Army Wants to Drop Bayonet From Training

Re: Army Wants to Drop Bayonet From Training

Well, at least that will result in fewer cracked lower receivers on the days they forget to use rubber ducks
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Re: Army Wants to Drop Bayonet From Training

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Re: Army Wants to Drop Bayonet From Training

I see no reason for bayonets, and have never had one issued to me outside of infantry AIT. If I've already gone through my full combat load of M4 ammo, and run my M9 dry, I'm pretty much screwed anyway. I don't think a bayonet on the end of an M4 will save my neck. Probably time to start looting the dead and keep fighting. Leave the bayonet charges to the Brits.
 
Re: Army Wants to Drop Bayonet From Training

Cracking idea! On a more serious note, how else will you open a bottle of beer in theatre?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ZLBubba</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Leave the bayonet charges to the Brits. </div></div>
 
Re: Army Wants to Drop Bayonet From Training

You never know when you might have to stab a dog, much less chance of compromise if you have a bayonet. Might as well keep the bayonet it's better than nothing if your totally out of ammo.
 
Re: Army Wants to Drop Bayonet From Training

never been involved in one myself but my father in law was in 82 in Tibnin , lebanon.

I would agree with Han, that they are used as much as a psychological weapon as an actual weapon of war.

In somalia, again I wasnt on the convoy but many of my mates were, Irish troops on an aid convoy from Boadia to Mog, with supposed Indian army riding shotgun were ambushed by an numerically larger force. The indians fucked off and left our boys to it. The 1 & 2IC gave orders to fix bayonets. Our boys repelled all Tango's. They took significant kills that day with NO KIA's on our side.. WE had some injuries.... I believe the order to fix bayonets played a significant part in that victory.

The Sgt Maj on that convoy from what i was told fought like a warrior... met him again recently.. one of the nicest men I ever had the pleasure of serving with.

IMHO, getting rid of bayonet training would be to the detriment of that force making such a decision.
 
Re: Army Wants to Drop Bayonet From Training

I think its healthy for young 18 year old boys just coming off moms breast to yell kill as load as they can, while going through the motions of stabbing a person. Regardless of what type of tactical value it has, I believe the mental role is much more important.
 
Re: Army Wants to Drop Bayonet From Training

You spend what two or three days in Basic (I can't remember) Its one of the fun things we did. What does it hurt leaving it in. Hell if they are hard pressed for time at basic, just leave out the hygiene class where they told us how to wash our balls for an hr. Oh ya that was riviting and well worth my time that day. Is the Bayonet dead, more then likly yes. But you can still fuck shit up with it and scare the shit out of someone who is to dumb to shoot at you. I say leave it.
 
Re: Army Wants to Drop Bayonet From Training

I'm with Crazy on this one (and not because the name similarity). I believe the training of bayonet fighting techniques in Basic is a good way to hone the warrior mindset.

In combat though I don't know anyone who actually wears that stupid thing on them so it doesn't do much good over there.
 
Re: Army Wants to Drop Bayonet From Training

dont see much of a point for a bayonet in these technological times. Im glad to see they have changed their training regiment to strengthen the core of the soldiers. I have seen a few pictures lately of some fellas that really needed to hit the ab rocker machine!
 
Re: Army Wants to Drop Bayonet From Training

Rifle and Bayonet was (is!) considered the No2 weapon of the British infantry. Even on a weapon as short as the SA-80 it has proved effective, especially so in the close confines of say a trenches or bunker.

The bayonet also signifies a mind set. When you fix bayonets, the enemy *knows* your intent and it is a signal of your determination. Troops fixing bayonets are going forward and closing with the enemy...

It will be a very sad day when the infantry decides its too hi-tech to need a bayonet....
 
Re: Army Wants to Drop Bayonet From Training

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Photon</div><div class="ubbcode-body">"Soldiers are taught a number of skills, but don't have the time to master all of them..."

So... lengthen training?</div></div>

+1 Also I wonder how much time is actually saved by dropping bayonet training. I always figured bayonet fighting was part and parcel of hand to hand combat.
 
Re: Army Wants to Drop Bayonet From Training

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ZLBubba</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I see no reason for bayonets, and have never had one issued to me outside of infantry AIT. If I've already gone through my full combat load of M4 ammo, and run my M9 dry, I'm pretty much screwed anyway. I don't think a bayonet on the end of an M4 will save my neck. Probably time to start looting the dead and keep fighting. Leave the bayonet charges to the Brits. </div></div>

OK, and leave you to your effing selves in Afganistan. It's your war, you fight it.

