Soldiers should gain experience on four basic targets before running the qualification course. These targets are durable and, if used properly, will not damage rifles. If substitution must be made, the unit should not use hard objects or materials for butt stroke heads or target faces that will cause rifle damage. The qualification course gives the unit commander a means to measure the skill of his soldiers in the technique of rifle-bayonet fighting. This course increases esprit de corps within a unit by creating a competitive attitude and by offering special recognition to soldiers who qualify.
Instructors can use the same course for both practice and qualification.
They can also determine qualification on any assault course. The course contains a minimum number of lanes to permit one-half of a squad to run at the same time under the squad leader, assistant squad leader, or other designated leader. For qualification, the soldier takes up the prone position in the rear of the starting line. At the command, UP, he springs to his feet with his weapon at the attack position and runs toward the first target. He then negotiates each obstacle and attacks each target in turn, running the course in the shortest possible time.