A New Era in Combatives Training: Empowering Self-Defense Skills

Building a Warrior Culture

FORT CARSON, Colo. (USASOC News Service, July 19, 2010) – In the winter of 2009, Master Sgt. Jeff Adams and the dedicated members of the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) embarked on a transformative journey. They researched and meticulously planned a combatives program tailored for the Special Forces and support Soldiers of the unit. "The initial research and planning was designed for the 10th Group SFAUC program to stay online with the combatives being conducted at Fort Bragg," MSG Adams shared.

The response has been overwhelmingly positive. "The program has had great success and is starting to generate more interest." On July 6, the doors to the combatives room swung open, welcoming Soldiers to the first Modern Army Combatives Program (MACP) and Special Operations Combatives Program (SOCP) courses. This state-of-the-art facility boasts 4,400 square feet of mat space and a 20-square-foot Octagon, perfect for close-quarters battle and room-clearing procedures. With ample training aids and equipment, the facility can accommodate two concurrent classes.

"Special Forces are world-class athletes, and they should have world-class equipment," MSG Adams emphasized. The team researched high-end training facilities in the civilian sector to identify the most durable equipment and flooring available. "Our equipment is all high-end, with a substantial lifespan."

In just one week since the facility's opening, over 100 Soldiers have engaged in either the MACP or SOCP courses, with more than 20 advancing to the SOCP instructor's course. MSG Adams explained that the unit will conduct the MACP because it serves as a foundational program. "MACP validates the combatives training through the crucible of completion, while the SOCP focuses on the survivability and lethality of combatives." The SOCP was founded on the principles of the MACP. "By running these two programs, the MACP serves as the foundation for our tactics, techniques, procedures, and our lethality program, which is SOCP," Adams stated.

Advancing the SOCP Instructor Course

Soldiers are encouraged to master the basic fundamentals of hand-to-hand fighting before advancing to the next level. This next step involves wearing full kit, utilizing weapons, cuffing techniques, and engaging in scenario-based combatives. "The combatives facility will be open daily, with formal training courses offered weekly to Soldiers within 10th SFG (A)," Adams noted. A designated member from the SFAUC trainers will be available for teams or sections wishing to reserve the facility for internal training.

The three combatives programs offered by the unit include MACP Level One, tactical MACP Level Two, and the basic SOCP course. "Our plan is to run multiple combatives training scenarios for all Soldiers assigned to 10th Group," Adams said. "By doing so, we create that warrior culture within the unit that we want, establishing that brotherhood among us to mentally prepare for the challenges of combat."

More than 20 Soldiers from the 10th SFG (A) participated in the Special Operations Combatives Program instructor's course from July 12-16. This initiative aims to cultivate internal instructors within the unit. Special Forces and support Soldiers conducted the first SOCP instructors' course outside of Fort Bragg, N.C., at Range 37. The SOCP has recently been implemented as the Program of Record for the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center.

The SOCP is a realism-based, task-specific system designed to bridge the gap between foundational training in the Modern Army Combatives Program and the unique needs of the modern-day SF Soldier. "SOCP is designed to enhance survivability while fighting on the battlefield while wearing full kit," explained Mr. Greg Thompson, SOCP developer and instructor. "SOCP was developed based on ten years of feedback from SF Soldiers."

Thompson has dedicated over a decade to refining the program with various units throughout the United States Army Special Operations Command. His goal has been to create a combatives system that effectively bridges the gap between the MACP and close-quarters combat (CQC) specific tasks. Collaborating with Sgt. 1st Class Carl Haskins and MSG Adams, Thompson has further refined the SOCP program of instruction to meet the operational needs of SF Soldiers.

Real-World Applications of SOCP

"SOCP focuses on situational awareness on the battlefield," Haskins, the SOCP chief instructor, stated. "For example, a Soldier moves through a structure during close-quarter battle and then gets hit from behind. He must know how to survive the initial engagement, understand his environment, and handle the situation. He needs to know what weapon to employ and when it’s safe to do so."