Then MY MATES can stop getting chewed up and killed.

WANKER!
 
Re: Army Wants to Drop Bayonet From Training

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Pete E</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Rifle and Bayonet was (is!) considered the No2 weapon of the British infantry. Even on a weapon as short as the SA-80 it has proved effective, especially so in the close confines of say a trenches or bunker.

The bayonet also signifies a mind set. When you fix bayonets, the enemy *knows* your intent and it is a signal of your determination. Troops fixing bayonets are going forward and closing with the enemy...

It will be a very sad day when the infantry decides its too hi-tech to need a bayonet.... </div></div>

True, true...

I am reminded that in the sixties the USAF decided that their super new fighter didn't <span style="font-style: italic">NEED</span> a gun. This was the era of missiles, and the F4 Phantom would shoot down hordes of enemies at great range.

Well that didn't happen and a gun had to be fitted to the aircraft. I sense Deja Vu......

Yes, a bayonet charge occured in Afganistan last summer, it was the brits, but it was obviously neccessary.

The scariest command I ever heard in the British Army was "Fix Bayonets!"

N
 
Re: Army Wants to Drop Bayonet From Training

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Paduan Learner</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ZLBubba</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I see no reason for bayonets, and have never had one issued to me outside of infantry AIT. If I've already gone through my full combat load of M4 ammo, and run my M9 dry, I'm pretty much screwed anyway. I don't think a bayonet on the end of an M4 will save my neck. Probably time to start looting the dead and keep fighting. Leave the bayonet charges to the Brits. </div></div>

OK, and leave you to your effing selves in Afganistan. It's your war, you fight it.

Then MY MATES can stop getting chewed up and killed.

WANKER! </div></div>

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Paduan Learner</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ZLBubba</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I see no reason for bayonets, and have never had one issued to me outside of infantry AIT. If I've already gone through my full combat load of M4 ammo, and run my M9 dry, I'm pretty much screwed anyway. I don't think a bayonet on the end of an M4 will save my neck. Probably time to start looting the dead and keep fighting. Leave the bayonet charges to the Brits. </div></div>

OK, and leave you to your effing selves in Afganistan. It's your war, you fight it.

Then MY MATES can stop getting chewed up and killed.

WANKER! </div></div>

Bayonets were a huge part of USMC indoctrination. If the Army says no more, then maybe they might be missing a valuable mindset tool.

I note with intrest that your registration day is 9 May 2008. Is this in celebration of the 92nd year's anniversary of the beginning of the Irish Republican movement?

I have seen lots of men in Afghanistan, but the most cowardly one I ever saw was wearing a Brit uniform as a liason for a certain American Army unit. Maybe that has something to do with getting chewed up and fixing bayonets and such, just sayin...
Go on, call me fine fightin boys wankers again
 
Re: Army Wants to Drop Bayonet From Training

Bayonets would be ugly if CNN displayed a dead Taliban gutted out from a US Bayonet - cost wise they're probably saving a few thousand dollars, of which they'll waste on NMCI services or some crap.

IT's a psychological effect alright - that we are a "kindler, gentler Army".

We don't kill our enemies we kiss them and ask them to come nicely.


Next will be hand grenades.
 
Re: Army Wants to Drop Bayonet From Training

if nothing else, it should be left in for symbollic purposes. it's one of the few things you do in basic that helps transform your mind into the warrior state.

does this mean no pugil sticks anymore?! that shit was great for taking out aggression on the slackers and big mouths!
 
Re: Army Wants to Drop Bayonet From Training

Ummm....according to grandpa they work when you need them. However, he did mention they occasionally get stuck and you have to pull the trigger to get them out.

-Pat
 
Re: Army Wants to Drop Bayonet From Training

Nothing beats the look of a hundred or more 'Local Nationals' waiting at a gate with a bad attitude as your platoon stands at attention when the command to 'FIX BAYONETS!" is given. When the command to,"Half Step...MARCH!" was given, the crowd amazingly evaporated within seconds as the third left boots stomped the ground. I do not know if it was the determination in the faces of the Joes, or the fact that the rifle's bayonets were pointed upward at port arms, or the left boot stomp's noise was the cause, but it worked as advertised for crowd control. To think some asshat CPT said bring the entire company, get all the other shift out of bed because we don't have enough people...jeez, it only takes one hard platoon to do the job proper. Of course having the most hardcore SAW Gunner looking over her gun always helps too(Stay Hard, Killer!)
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Bayonets are a part of the intimidating factor when doing crowd control. They should always be part of the issue kit, and Joes need to know how to use them
 
Re: Army Wants to Drop Bayonet From Training

I like bayonets, they don't waste ammo on idiots, i.e., the ones who think a bayonet isn't about meaning business. They also manage to do their job without attracting attention the way a flurry of gunfire would. As for waiting until you're out of ammo..., why? IMHO, the bayonet is one piece of equipment that should never need to be camo'd. You want them folks to see it loud and clear.

