By Staff Sgt. Joy Pariante
13th Public Affairs Detachment
CAMP VICTORY, Iraq - In a place where everyone's carrying a loaded weapon, it's hard to imagine relying on hand-to-hand combat to save your life. However, there are many situations that can arise outside the wire and it pays to be ready for anything.
The Army Combatives Program was created based on the tenants of Brazilian jiu-jitsu to help enhance the skills of Rangers. Over time, it spread throughout the military and is now a required component of unit training programs.
"It provides combat skills, fitness and confidence for the Soldiers and the unit," said Maj. Gen. Michael Ferriter, deputy commanding general – operations, Multi-National Corps – Iraq. Ferriter was involved in instituting a standard combatives program in the Army and rewriting the Army manual concerning combatives. He's also one of many combatives instructors on Victory Base Complex who are more than willing to share their knowledge with troops who can pass these skills on to their fellow Soldiers.
"The best thing about the Army Combatives Program is that it provides the opportunity for non-commissioned officers to teach Soldiers and Soldiers to teach Soldiers in a very hands on kind of way," said Sgt. Jeffery L. Jarvis, executive assistant, DCG-O, MNC-I. Soldiers learning and practicing side-by-side helps to enhance their confidence as both an individual and a member of a team.
This confidence comes from a Soldier knowing he's ready to fight to protect himself and his buddies at a moment's notice from a variety of different threats. "Having the ability to defend yourself is an important skill to have," said Staff Sgt. Jonathan McCay, non-commissioned officer in charge, personal security detachment, DCG-O, MNC-I. "Knowing jiu-jitsu also provides you with a non-lethal way to subdue another person if the need ever arises."
According to the Modern Army Combatives Web site, the program being taught to Soldiers focuses on the ground fighting of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the throws and takedowns of Judo and Wrestling, and the strikes of boxing and Muay Thai. "Seeing as how the Army is a war fighting entity, it's important for Soldiers to have a diverse set of skills to fight that war," McCay said.
"Combatives, as a whole, is better for the Army in regards to the type of real world fighting that we do," said Sgt. Kenneth Gosnell, protocol, MNC-I. "If we're taking the fight right in to someone's living room, this gives us a better chance in close combat."
While combatives skills are a valuable asset to the fighting force, there are critics to the program. "Those who think this is like mixed martial arts don't understand," Ferriter said. "Some people believe Army combatives is an injury causing activity or reckless and there is nothing further from the truth. If you adhere to the standards, just like at a live fire range or other training exercise, you'll increase unit capabilities without any injury."
According to regulation, Army combatives training is mandatory for all units for one hour per week. People interested in seeking combatives training on VBC should head to their camp gym or Morale, Welfare and Recreation facility to find out times and locations for classes.
| Date Taken: |
12.02.2008 |
| Date Posted: |
12.02.2008 00:50 |
| Story ID: |
27057 |
| Location: |
BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: |
164 |
| Downloads: |
132 |
PUBLIC DOMAIN
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