First to Fight: Soldier enjoys challenges, volunteers for combatives class

Photo By Sgt. Cassandra Monroe | Army Staff Sgt. Jose Morejon, a chemical specialist with the 2nd Battalion, 309th Regiment (Training Support), 174th Infantry Brigade, attended a Tactical Combatives Course (Level II) May 13 at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. Morejon, who is a Lodi, N.J., native, is originally from Guayaquil, Ecuador. (Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Cassandra Monroe/120th PAD)  

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, NJ, UNITED STATES

05.15.2013

Story by Sgt. Cassandra Monroe 

120th Public Affairs Detachment

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. - Even though Army Combatives is part of a soldier’s warrior tasks and required for yearly training, arm bars, guillotines and Komodo dragon motivated Army Staff Sgt. Jose Morejon to become a better trainer for soldiers conducting training at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.

“It’s all about attention to detail,” he said.

Morejon, a chemical specialist with 2nd Battalion, 309th Regiment (Training Support), 174th Infantry Brigade, said he wants to be a better leader and noncommissioned officer.

That’s why he volunteered for level-two of the Modern Army Combatives Program’s Tactical Combatives Course and endured bruises, soreness and exhaustion.

“I like that it’s challenging,” he said. “That’s why I joined the Army.”

Morejon is a trainer for mobilized units at JB MDL. He spends most of his days on the land navigation ranges, but he hopes to expand his training resume and branch out to other warrior tasks and battle drill lanes.

“I think combatives balances you out as a soldier,” Morejon said, "especially noncommissioned officers. It builds discipline, keeps you fit.”

The two-week course teaches advanced techniques including front and rear leg kicks, punches and hand-cuffing techniques. Once completed, Morejon, a native to Lodi, N.J., will be certified to take his level-one knowledge and share it with his troops.

“That’s the point of the program, to share the knowledge,” he said. “Here, what you put in is what you get out.

“I’ve learned a lot of new exercises that I’m implementing in my physical training to keep my core fit and to help with my cardio,” said Morejon. “I feel more confident that both overseas and in the field I can defend myself only with my rifle and my body.

• Date Taken: 05.15.2013
• Date Posted: 05.16.2013 20:40
• Story ID: 107076
• Location: JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, NJ, US
• Hometown: JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, NJ, US
• Hometown: LANDOVER, MD, US
• Hometown: LODI, NJ, US
• Hometown: MEDFORD, OR, US