Greg
 
Re: Army Wants to Drop Bayonet From Training

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Cavscout1983</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Certainly you must be mistaken about "her" gun, Switch. Everyone including the pentagon knows there are no women in combat
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</div></div>

No sir, 'her' is correct. She has been quoted as saying,"Go ahead motherfucker, walk out 800M and stand there for a few minutes" She was my #1 Patrol partner during OEF VII because I knew I could always count on her to be there and vice versa when the rest of the crew save a few were just wannabe's that preferred to stay safe and sound behind the wire


Bayonets are a tool in inventory that should always be available for certain missions, and yes, they do mean business
 
Re: Army Wants to Drop Bayonet From Training

One of the funnest parts of Army basic was the joust with pugil sticks after bayonet training. I wonder if the jousting is still done? I believe hand to hand and bayonet is important, but it can be picked up after basic with your unit.
 
Re: Army Wants to Drop Bayonet From Training

Maybe if the Army took a few notes from the Marine Corps about how to break down not only training but when it is just imperative to lengthen it- this would not be an issue.
 
Re: Army Wants to Drop Bayonet From Training

I would be leery to advise alterations of training doctrines. IMHO they are best left in the hands of the ones who've been doing same, day in/day out, for easily a century.

Moreover, the two branches do remarkably different things, and I would hope this translates into different training doctrines.

If they did the same and trained the same, it would be far too easy to argue that one branch is redundant. That's something no Marine would stand for.

Marines are <span style="font-style: italic">supposed</span> to be different, and that's a <span style="font-style: italic">good</span> thing. Both of my brothers were Army draftees, as I was a Marine draftee, and I don't need to ask them to know they feel the same way about their/our Army.

Greg
 
Re: Army Wants to Drop Bayonet From Training

The guys at the sharp end are going to carry and use blades either way. Why remove a useful tool. In my day I carried my issue bayonet and what I was told was an Australian field knife about 14" long. It joined the hard plastic sheath to form wire cutters as well. If I had my way we'd issue two handed Chinese War Swords.
 
Re: Army Wants to Drop Bayonet From Training

WEAK!!!! What's next to go, hand to hand combat skills?

These skills are critical to developing a warrior ethos. Hand to hand and bayonet combat training instill a comfort level for violence of action. That's important considering most new recruits have never actually been in a fist fight before.

Sustainment training can and should be carried on in follow on units, but I think it's critical to instill a warrior mindset as early as possible. Isn't that what boot camp is really all about, remolding civilian youth into warriors? And they don't have time for it? WTF????


 
Re: Army Wants to Drop Bayonet From Training

the order to fix bayonets has instilled fear in the hearts of many men through history, taking away bayonets would be like taking the Khukuris from Ghurka soldiers
 
Re: Army Wants to Drop Bayonet From Training

Fixing bayonets never instilled fear. It was always the same feeling I got when I went on stage for a rock n roll gig back in the day, just plain ol buterflies waiting to go go go. The only other time I felt that was leading the 10th MN Color Guard at Syracuse stadium for the 911 1st anniversary show. I made the mistake of looking into the crowd, saw how big it was and my insides went,'Oh SHIT!" It was easy enough to get back into myself to finish the job with no noticable hitch. Fixing bayonets in A-Stan wasn't even close! That was more of an,'Awww crap, this is gonna suck...'
 
Re: Army Wants to Drop Bayonet From Training

As I remember it when in basic training, The Spirit of the Bayonet is to KILL. Never mind being held in position for extended periods of time and calling that PT. Those M-14s were heavy.
What we need to do is remember,"The Spirit of the Bayonet is to Kill.
That said, fuck all this PC correective shit and continue with bayonet training. It sure didn't hurt me and did teach me what the Spirit was. Regards, FM
 
Re: Army Wants to Drop Bayonet From Training

In the Infantry, one should be trained to stab people with sharp shit attached to the end of an assault rifle. Though the bayonet may be scarcely used, a valuable lesson is learned through training and exposure.

Like how not to run out of bullets too fast.

Bayonets and like sharp instruments rock steady!

Semper.