MANUAL FOR NONCOMlVnSSIONED OFFICERS. 91 



VII. FENCING AT WILL. 



96. As satisfactory progress is made the instructor will pro- 

 ceed to tlie exercises at will, by which is meant assaults be- 

 tween 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 move- 

 ments, with a view to forming a correct opinion of the adver- 

 sary ; 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 fre- 

 quent dodging to escape attacks should be avoided. The offen- 

 sive should be continually encouraged. 



100. In fencing at will, when no commands are given, oppo- 

 nents 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 com- 

 mand, 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 as- 

 sault terminates. Opponents alternate in assaulting. The 

 assailant is likewise required to advance at double time from 



