Combatives Training: What is the point? (In RC)

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 16:44:12 -0500

Maybe this thread applies more to the part time components.

My unit recently did 3 hours of Level 1 training. It was very basic core moves like passing guard, "shrimping", arm lock and roll, etc. We did the same thing last year, and the year before and the year before that. We don't have the training time to do this more often so we never advance our knowledge. We don't develop muscle memory, and there is always a few that end up with minor sprains and strains from the exercise load that they are not accustomed to handle. (we do warm up and stretches, and are taught by level 2 and 3 qualified).

Is this annual rehash doing any good? Do these wrestling moves ever really come into play during combat, and if there is a possibility that the could be used, are RC/NG soldiers able to use them effectively?

Response by SGT Steven Eugene Kuhn MBA made Feb 13 at 2015 4:45 PM

SGT Steven Eugene Kuhn MBA — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 16:45:55 -0500

What exactly is this training?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2015 4:47 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 16:47:42 -0500

1SG Private RallyPoint Member You can ask the RC/NG Soldiers how effective combatives training is when they use it in a bar fight...

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2015 10:54 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 May 2015 10:54:16 -0400

Combatives is great when you get to level III. Which also means it's not a possibility for a reserve unit. Best to modify the program to a aerobic camaraderie training event and have enjoy the sportsmanship.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2015 2:55 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 Sep 2015 14:55:05 -0400

You would almost be surprised how many people retain this knowledge. Does everyone? No. Im not even sure that half do, but if anyone in your unit is law enforcement, or corrections officers, the same type of jujitsu used in combatives is what police academy uses, as well as correctional facilities. Civilian side, it is call PPCT, Pressure Point and control tactics. Not everyone in RC/NG is in public service, but quite a few are. In my unit of 40, I can think of 20 that are, including myself. So it does benefit and come second nature to some. I know them by heart, all the way up to level 3. Im not trained level 3 with military but I am civilian.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 13 at 2015 4:53 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 13 Sep 2015 16:53:53 -0400

I did Judo when I was young and wrestled in High School. Repetition of moves builds mental and physical awareness. If you are in a fight there is no time to think about the moves. They should be instinctive and fluid. This requires a lot of training.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2018 11:22 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 11:22:07 -0500

The real problem is sustainment training.
Combatives Training is there to supplement our ability to physically and mentally dominate the fight.

What ever you put into it is what you’re gonna get.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2018 10:57 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Jun 2018 10:57:59 -0400

I would do them regardless. If you think it's pointless, you can look at alternative training... like goat yoga.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2022 2:10 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Nov 2022 14:10:48 -0400

Monthly training and refreshing training is key. If you don’t drill and don’t train like we do in other aspects then you only get what you put I not it. For the guard and reserve I would do it every 2 months, maybe do it for a day or 2 during annual training. Send your soldiers to Level 1 and 2 whenever possible. It goes over more stuff then just “wrestling” or “jiujitsu”. From keeping potential hostile at bay, separating yourself to get back to your tools, or even knowing how to close the distance, these are important for any soldier. Read TC 3-25.150 for everything to do with combatives training.

Response by 1SG Rick Seekman made Nov 6 at 2022 12:42 PM

1SG Rick Seekman — Sun, 06 Nov 2022 12:42:21 -0500

Get into combat sometimes where hand-to-hand becomes not only essential but a matter of life or death, and you'll be glad you took notice in the combatives program.