lying down. (Fig.14.)

119.If kneeling or lying down:RISE.

If kneeling, stand up, faced to the front, on the ground marked by the left heel.

If lying down, raise the body on both knees; stand up, faced to the front, on the ground marked by the knees.

120.If lying down:KNEEL.

Raise the body on both knees, take the position of kneel. When deployed as skirmishers, a sitting position may be taken instead of the position kneeling.

23.The commands for and the execution of the foot movements are the same as already given for movements without the rifle.

24.The men having taken intervals or distances, the instructor commands:

Fig. 15, par. 24.

1.Bayonet exercise, 2.GUARD.

At the second command take the position of guard (see par. 15); at the game time throw the rifle smartly to the front, grasp the rifle with the left hand just below the lower hand, fingers between the stock and gun sling, barrel turned slightly to the left, the right hand grasping the small of the stock about 6 inches in front of the right hip, elbows free from the body, bayonet point at the height of the chin.

25.1.Order, 2.ARMS.

Bring the right foot up to the left and the rifle to the position of order arms, at the same time resuming the position of attention.

26.During the preliminary instruction, attacks and defenses will be executed from guard until proficiency is attained, after which they may be executed from any position in which the rifle is held.

ATTACKS.

27.1.THRUST.

Fig. 16, par. 27.

Thrust the rifle quickly forward to the full length of the left arm, turning the barrel to the left, and direct the point of the bayonet at the point to be attacked, but covering the right forearm. At the same time straighten the right leg vigorously and throw the weight of the body forward and on theleft leg, the ball of the right foot always on the ground. Guard is resumed immediately without command.

The force of the thrust is delivered principally with the right arm, the left being used to direct the bayonet. The points at which the attack should be directed are, in order of their importance, stomach, chest, head, neck, and limbs.

28. 1. LUNGE.

Fig. 17, par. 29.

Executed in the same manner as the thrust, except that the left foot is carried forward about twice its length. The leftheel must always be in rear of the left knee. Guard is resumed immediately without command. Guard may also be resumed by advancing the right foot if for any reason it is desired to hold the ground gained in lunging. In the latter case the preparatory command forward will be given. Each method should be practiced.

29.1.Butt, 2.STRIKE.

Straighten right arm and right leg vigorously and swing butt of rifle against point of attack, pivoting the rifle in the left hand at about the height of the left shoulder, allowing the bayonet to pass to the rear on the left side of the head. Guard is resumed without command.

The points of attack in their order of importance are head, neck, stomach, and crotch.

Fig. 18, par. 28.

30.1.Cut, 2.DOWN.

Execute a quick downward stroke, edge of bayonet directed at point of attack. Guard is resumed without command.

Par. 19.

Par. 20.

31.1.Cut, 2.RIGHT (LEFT).

With a quick extension of the arms execute a cut to the right (left), directing the edge toward the point attacked. Guard is resumed without command.

The cuts are especially useful against the head, neck, and hands of an enemy. In executing left cut it should be remembered that the false, or back, edge is only 5.6 inches long. The cuts can be executed in continuation of strokes, thrusts, lunges, and parries.

32.To direct an attack to the right, left, or rear the soldier will change front as quickly as possible in the most convenient manner, for example: 1.To the right rear, 2.Cut, 3.DOWN; 1.To the right, 2.LUNGE; 1.To the left, 2.THRUST, etc.

Whenever possible the impetus gained by the turning movement of the body should be thrown into the attack. In general this will be best accomplished by turning on the ball of the right foot.

These movements constitute a change of front in which the position of guard is resumed at the completion of the movement.

33.Good judgment of distance is essential. Accuracy in thrusting and lunging is best attained by practicing these attacks against rings or other convenient openings, about 3 inches in diameter, suitably suspended at desired heights.

34.The thrust and lunges at rings should first be practiced by endeavoring to hit the opening looked at. This should be followed by directing the attack against one opening while looking at another.

35.The soldier should also experience the effect of actual resistance offered to the bayonet and the butt of the rifle in attacks. This will be taught by practicing attacks against a dummy.

36.Dummies should be constructed in such a manner as to permit the execution of attacks without injury to the point or edge of the bayonet or to the barrel or stock of the rifle. A suitable dummy can be made from pieces of rope about 5 feet in length plaited closely together into a cable between 6 and 12 inches in diameter. Old rope is preferable. Bags weighted and stuffed with hay, straw, shavings, etc., are also suitable.