Thompson elaborated, "What sets SOCP apart from other fighting systems is that it was developed with the feedback of SF Soldiers for SF Soldiers. This combatives system takes training out of the dojo and places it in a close-quarters combat environment with real-world scenarios, such as flex cuffing, weapons retention, and detaining and searching techniques."

"You can show them a lot of great fighting techniques," Thompson explained. "But you need to consider: What are you fighting with? What is your fighting attire? What is your environment? What are your advantages and disadvantages? These are crucial questions to ponder."

According to Haskins, one specific focus has been the proper handcuffing of enemy personnel. During combat deployments and subsequent after-action reviews, Soldiers have encountered situations where detainees attempted to escape, raising questions about the appropriate use of force. "We've found that most combative situations occur when guys are cuffing someone," Thompson noted. "If a detainee isn't cuffed properly or isn't frisked before being passed to someone else, it can lead to a fight. How does your cuffing lead into the fight?"

He added, "Use of force is continuous. When do you apply lethality on someone, and when should you not? You have to adjust your intensity, not stay overly amped up."

Evolving the SOCP

The SOCP, as Thompson described, is designed to evolve continuously. Feedback from Green Berets on the battlefield regarding different techniques is tested immediately by the schoolhouse. "If you can demonstrate a better way of doing things, we will test it, vet it, and implement it," he said. "I don’t care whose system it came from; if it’s better, we will adopt it."

Haskins emphasized, "SOCP's loyalty is not to any one combatives discipline but to the Soldiers in uniform. SF Soldiers learn to fight in full kit and use their organic weapon systems in close-quarters hand-to-hand combat scenarios."

Upon completing the 40-hour course, the 10th SFG (A) will have the most certified SOCP instructors in the SF community. Each Soldier will be equipped to instruct the basic course to members of their unit. Every two years, instructors will need to be recertified and provide feedback to the schoolhouse at Fort Bragg. "It's been an honor to work with the 10th Group," Thompson said. "This has to be one of the nicest training facilities around, and the Soldiers here have put in a lot of hard work to complete this course."

The Journey of MSG(R) Jeff "Patch" Adams

MSG(R) Jeff "Patch" Adams is a combatives Black belt under Matt Larson. He continues to train military law enforcement and civilians in real-world, realistic scenarios. His final competition was the Colorado state submission grappling championships, where he earned the Gold medal in the men's no-gi 202lb weight class, all accomplished with just two weeks' notice.

For more information, check out Matt Larson's Combatives and Greg Thompson's profile.

The commitment to personal protection and self-defense training is not just about physical skills; it’s about building a community. Together, we can foster a culture of preparedness and resilience.

The Importance of Community in Self-Defense Training

In the realm of self-defense, community plays a pivotal role. It’s not just about individual skills; it’s about creating a network of support and shared knowledge. When we come together, we amplify our strengths and learn from each other’s experiences. This collective wisdom is invaluable.

Training in self-defense is a journey. Each session builds upon the last, creating a tapestry of skills and insights. As we train together, we develop trust and camaraderie. This bond is essential, especially in high-stress situations. Knowing that you have a team behind you can make all the difference.

Moreover, community outreach is vital. By sharing our knowledge and skills with others, we empower them. We create a ripple effect that extends beyond our immediate circle. This outreach fosters a culture of resilience, where individuals feel equipped to handle challenges.

In this journey, we must also embrace the emotional aspects of training. Self-defense is not just a physical endeavor; it’s deeply personal. Each of us has our own reasons for pursuing these skills. Acknowledging and sharing these motivations can strengthen our community.

As we move forward, let’s commit to supporting one another. Let’s share our successes and challenges. Together, we can build a robust community that thrives on empowerment, resilience, and shared growth.

In conclusion, the evolution of combatives training at Fort Carson is a testament to the dedication of its members. The journey is ongoing, and the commitment to excellence is unwavering. Together, we can shape a future where self-defense skills are not just learned but lived.