Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego -- Mike Company recruits were taught how to utilize their rifles with bayonets in the event they run out of ammunition in a combat zone at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Calif., Sept. 24.
They learned that even without ammunition, their M-16 A4 service rifle can serve as a defensive tool and offensive weapon.
Drill instructors demonstrated how to use the rifle to block upper and lower strikes from an opponent as well as how to attack using their weapon with a fixed bayonet.
Following the demonstrations, recruits practiced various attacks such as the forward slash, straight thrust and butt stroke.
“With the practice I feel confident in my ability to use my rifle for defense and offense,” said Recruit Hayden S. Buchi, Platoon 3273. “I had heard you could use your rifle for defense, but I had never seen it done before.”
Following their practice of the maneuvers, Company M recruits were given a demonstration of how to run through the Bayonet Assault Course utilizing the techniques they just learned. The course included numerous rubber tire targets and objects to take cover behind. In order to give a more realistic atmosphere, sounds of machine gun fire and explosions are blasted through surrounding speakers.
Buchi, a Salt Lake City native, explained the sounds put him in the mindset that the training scenario was preparing him for a life or death situation and thus motivated him even further.
“If it came down to this (bayonet attacks), I would definitely have no problem with it because I know it would be for my Marine brothers and could mean saving their lives,” said Buchi.
Recruits ran through the course in groups of four, attacking each target with strategy and technique. After a target was attacked, recruits quickly moved to cover themselves from simulated incoming rounds. Recruits also made sure to communicate with one other to signal when they were advancing forward.
“We’re training to be the best of the best,” said Recruit Jason M. Wing, Platoon 3275. “To be the best you have to be the best in all situations, such as being out of ammunition.”
When the course ended, the recruits had learned invaluable close quarters combat skills.
“This training was extremely important,” said Wing. “It doesn’t matter what your job is in the Marine Corps. All Marines need this training.”