Modern Hand-to-Hand Combat Training for Soldiers

Soldiers today continue to receive hand-to-hand combat training as part of their overall readiness programs. This training is crucial for ensuring they are prepared for close-quarters situations where weapons may not be available or practical. Various military branches have developed their unique approaches to this training, focusing on practical skills and techniques.

U.S. Modern Army Combatives Program (MACP)

The U.S. military, for instance, implements the Modern Army Combatives Program (MACP) which is designed to improve soldiers' combat skills through a comprehensive approach combining grappling, striking, and self-defense techniques. This program emphasizes the importance of practical skills that can be used in the heat of battle, ensuring that soldiers remain effective even when faced with unexpected close-quarters combat situations.

US Marines: Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP)

US Marines, on the other hand, use the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP). This program was developed in the late 1990s, addressing the shortcomings of previous hand-to-hand combat training. MCMAP is divided into multiple levels, with each belt level representing a significant step in the progression of a Marine's combat readiness.

A key feature of MCMAP is its emphasis on grappling and manipulation techniques, which are essential for disarming and subduing an enemy. The program also includes strikes, counters to knives, and anti-handgun techniques, providing Marines with a well-rounded set of skills. The philosophy behind MCMAP is that these techniques should be practiced to the point of becoming "muscle memory," ensuring that Marines can perform them under stress and fatigue.

Real-World Applications and Motivation

Hand-to-hand combat training for soldiers is not just about theoretical knowledge but real-world applications. As one former Marine described, the training is intense and demanding. For example, the use of fixed bayonets is a critical component of close-quarters combat. With a fixed bayonet, a soldier is within three feet of an enemy, giving them the advantage of using the bayonet's buttstock to break an opponent's jaw or smash their nose. This eliminates the need for hand-to-hand fighting, allowing the soldier to incapacitate their opponent quickly and efficiently.

During the early stages of MCMAP, the training can be quite grueling. As one former Marine recalled, "I was roommates with a Marine doing some of the early testing in Quantico around 1997 or 98. He came back beaten, bruised, and covered in mud." This intense training ensures that Marines are fully prepared for any situation they might face.

Practicalities of Training

One of the key differences between hand-to-hand combat in military training and civilian martial arts is the lack of symmetry in body types. In boxing, fighters are matched by weight, but in military training, this is not the case. This is because soldiers face a wide range of adversaries, from those who are smaller and lighter to those who are larger and stronger. The training focuses on building confidence and enhancing physical fitness, rather than just physical attributes.

Moreover, the training is designed to push soldiers to their physical and mental limits. Marines are required to perform intense workouts before practicing combat moves, ensuring that these techniques become second nature under stress. As one former Marine said, "Learning hand-to-hand was a big motivation for me when I enlisted in 1995. I was very disappointed when the actual training was minimal, but MCMAP came into existence a few short years later." This training not only improves combat skills but also builds resilience and adaptability.

Conclusion

Hand-to-hand combat training remains a vital component of modern military training, emphasizing practical skills, physical fitness, and psychological preparedness. Whether it's the MACP in the U.S. Army or MCMAP in the Marines, these programs ensure that soldiers are equipped to face a range of combat situations with confidence and effectiveness.