http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oU6M9p9tR3A
President Obama displayed ignorance when he characterized bayonets as being similar to horses – obsolete weapons in modern warfare. As an initial matter, the bayonet is a soldier’s last remaining means of defense when the soldier’s primary weapon system is no longer works for whatever reason. In addition, bayonets are a weapon of psychological intimidation; bayonet charges have long incited fear in enemy forces, particularly in conscript or green forces. Finally, bayonets work well for prisoner control, adding a little extra sobering reminder of the fate that will befall any prisoner who tries to escape . . .
Although not common, modern history does provide examples of the use of the bayonet in combat, especially by British Infantry. For example, in 1982, British soldiers conducted a successful bayonet charge up Mount Tumbledown during the Falkland war. In 2004, British soldiers in Al Amara, Iraq, again used a bayonet charge to dislodge entrenched fighters of Muqtada al Sadr’s Mahdi Army in the Battle of Danny Boy. Most recently, there have been multiple documented cases of British forces using bayonet charges to great effect against the Taliban in Afghanistan.
If you believe some of what is being written today, the last American bayonet charge occurred in the Korean War. However, there are numerous documented cases of bayonets being used in small-unit skirmishes during the Vietnam War. The largest of these took place at Khe Sanh on March 30, 1968 by members of Bravo Co., 1st Bn. 26th Marines. There is anecdotal evidence of bayonet usage occurring during the U.S. Army’s 1st Cav’s hard-won fight at LZ X-Ray, in the Ia Drang Valley of the Central Highlands, 1965.
Although the U.S.M.C. still trains recruits on the use of the bayonet, apparently the U.S. Army no longer does so. Nonetheless, the bayonet is still an essential part of an infantryman’s kit. Perhaps Obama thinks that modern warfare can be conducted entirely via drones, but last month’s attack in Benghazi proved that drones are not a substitute for infantry / ground forces.
Now, I will be the first to admit that, despite the motivational “rah rah” chants they teach you in basic training, the situations that call for the use of the bayonet, are – to use Obama’s recent catch phrase, “not optimal.” If the battle has come to the point where you are ordered to “fix bayonets,” you know that things are NOT going according to plan. Nonetheless, the bayonet will continue to an important “Plan B” for infantry forces, at least until light sabres become a reality.
For those looking for more reading on the topic, I recommend Tim Ripley’s “Bayonet Battle: Bayonet Warfare in the Twentieth Century.” Thoughts and comments by folks with recent in-theater infantry experience (Iraq, Afghanistan etc) is appreciated.
I find it interesting that a fully sponsored shooter on the FN Team, takes every opportunity he has to bash other gun companies… is this coincidence or not.. whatever the reason.. It shows bad form and even less integrity, has professional courtesy been completely forgotten since Tommy left the team. Stay with FN bubs… you won’t be welcome any place else with your endless rants on the competition.
In looking up the specific data to the teaching and uses of “THE BAYONET” and the last date entered being over 1 year and 2 months, 13 days, then I am the latest if not the last to enter a point of veiw.
I am retired 24 years and 2 months to the day tomorrow. I am not sure any longer what term of time is considered a career MARINE, but after 8 yrs and 10 months either I left on my own legs or be brought home in a bag.
I promised that would never happen. In any case, I was taught the 4 spirits of the bayonet. My D.I. was from FORCE RECON. When you failed his training, Master Sargent made sure you knew why you failed and why you weren’t in theU.S. Marines any longer. You can still serve the The United States. JUST NOT HERE.
I was also taught why the statement “THE FEW, THE PROUD, THE MARINES”.
The 4 spirits: 1. TO KILL. 2. TO FEED. 3. TO DIG. 4. TO HEAL.
Reason of the statement:
THE FEW:Few can stand to the demands.
THE PROUD: Because we understand why we have to do this job for the sake of safety and freedom for all.
THE MARINES: OUR TITLE AND BADGE OF HONOR,
A BROTHERHOOD & FAMILY FOR ALL
The 20th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment saved the day in the greatest land battle ever fought in the Western Hemisphere with a baynet charge after they’d run out of ammo. Kill without mercy!
Something I was taught as an Infantryman at Sand Hill in 91 that is permanently etched in my mind was The Spirit of the Bayonet. I believe bayonet training along with other types of training are are instrumental in forming a warrior mindset that is needed on a battlefield. Call it a type of brain washing if you like. There is good reasoning behind such training because in war it is usually kill or be killed no matter what weapon you have available without hesitation and if you’re issued a weapon you should be instructed how to use it.
What’s the Spirit of the Bayonet?
Kill! Kill! Kill! Cold Blue Steel!
What makes the grass grow?
Blood! Blood! Blood!
Who’s Blood?
The enemy’s!
What two types of bayonet fighters are there?
The quick and the dead!
What are you?
The quick!
Relax!
Never!