How often is Combatives training integrated into your unit's schedule?

2018-12-16T13:49:16-05:00

Why is it not enforced? (If applicable)

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2018 6:51 PM

2018-12-16T18:51:45-05:00

My last platoon I got 20 out of 22 level 1 certified. A lot of units dont like to push combatives too hard because the risk of injury vs mission requirements. Always a good time when we do it though.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2018 7:05 PM

2018-12-16T19:05:19-05:00

SSG Private RallyPoint Member Respectfully, many units don’t enforce or implement combatives because they barely understand it. For example, it would better to cancel combatives for the day than to let a soldier roll while wearing his glasses. (As shown in the displayed photo).
It looks as though you’re the instructor, but that’s unnecessarily unsafe.

And the point is, too many units don’t understand enough about combatives, from General best safety practices, all the way to how to integrate it in to company or battalion training schedules. Additionally, getting soldiers trained in combatives has always (will likely always) taken a back seat to traditional army education, CSM pet projects, etc.

Personally, I’m a big proponent. However, realistically, the average soldier has a better chance of getting a paper cut than engaging the enemy on the battlefield, let alone in hand to hand combat. Commanders understand that, and when prioritizing, combatives is middle to end of the line.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2018 9:24 PM

2018-12-16T21:24:27-05:00

5 years Iowa guard, 17 years regular army, back in the Michigan guard for about a year now.

I have done combatives exactly zero times.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2018 3:02 AM

2018-12-17T03:02:04-05:00

How often do soldiers engage the enemy hand to hand? Has anyone here ever done it? If so please share.