Modern Army Combatives Program

Modern Army Combatives Program. The Modern Army Combatives Program is the official United States Army system for close-quarters combat and hand-to-hand fighting. Developed in the mid-1990s, it integrates techniques from Brazilian jiu-jitsu, wrestling, boxing, and Muay Thai into a cohesive training methodology. The program is designed to instill a warrior ethos and provide soldiers with the skills to control and subdue opponents in situations where firearms cannot be used.

History and development

The genesis of the program is often traced to the efforts of then-Captain Matt Larsen in the early 1990s. Following experiences in Somalia and a recognition of deficiencies in traditional Army combatives training, Larsen and other advocates began researching more effective systems. A pivotal moment came with the establishment of the United States Army Infantry School's Combatives Committee at Fort Benning. Influenced heavily by the success of Royce Gracie in the early Ultimate Fighting Championship events, the committee adopted Brazilian jiu-jitsu as the program's core foundation. This evolution was formalized with the publication of Field Manual 3-25.150 (Combatives) in 2002, which standardized the curriculum across the active duty, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard components.

Training and curriculum

Training within the program is structured around a tiered, progressive belt system modeled after Brazilian jiu-jitsu, with four primary levels: Basic, Standard, Advanced, and Expert. All soldiers receive Basic Combatives Program instruction during Initial Entry Training or at their first unit. The United States Army Combatives School at Fort Benning serves as the proponent and certifies instructors. The curriculum emphasizes live, resisting sparring known as "rolling" to develop proficiency under pressure. Key training events include the annual All-Army Combatives Championship, which showcases the skills of top practitioners from across the force.

Techniques and principles

The system is fundamentally a mixed martial arts approach, built on the principle that most fights end up on the ground. Core techniques focus on takedowns, grappling, positional control, and submissions derived from Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Striking techniques from boxing and Muay Thai are integrated for stand-up fighting and creating opportunities to close distance. A central tenet is the "guard" position, teaching fighters to effectively engage from their back. The program also incorporates weapons-based techniques, including defenses against bayonet and rifle attacks, linking hand-to-hand skills to common infantry tasks.

Implementation and units

While mandated for all Army units, the program's implementation and emphasis often vary. It is most deeply ingrained within the United States Army Special Operations Command community, including the 75th Ranger Regiment and Green Berets, where advanced combatives are a critical warrior task. The United States Military Academy at West Point also incorporates the program into cadet training. Notable units like the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment maintain high proficiency standards. Instructor courses are conducted at major installations worldwide, including Fort Bragg, Fort Campbell, and Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Impact and legacy

The program has profoundly changed the culture of physical readiness within the Army, moving beyond rote pugil stick training to a practical, confidence-building regimen. Its effectiveness has been validated in numerous engagements during the Global War on Terrorism, including in Fallujah and the Korengal Valley. The program's influence extends beyond the Army, impacting the United States Marine Corps' Marine Corps Martial Arts Program and training approaches in other services like the United States Air Force Security Forces. It has also produced soldiers who have competed professionally in organizations like the Ultimate Fighting Championship, further demonstrating the system's combat efficacy.

Category:United States Army Category:Military education and training in the United States Category:Mixed martial arts organizations