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We recently had one of our SSGs return from level IV, and as soon as he got off the plane we took him out to the field to conduct training. He mentioned that the program was transitioning from its "MMA" style and into a more realistic form of self defense in the field/combat.
We utilized a reload point, he instructed the group on a handful of basic techniques, and then conducted several scenarios while we were conducting reload operations... Everything from passive locals, aggressors with malicious intent, aggravated land-owners, etc.
I was impressed in that we were in full battle-rattle with weapons, and these were scenarios reminiscent of my time in Iraq in dealing with locals. The techniques focused on defending yourself and fellow soldiers while gaining situational dominance by any means, as quickly as possible. I am relieved to see a change in TTPs, because I don't ever plan on rolling around on a mat to defend myself (after I remove my boots and everything out of my pockets).
Has anyone else started this style of combatives training at their unit, recently been to level III or IV, and what are your feelings on it?
We utilized a reload point, he instructed the group on a handful of basic techniques, and then conducted several scenarios while we were conducting reload operations... Everything from passive locals, aggressors with malicious intent, aggravated land-owners, etc.
I was impressed in that we were in full battle-rattle with weapons, and these were scenarios reminiscent of my time in Iraq in dealing with locals. The techniques focused on defending yourself and fellow soldiers while gaining situational dominance by any means, as quickly as possible. I am relieved to see a change in TTPs, because I don't ever plan on rolling around on a mat to defend myself (after I remove my boots and everything out of my pockets).
Has anyone else started this style of combatives training at their unit, recently been to level III or IV, and what are your feelings on it?
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Combatives
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Combatives Training
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 4
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Moving from MMA to reality is the one change that's needed to happen to the program for years. It's great to hear they are going that route. It may revitalize the program if Commands can now see a need for it.
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SSG Taylor,
I have several years of training in combat sports and have trained with a number of combatives Instructors and students. The instructors I know have all talked about this move away from "MMA" like training and towards a much more modern combative based program. The focus now seems to be on getting back to a primary weapon system instead of getting in a fist fight. i.e, Push kicks and other technique to create distance in order to utilize an M-4.
As much as I like combat sports I think the new method is more effective for the every day military combative.
I have several years of training in combat sports and have trained with a number of combatives Instructors and students. The instructors I know have all talked about this move away from "MMA" like training and towards a much more modern combative based program. The focus now seems to be on getting back to a primary weapon system instead of getting in a fist fight. i.e, Push kicks and other technique to create distance in order to utilize an M-4.
As much as I like combat sports I think the new method is more effective for the every day military combative.
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SFC (Join to see)
Sir,
I couldn't agree more. Experience in theater (properly utilizing ROE) made me quite leery about spending a lot of training time allocated to combatives as it did seem more like a sport, and I had trouble finding a real-world application as those techniques were instructed. As soon as you introduced weapons, body armor, brain-bucket, etc., just about the last thing you want to do is roll around on the ground.
I'm very optimistic about these changes and look forward to conducting more training.
I couldn't agree more. Experience in theater (properly utilizing ROE) made me quite leery about spending a lot of training time allocated to combatives as it did seem more like a sport, and I had trouble finding a real-world application as those techniques were instructed. As soon as you introduced weapons, body armor, brain-bucket, etc., just about the last thing you want to do is roll around on the ground.
I'm very optimistic about these changes and look forward to conducting more training.
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God I hated combatives. When I took level 1 it was about 0 degrees outside and was dealing with people who didn't know how to "roll" when you're going through maneuvers. I can't count how many times I had my ribs stepped on.
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