"Fix Bayonets"…and lessons learned

[poeseldc]

In May 2004, approximately 20 Scottish troops in Basra, IZ were ambushed and forced out of their vehicles by about 100 Shiite militia fighters. When ammunition ran low, the Scottish troops fixed bayonets and charged the enemy. About 20 militiamen were killed in the assault without any Scottish deaths.
The bayonet charge appeared to succeed for three main reasons. First, the attack was the first of its kind in that region and captured the element of surprise. Second, enemy fighters probably believed jihadist propaganda stating that coalition troops were cowards unwilling to fight in close combat, further enhancing the element of surprise. Third, the strict discipline of the Scottish troops overwhelmed the ability of the militia fighters to organize a cohesive counteraction.
Strict Discipline. A crucial distinction during the bayonet charge was the professional discipline of the Scottish troops in contrast to the disunity and confusion of the militia fighters. During the bayonet charge, the soldiers rarely lost their nerve and not a single soldier lost his life.
Many of the militiamen fled.

[Damian (Instructor)]

Great story!
Thanks for sharing this.

I’d like to see more serious consideration of use of the bayonet in the US Army.

[Author]

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