Posted on Feb 13, 2015
Combatives Training: What is the point? (In RC)
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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?
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?
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Combatives
Combatives
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Responses: 8
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1SG (Join to see) You can ask the RC/NG Soldiers how effective combatives training is when they use it in a bar fight...
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SFC (Join to see)
1SG (Join to see) Maybe you should check out the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program.
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1SG (Join to see)
Don't get my wrong, SFC Wilson Fung. I don't question the value of combatives generally. I question the value of small blocks of annual unit training. I don't see the take away value for the injury risk.
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SFC (Join to see)
1SG (Join to see) The refresh training is just for that, refreshment. Individual unit should conduct periodical combatives training accordingly to maintain a Soldier's combatives readiness. However, how practical would that be when you have to do all these mandatory online training, detail, tasking, motor stabilization, and so on? Not to mention that you will need the appropriate facility and planning.
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1SG (Join to see)
you are making my point for me. I think the refreshment would be more valuable if every soldier had the full course first
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I would do them regardless. If you think it's pointless, you can look at alternative training... like goat yoga.
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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.
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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.
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1SG (Join to see)
I get that. My real point is that, especially in the NG/RC the amount of training time is so limited that most units are lucky to even do a few hours a weekend.
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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.
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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.
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1SG (Join to see)
Army combatives teaches close quarters combat by employing moves inspired and developed from various martial arts disciplines such as judo, jiu-jitsu, and greco-roman wrestling.
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SGT Steven Eugene Kuhn MBA
ah, with today's arsenal...not sure it is relevant to the "regular" soldier in combat BUT what I believe the real message here is, is this type of training does amazing things to a persons will, belief in oneself, agility and self pride...this could be (in my case, it would be) what to take away from this.
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