DEFENSES.

37.In the preliminary drills in the defenses the position of guard is resumed, by command, after each parry. When the men have become proficient the instructor will cause them to resume the position of guard instantly without command after the execution of each parry.

38.1.Parry, 2.RIGHT.

Keeping the right hand in the guard position, move the rifle sharply to the right with the left arm, so that the bayonet point is about 6 inches to the right.

39.1.Parry, 2.LEFT.

Move the rifle sharply to the left front with both hands so as to cover the point attacked.

Fig. 21, par. 40.

40.1.Parry, 2.HIGH.

Raise the rifle with both hands high enough to clear the line of vision, barrel downward, point of the bayonet to the left front.

When necessary to raise the rifle well above the head, it may be supported between the thumb and forefinger of the left hand. This position will be necessary against attacks from higher elevations, such as men mounted or on top of parapets.

41.1.Low parry, 2.RIGHT (LEFT).Carry the point of the bayonet down until it is at the height of the knee, moving the point of the bayonet sufficiently to the right (left), to keep the opponent's attacks clear of the point threatened.

These parries are rarely used, as an attack below the waist leaves the head and body exposed.

Fig. 22, par. 41.

Fig. 23, par. 41.

42.Parries must not be too wide or sweeping, but sharp, short motions, finished with a jerk or quick catch. The hands should, as far as possible, be kept in the line of attack. Parries against butt strike are made by quickly moving the guard so as to cover the point attacked.

43.To provide against attack from the right, left, or rear the soldier will change front as quickly as possible in the most convenient manner; for example: 1.To the left rear, 2.Parry, 3.HIGH; 1.To the right, 2.Parry, 3.RIGHT, etc.

These movements constitute a change of front in which the position of guard is resumed at the completion of the movement.

In changing front for the purpose of attack or defense, if there is danger of wounding a comrade, the rifle should first be brought to a vertical position.

44.1.Club rifle, 2.SWING.

Being at order arms, at the preparatory command quickly raise and turn the rifle, regrasping it with both hands between the rear sight and muzzle, barrel down, thumbs around the stock and toward the butt; at the same time raise the rifle above the shoulder farthest from the opponent, butt elevated and to the rear, elbows slightly bent and knees straight. Each individual takes such position of the feet, shoulders, and hands as best accords with his natural dexterity.SWING.Tightenthe grasp Of the hands and swing the rifle to the front and downward, directing it at the head of the opponent, and immediately return to the position of club rifle by completing the swing of the rifle downward and to the rear. Repeat by the command,SWING.

The rifle should be swung with sufficient force to break through any guard or parry that may be interposed.

Being at club rifle, order arms is resumed by command.

The use of this attack against dummies or in fencing is prohibited.

Fig. 24, par. 44.

Fig. 25, par. 44.

45.The position ofclub riflemay be taken from any position of the rifle prescribed in the Manual of Arms. It will not be taken in personal combat unless the emergency is such as to preclude the use of the bayonet.

46.The purpose of combined movements is to develop more vigorous attacks and more effective defenses than are obtained, by the single movements; to develop skill in passing from attack to defense and the reverse. Every movement to the front should be accompanied by an attack, which is increased in effectiveness by the forward movement of the body. Every movement to the rear should ordinarily be accompanied by a parry and should always be followed by an attack. Movements to the right or left may be accompanied by attacks or defenses.

47.Not more than three movements will be used in any combination. The instructor should first indicate the number of movements that are to be combined astwo movementsorthree movements. The execution is, determined by one command of execution, and the position of guard is taken upon the completion of the last movement only.

EXAMPLES.

48.Attacks against dummies will be practiced. The approach will be made against the dummies both in quick time and double time.

49.The principles of practical bayonet combat should be taught as far as possible during the progress of instruction in bayonet exercises.

50.The soldier must be continually impressed with the extreme importance of the offensive due to its moral effect. Should an attack fail, it should be followed immediately by another attack before the opponent has an opportunity to assume the offensive. Keep the opponent on the defensive. If, due to circumstances, it is necessary to take the defensive, constantly watch for an opportunity to assume the offensive and take immediate advantage of it.

