5.  Instruction in bayonet combat should begin as soon as the soldier is familiar with the handling of his rifle and will progress, as far as practicable, in the order followed in the text.

6.  Instruction is ordinarily given on even ground; but practice should also be had on uneven ground, especially in the attack and defense of intrenchments.

7.  These exercises will not be used as a calisthenic drill.

8.  The principles of the commands are the same as those given in paragraph 9, 15, and 38, Infantry Drill Regulations.  Intervals and distances will be taken as in paragraphs 109 and 111, Infantry Drill Regulations, except that, in formations for bayonet exercises, the men should be at least four paces apart in every direction.

9.  Before requiring soldiers to take a position or execute a movement for the first time, the instructor executes the same for the purpose of illustration, after which he requires the soldiers to execute the movement individually.  Movements prescribed in this manual will not be executed in cadence as the attempt to do so results in incomplete execution and lack of vigor.  Each movement will be executed correctly as quickly as possible by every man.  As soon as the movements are executed accurately, the commands are given rapidly, as expertness with the bayonet depends chiefly upon quickness of motion.

10.  The exercises will he interrupted at first by short and frequent rests.  The rests will be less frequent as proficiency is attained.  Fatigue and exhaustion will be specially guarded against, as they prevent proper interest being taken in the exercises and delay the progress of the instruction.  Rests will be given from the position of order arms in the manner prescribed in Infantry Drill Regulations.

THE BAYONET.

NOMENCLATURE AND DESCRIPTION.

11.  The bayonet is a cutting and thrusting weapon consisting of three principal parts, viz, the blade,guard_, and grip.

12.  The blade has the following parts:  Edge, false edge, back, grooves, point, and tang.  The length of the blade from guard to point is 16 inches, the edge 14.5 inches, and the false edge 5.6 inches.  Length of the rifle, bayonet fixed, is 59.4 inches.  The weight of the bayonet is 1 pound; weight of rifle without bayonet is 8.69 pounds.  The center of gravity of the rifle, with bayonet fixed, is just in front of the rear sight.

NOTE.—­The use of the hand ax and the pick mattock in organizations equipped with the intrenching tool is authorized for the purpose of driving shelter-tent pins.  The use of the bayonet for that purpose is prohibited.

I. INSTRUTION WITHOUT THE RIFLE.

13.  The instructor explains the importance of good footwork and impresses on the men the fact that quickness of foot and suppleness of body are as important for attack and defense as is the ability to parry and deliver a strong point or cut.