MANUAL FOR NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 96 



SITGGESTIONS. 



Instruction in bayonet exercise and bayonet fencing should 

 be conducted with a view to teacliing tlie aggressive use of the 

 bayonet. Unless troops are so thoroughly trained with the 

 bayonet . that they believe that with it they are superior to 

 their opponents it will be difficult or impossible to develop that 

 morale which is necessary for a successful assault. Men 

 should be impressed with the importance of acting always on 

 the offensive in bayonet combat, of pushing their attack with 

 all their might. Troops which are successful in their first 

 few bayonet encounters will seldom thereafter be called upon 

 to use the bayonet — their opponents will not await the assault. 



LOADINGS AND FIEINGS. 



121. The commands for loading and firing are the same 

 whether standing, kneeling, or lying down. The firings are 

 always executed at a halt. 



The instruction in firing will be preceded by a command for 

 loading. 



Loadings are executed in line and skirmish line only. 



122. Rifles having been ordered loaded are kept loaded with- 

 out command until the command unload or inspection arms, 

 fresh clips being inserted when the magazine is exhausted. 



123. The aiming point or target is carefully pointed out. 

 This may be done before or after announcing the sight setting. 

 Both are indicated before giving the command for firing, but 

 may be omitted when the target appears suddenly and is un- 

 mistakable ; in such cases the battle sight is used if no sight 

 setting is announced. The troopers must be practiced repeat- 

 edly in locating targets, making the appropriate sight settings, 

 and simulating fire on the target indicated. 



124. The target or aiming point having been designated and 

 the sight setting announced, such designation or announce- 

 ment need not be repeated until a change of either or both is 

 necessary. 



Troops are trained to continue their fire upon the aiming 

 point or target designated and at the sight setting announced 

 until a change is ordered. 