51.Observe the ground with a view to obtaining the best footing. Time for this will generally be too limited to permit more than a single hasty glance.

52.In personal combat watch the opponent's eyes if they can be plainly seen, and do not fix the eyes on his weapon nor upon the point of your attack. If his eyes can not be plainly seen, as in night attacks, watch the movements of his weapon and of his body.

53.Keep the body well covered and deliver attacks vigorously. The point of the bayonet should always be kept as nearly as possible in the line of attack. The less the rifle is moved upward, downward, to the right, or to the left, the better prepared the soldier is for attack or defense.

54.Constantly watch for a chance to attack the opponent's left hand. His position of guard will not differ materially from that described in paragraph 24. If his bayonet is without a cutting edge, he will be at a great disadvantage.

55.The butt is used for close and sudden attacks. It is particularly useful in riot duty. From the position of port arms a sentry can strike a severe blow with the butt of the rifle.

56.Against a man on foot, armed with a sword, be careful that the muzzle of the rifle is not grasped. All the swordsman'senergies will be directed toward getting past the bayonet Attack him with short, stabbing thrusts and keep him beyond striking distance of his weapon.

57.The adversary may attempt a greater extension in the thrust and lunge by quitting the grasp of his piece with the left hand and advancing the right as far as possible. When this is done, a sharp parry may cause him to lose control of his rifle, leaving him exposed to a counter attack, which should follow promptly.

58.Against odds a small number of men can fight to best advantage by grouping themselves so as to prevent their being attacked from behind.

59.In fighting a mounted man armed with a saber every effort must be made to get on his near, or left, side, because here his reach is much shorter and his parries much weaker. If not possible to disable such an enemy, attack his horse and then renew the attack on the horseman.

60.In receiving night attacks the assailant's movements can be best observed from the kneeling or prone position, as his approach generally brings him against the sky line. When he arrives within attacking distance rise quickly and lunge well forward at the middle of his body.

61.Fencing exercises in two lines consist of combinations of thrusts, parries, and foot movements executed at command or at will, the opponent replying with suitable parries and returns.

62.The instructor will inspect the entire fencing equipment before the exercise begins and assure himself that everything is in such condition as will prevent accidents.

63.The men equip themselves and form in two lines at the order, facing each other, with intervals of about 4 paces between files and a distance of about 2 paces between lines. One line is designated as number 1; the other, number 2. Also as attack and defense.

64.The opponents being at the order facing each other, the instructor commands:SALUTE.

Each man, with eyes on his opponent, carries the left hand smartly to the right side, palm of the hand down, thumb andfingers extended and joined, forearm horizontal, forefinger touching the bayonet. (Two.) Drop the arm smartly by the side.

This salute is the fencing salute.

All fencing exercises and all fencing at will between individuals will begin and terminate with the formal courtesy of the fencing salute.

65.After the fencing salute has been rendered the instructor commands: 1.Fencing exercise, 2.GUARD.

At the commandguardeach man comes to the position ofguard, heretofore defined, bayonets crossed, each man's bayonet bearing lightly to the right against the corresponding portion of the opponent's bayonet. This position is known as theengageorengage right.

66.Being at the engage right:ENGAGE LEFT.

The attack drops the point of his bayonet quickly until clear of his opponent's rifle and describes a semicircle with it upward and to the right; bayonets are crossed similarly as in the engaged position, each man's bayonet bearing lightly to the left against the corresponding portion of the opponent's bayonet.

67.Being at engage left:ENGAGE RIGHT.

The attack quickly drops the point of his bayonet until clear of his opponent's rifle and describes a semicircle with it upward and to the left and engages.

68.Being engaged:ENGAGE LEFT AND RIGHT.

The attackengages leftand then immediatelyengages right.

69.Being engaged left:ENGAGE RIGHT AND LEFT.

The attackengages rightand then immediatelyengages left.

70.1.Number one, ENGAGE RIGHT (LEFT); 2.Number two, COUNTER.

Number one executes the movement ordered, as above; number two quickly drops the point of his bayonet and circles it upward to the original position.

71.In all fencing while maintaining the pressure in the engage a certain freedom of motion of the rifle is allowable, consisting of the play, or up-and-down motion, of one bayonet against the other. This is necessary to prevent the opponentfrom divining the intended attack. It also prevents his using the point of contact as a pivot for his assaults. In changing from one engage to the other the movement is controlled by the left hand, the right remaining stationary.

