Marine bayonet training

This manual introduces the Marine Corps’ long‑standing method of bayonet fighting, tracing its roots from early European pikemen and plug bayonets to the modern technique used today. It explains why the bayonet remains a relevant infantry tool and sets out clear objectives for anyone learning the art, whether as an individual soldier or as part of a unit. Readers will find concise histories, the evolution of tactics, and the rationale behind each movement, giving context to the drills that follow.

The guide breaks down the fundamentals step by step—guard positions, footwork, and a range of offensive strokes such as the slash, jab, and smash, alongside defensive parries and blocks. It then expands to coordinated group attacks and defenses, offering a structured training program that includes a practical assault course and the use of a pugil stick for safe practice. With straightforward explanations and organized sections, it serves as a practical reference for both instructors and Marines preparing for close‑quarters combat.