,
and finally at a run. Remember that in the advance the
rifle is carried at high port.
5. COMBAT EXERCISES (to be used in conjunction with the assault
practice):
a. _Equipment for each man:_
Thrusting stick or other wooden rod with wooden ball or
thick padding covering one end. (Old rifles with
spring-bayonets are even better.)
Plastron.
Baseball mask.
Pair of broadsword or single stick gloves.
b. _Procedure_:
The class is formed in two lines of about equal numbers,
facing each other, about fifty paces apart, with intervals
in each line of about two paces. A leader is designated
for each line. The instructor stands at one end of the
space between; an assistant at the other end. On the
instructor's whistle, the lines advance, guiding carefully
on their leaders. When about ten paces apart, they charge,
each seeking to break and roll up the opposing line.
Sticks are carried and used as rifles with bayonets fixed.
Any other use disqualifies. Use of the butt is barred. One
thrust on the plastron or mask, or two hits on the
extremities, disables the recipient, who must promptly
retire--or be retired. The combat continues until the
second whistle, blown not more than 30 seconds after
contact; when they cease fighting promptly, separate, and
form as before.
c. _Criticism:_
After each combat, the instructor will criticize the manner
of advance and of fighting, especially the alignment kept
in the advance and the team work in combat, and the
advantage taken of opponents' mistakes. He counts the
casualties and awards the decision. He must continually
urge the men never to lag behind nor advance ahead of the
line, never to allow large gaps to occur in the line, and
always to seize the advantage given by opponents who
disregard these principles.
d. _The terrain for this exercise_ should be frequently varied.
It may also be conducted at night, the opposing sides
being clearly distinguished.[Q]

[Footnote Q: The last exercise was devised and perfected by M. Jules
Leslabay