72.After some exercise in engage, engage left, and counter, exercises will be given in the assaults.

ASSAULTS.

73.The part of the body to be attacked will be designated by name, as head, neck, chest, stomach, legs. No attacks will be made below the knees. The commands are given and the movements for each line are first explained thoroughly by the instructor; the execution begins at the command assault. Number one executes the attack, and number two parries; conversely, at command, number two attacks and number one parries.

74.For convenience in instruction assaults are divided intosimple attacks,counter attacks,attacks on the rifle, andfeints.

SIMPLE ATTACKS.

75.Success in these attacks depends on quickness of movement. There are three simple attacks—thestraight, thedisengagement, and thecounter disengagement. They are not preceded by a feint.

76.In thestraightthe bayonet is directed straight at an opening from the engaged position. Contact with the opponent's rifle may or may not be abandoned while making it. If the opening be high or low, contact with the rifle will usually be abandoned on commencing the attack. If the opening be near his guard, the light pressure used in the engage may be continued in the attack.

Example: Being at theengage right, 1.Number one, at neck(head, chest, right leg, etc.),thrust; 2.Number two, parry right; 3.ASSAULT.

77.In thedisengagementcontact with the opponent's rifle is abandoned and the point of the bayonet is circled under or over his bayonet or rifle and directed into the opening attacked. This attack is delivered by one continuous spiralmovement of the bayonet from the moment contact is abandoned.

Example: Being at theengage right, 1.Number one, at stomach(left chest, left leg, etc.),thrust; 2.Number two, parry left(etc.); 3.ASSAULT.

78.In thecounter disengagementa swift attack is made into the opening disclosed while the opponent is attempting to change the engagement of his rifle. It is delivered by one continuous spiral movement of the bayonet into the opening.

Example: Being at theengage right, 1.Number two, engage left; 2.Number one, at chest, thrust; 3.Number two, parry left; 4.ASSAULT.

Number two initiates the movement, number one thrusts as soon as the opening is made, and number two then attempts to parry.

79.Acounter attackorreturnis one made instantly after or in continuation of a parry. The parry should be as narrow as possible. This makes it more difficult for the opponent to recover and counter parry. The counter attack should also be made at or just before the full extension of the opponent's attack, as when it is so made a simple extension of the arms will generally be sufficient to reach the opponent's body.

Example: Being atengage, 1.Number two, at chest, lunge; 2.Number one, parry right, and at stomach (chest, head, etc.),thrust; 3.ASSAULT.

ATTACKS ON THE RIFLE.

80.These movements are made for the purpose of forcing or disclosing an opening into which an attack can be made. They are thepress, thebeat, and thetwist.

81.In thepressthe attack quickly presses against the opponent's bayonet or rifle with his own and continues the pressure as the attack is delivered.

Example: Being at theengage, 1.Number one, press, and at chest,thrust; 2.Number two, parry right; 3.ASSAULT.

82.The attack bydisengagementis particularly effective following thepress.

Example: Being at theengage, 1.Number one, press, and at stomach,thrust; 2.Number two, low parry left; 3.ASSAULT.

83.Thebeatis an attack in which a sharp blow, is struck against the opponent's rifle for the purpose of forcing him to expose an opening into which an attack immediately follows. It is used when there is but slight opposition or no contact of rifles.

Example: Being at theengage, 1.Number one, beat, and at stomach (chest, etc.),thrust; 2.Number two, parry left; 3.ASSAULT.

84.In thetwistthe rifle is crossed over the opponent's rifle or bayonet and his bayonet forced downward with a circular motion and a straight attack made into the opening. It requires superior strength on the part of the attack.

Example: Being at the engage, 1.Number one, twist, and at stomach,thrust; 2.Number two, low parry left; 3.ASSAULT.

FEINTS.

85.Feints are movements which threaten or simulate attacks and are made with a view to inducing an opening or parry that exposes the desired point of attack. They are either single or double, according to the number of such movements made by the attack.

86.In order that the attack may be changed quickly, as little force as possible is put into a feint.

