How necessary are the additional levels of MACP (after level one certification)?

SPC Cameron Hale — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 11:46:05 -0500

By necessary I mean, realistic. Realistically would I ever use the training? I'm a pog, 25U to be exact.

Response by LCpl Cody Collins made Feb 25 at 2017 12:31 PM

LCpl Cody Collins — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 12:31:23 -0500

You know what I've always said that the lack of hand to hand combat training for our nation's police officers is why shootings are up so much. If you think about it if you confront a criminal that has a knife or a billy club anything other than a gun comma if you have proper hand to hand combat training you could disarm that pump and punch him in his head a few times then cuff him or her. But because of that lack of hand to hand combat training or close combat most police officers are opting for the gun which embroils them and all kind of political garbage. If you can get that close combat training take it, it's like algebra you ask yourself when you're in school what do I need algebra for? But once you get out into the real world you'll soon find out when you apply for a job.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2017 1:01 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 13:01:08 -0500

I feel like you should do it. It's a great experience and you my find a new interest in it. One of my soldiers did not want to do level 1 at first, she enjoyed it and decided she would do level 2. Now she is wanting to do the master combative course. It can be addicting and it's great stuff to know. Also it will look good to have your mil ed as full as possible on your ERB.

Response by SPC Casey Ashfield made Feb 25 at 2017 1:01 PM

SPC Casey Ashfield — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 13:01:33 -0500

For military work, not very. Additional certifications are nice pins in your hat and good to know for combat troops.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2017 2:25 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 14:25:43 -0500

Well, to put it in perspective......I am not even Level 1 Certified.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Feb 25 at 2017 3:05 PM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 15:05:30 -0500

I would agree, while assigned the the 351st Combat Defense Squadron, (SAC) Whiteman AFB, MO as an Air Policeman in 1966-67-68 We were all required to take a course known then as Combative Measures. Much of this was defense against armed assault without resorting to firearms. We all left classes limping, with new bruises etc from making and blocking kicks etc. It turns out however when it was needed I actually responded without even having to think about it and not having to resort to deadly force involving use of a firearm. I wondered after training if that would happen, it did more than once ! The training was well worth it and because of it no one had to die as I had an alternative to lethal force that also let Me gain control and apprehend the suspect with no injury to Myself. At least their injuries weren't fatal, so they can also be thankful for My training. Shown below is the manual and a partial view anyway of some of the inside pages. (if You click on each picture You can get the complete page views) There were too many pages to show more than what i did but I still have the manual. Perhaps some of My fellow old "Sky Cops" here took this Course ?

Response by LTC Daniel Rogne made Feb 25 at 2017 3:56 PM

LTC Daniel Rogne — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 15:56:38 -0500

I find at least the first three levels to be useful for Infantrymen who are dangerously close to their enemies. Bring the experience of combative sad another tool in the kit bag to draw out should the need arise. The father of MACP always said that he who brings more friends with weapons to a fight wins. But he also saw the need to be flexible enough to take on an enemy in close quarters where you may not be able to bring your rifle up in time or end up struggling to employ it while the enemy may be attempting to grab it from you. What you get in the end is a warrior fighting spirit regardless of MOS.

Response by SGT Victoria Belbusti made Feb 25 at 2017 7:52 PM

SGT Victoria Belbusti — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 19:52:23 -0500

Isn't it worth promotion points? Sounds like a good reason.

Response by SP5 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2017 5:47 PM

SP5 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Feb 2017 17:47:06 -0500

SPC Cameron Hale Any form of martial arts will involve much more than just physical contact and mechanical means used to defeat an opponent - it will cause you to understand yourself and your abilities more clearly, it will cause you to become more situationally aware at all times, and it will introduce you to a form of ethics that you will find in no other form of activity. Understanding an opponent, whether the opposition is physical or in a professional environment is an advantage, My recommendation is to get a copy of the "Book of Five RIngs" by Miyamoto Musashi which will help your understanding about the necessity of continued martial arts education. PS - I spent somewhat over 30 years in practice as a student and an instructor in Aikido, so I'm a touch biased on the subject. Good luck in your career goals.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Feb 27 at 2017 12:19 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Mon, 27 Feb 2017 12:19:08 -0500

Well if your MACP is anything like the Marine Corps MCMAP, even if you're a POG it's very useful. Primarily for retention and staying competitive with your peers. You might have already decided that you're getting out after 1 enlistment. But if you plan to stay in, you need to be competitive which means high PT scores, and high martial arts belt levels.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Feb 27 at 2017 2:25 PM

CSM Richard StCyr — Mon, 27 Feb 2017 14:25:02 -0500

Self defense is always worth while. You never know when you'll have to kick some lowlifes ass and the time to learn is before the ass whoopin' commences. If you have the opportunity to learn more go for it.
Someday, sometime in a dark poorly lit parking lot somewhere , your family or friends may thank you.

Response by SPC Joseph Ahner made Feb 27 at 2017 2:46 PM

SPC Joseph Ahner — Mon, 27 Feb 2017 14:46:28 -0500

As my instructor told me Lv 1 teaches you just enough to get your ass kicked. When I took lv 2 I found out exactly why he said that. Also you're more likely to need MACP stateside while hanging out with your buddies than you are on a battlefield.