An example from fighting during the Jacobite rebellions explains the psychological purpose of realistic training. Highlanders could fire a musket volley and close with claymores while opposing government troops had to keep their nerve. The prescribed bayonet drill expected each soldier to engage the attacker approaching the next man in line, even though a real charge would rarely arrive so neatly. Troops in early encounters sometimes used muskets as clubs because they lacked confidence in the bayonet. Repeated drill taught them the weapon's strength and gave them enough faith to adapt under pressure. Fairey Queen target practice served the same purpose: an imperfect exercise could still make crews willing to use their equipment decisively in war.
Notable Point · 24:10-26:45
Jacobite-era bayonet drill explains confidence under pressure
The comparison between anti-aircraft practice and bayonet training shows why drills matter even when combat never reproduces an exercise exactly.