Example: Being at theengage, 1.Number one, feint head thrust; at stomach,lunge; 2.Number two, parry right and low parry right; 3.ASSAULT.

Number one executes the feint and then the attack. Number two executes both parries.

87.In double feints first one part of the body and then another is threatened and a third attacked.

Example: Being at theengage, 1.Number one, feint straight thrustat chest;disengagementat chest; at stomach,lunge; 2.Number two, parry right, parry left, andlow parry left; 3.ASSAULT.

88.An opening may be offered or procured by opposition, as in thepressorbeat.

89.In fencing exercises every feint should at first be parried. When the defense is able to judge or divine the characterof the attack the feint is not necessarily parried, but may be nullified by a counter feint.

90.Acounter feintis a feint following the opponent's feint or following a parry of his attack and generally occurs in combined movements.

COMBINED MOVEMENTS.

91.When the men have become thoroughly familiar with the various foot movements, parries, guards, attacks, feints, etc., the instructor combines several of them and gives the commands in quick succession, increasing the rapidity and number of movements as the men become more skillful. Opponents will be changed frequently.

1. Example: Being at theengage, 1.Number one, by disengagementat chest,thrust; 2.Number two, parry left, right step(left foot first), andlunge; 3.ASSAULT.

2. Example: Being atengage left, 1.Number one, press and lunge; 2.Number two, parry right, left step, andthrust; 3.ASSAULT.

3. Example: Being at theengage, 1.Number one, by disengagementat chest,thrust; 2.Number two, parry left, front pass, and at headbutt strike; 3.Number one, right step; 4.ASSAULT.

92.Examples 1 and 2 are typical of movements known ascross counters, and example No. 3 of movements known asclose counters.

93.Achanceryis an attack by means of which the opponent is disarmed, which causes him to lose control of his rifle, or which disables his weapon.

94.When the different combinations are executed with sufficient skill the instructor will devise series of movements to be memorized and executed at the commandassault. The accuracy and celerity of the movements will be carefully watched by the instructor, with a view to the correction of faulty execution.

95.It is not intended to restrict the number of movements, but to leave to the discretion of company commanders and the ingenuity of instructors the selection of such other exercises as accord with the object of the drill.

96.As satisfactory progress is made the instructor will proceed to the exercises at will, by which is meant assaults between two men, each endeavoring to hit the other and to avoid being hit himself. Fencing at will should not be allowed to degenerate into random attacks and defenses.

97.The instructor can supervise but one pair of combatants at a time. Frequent changes should be made so that the men may learn different methods of attack and defense from each other.

98.The contest should begin with simple, careful movements, with a view to forming a correct opinion of the adversary; afterwards everything will depend on coolness, rapid and correct execution of the movements, and quick perception of the adversary's intentions.

99.Continual retreat from the adversary's attack and frequent dodging to escape attacks should be avoided. The offensive should be continually encouraged.

100.In fencing at will, when no commands are given, opponents facing each other at the position of order arms,salute. They then immediately and simultaneously assume the position of guard, rifles engaged. Neither man may take the position of guard before his opponent has completed his salute. The choice of position is decided before the salute.

101.The opponents being about two paces apart and the fencing salute having been rendered, the instructor commands, 1.At will, 2.ASSAULT, after which either party has the right to attack. To interrupt the contest the instructor will command,HALT, at which the combatants will immediately come to the order. To terminate the contest, the instructor will command, 1.Halt, 2.SALUTE, at which the combatants will immediately come to the order, salute, and remove their masks.

102.When men have acquired confidence in fencing at will, one opponent should be required to advance upon the other in quick time at charge bayonet, from a distance not to exceed 10 yards, and deliver an attack. As soon as a hit is made by either opponent the instructor commands,HALT, and the assault terminates. Opponents alternate in assaulting. The assailant is likewise required to advance at double time froma distance not exceeding 20 yards and at a run from a distance not exceeding 30 yards.

103.The instructor will closely observe the contest and decide doubtful points. He will at once stop the contest upon the slightest indication of temper. After conclusion of the combat he will comment on the action of both parties, point out errors and deficiencies, and explain how they may be avoided in the future.

104.As additional instruction, the men may be permitted to wield the rifle left handed—that is, on the left side of the body, left hand at the small of the stock. Many men will be able to use this method to advantage. It is also of value in case the left hand is wounded.

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