Yeah, I think I've see some of the later bayonets that one would attach to a modern rifle, if that's even something that's done anymore. They do look more like combat knives stuck on the barrel, though I guess with how battles are fought these days, one might never use something stabby for that much.
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Rifle-mounted bayonets are a bit redundant these days as combat tends to happen from greater distance. Knives are a thing though, and with particular branches of the military get well-used in certain circumstances. There was a time though when bayonets were an integral element of combat.
If I remembered correctly, the last proper bayonet charge was during the Falklands War. The Brits (specifically the Highlander regiments, I believe) charged straight at the Argentinians with the FALs and bayonets. Staring down modern semi-automatic rifles while running across a field must've been a petrifying experience.
One of my mates was a British Royal Marine and fought in the Falklands war. He fell out of a helicopter just prior to being inserted onto the battlefield. Had to fight off the enemy alone, stepped on a land mine and lost his leg...Kept fighting. He's a tough fucker.
The rest of the unit fast-roped down and joined the fight. Saved his life.
He's struggling now, after all these years, with the leg issue - Just having a new prosthetic made now. Good bloke though, fun to hang out with.
A bayonet charge isn't my idea of fun, I'll tell you that much.
Sounds like quite a tale, and a tough bastard. War is hell, no way to get around that, and I doubt anyone ever comes back home from war feeling normal. At least your mate did make it back, and hopefully gradually getting better.
Coming back from war feeling normal isn't really a thing although it can depend on what one goes through when deployed. My mate has a very small tolerance for fools, noisy people, kids, people who talk to much...Most people really. But he's a good mate and we have a laugh when we're hanging out; Loads of good stories get lied about.
It's nice to hear one's laughter, especially after having gone through harrowing experiences. I don't think I've ever sat down with a vet, and hearing out their stories. I'm always intrigued to hear their tales.
Time spent with a military veteran who saw active service is often time well spent.