NO Tap-out in Combat Muzzle Thump Post Frame Hook and Head Control

Soldiers must maintain control of the weapon at all times by keeping the enemy at projectile weapons range when possible. Use strikes To execute the Frame, keep feet, hips, chin and weapon positioned simi- Execute the Hook and Head Control by placing the non-firing arm
like the Muzzle Thump to drive an enemy back, keeping him at projectile weapons range. If closer proximity than projectile range is nec- lar to the Post. Extend forearm beyond 90 degrees with fingers spread underneath enemy’s arm with hand cupping the shoulder. Push fore-
essary, use the Post, Frame or Hook and Head Control. To execute the Post, keep feet more than shoulder width apart, turn hips so sec- across enemy’s collarbone or with hand cupping the back of the head. head into enemy’s chin. Legs should straddle enemy’s closest leg.
ondary weapon is away from the enemy, tuck chin, use flat palm with thumb down to push enemy.

Clear Primary Weapon with Strikes Achieve the Clinch Elbow and Knee Strikes Front and Rear Takedowns

From a clinch position, a Soldier may take the enemy to the

ground. When in front of the enemy, drive to tackle. When be-
Strike enemy in the head with the point of your elbow. For additional power, rotate your
Use Strikes to regain control of the weapon. Strike enemy in the face with the heel of the hand. Close with the enemy and gain dominance, especially in case of a weapons hind the enemy, drag him down.
body and pull enemy’s head toward elbow strike. To execute Knee Strike, bring rear
Strike enemy at the hip bone with the bottom of the foot. Push weapon down to clear enemy’s malfunction or if the enemy is attempting to use his own weapon. knee up to strike enemy in gut or head. For additional power, pull enemy’s head down.
arms, and repeatedly strike his head with the Army combat helmet until his grip is broken.

Stand in Base with Projectile Weapon Escape the Mount with Arm Trap and Roll Secondary Weapon

If a Soldier ends up on the ground at projectile weapon range from the enemy, mobility can be regained by returning to the standing position. If a Soldier has failed to maintain his feet and the enemy has gained control of the Soldier’s legs, the Soldier will be forced to fight for a dominate
position, in this case using the Arm Trap and Roll.
Employing a secondary weapon
allows a Soldier to quickly end the
fight but can only be done safely
when the Soldier is in control of the
position.

Modern Army Combatives Program History Basic Combatives is one of the Forty Warrior MACP Course Levels
• 1995 — 2nd Ranger Battalion commander orders reinvigoration of battalion combatives program. Core Tasks of the Warrior Ethos initiative, and Level 1 — Basic Army Combatives Course: 40-hour course teaches basic combatives techniques. Instruc-
• The FM at that time, written in 1992, offered no means to certify or train instructors. all Soldiers should know the following moves: tors for this course should be taught at battalion level by a level 3 instructor and certified by a lieutenant colonel
• Commander appoints a committee to research improving close quarters combat tactics and methods. (O-5) commander. Level 1 qualified instructors can teach the basic combatives drills and tasks.
Muzzle Thump Escape the Mount, Shrimp to the Guard
• Program begins to develop and spread as a grassroots effort as Rangers begin teaching outside the Ranger community.
Tug-of-War Arm Push and Roll to the Rear Mount Level 2 — Tactical Army Combatives Course: 80-hour course tailored to teach advanced techniques, teach-
• 2002 — Army publishes new Combatives FM 3-25.150, which implements curriculum in Initial Military Training and Infantry Officer Palm Heal Strike Escape the Rear Mount ing methodologies and philosophies. Each company will have at least one level 2 qualified instructor. The level
Education system. Kick Rear Naked Choke 2 instructor course is taught at the brigade/installation level by a level 4 instructor and certified by a colonel (O-
• 2005 — U.S. Army Combatives School opens at Fort Benning, Ga. Head Butt Cross Collar Choke from the Mount and Guard 6) commander. Level 2 qualified instructors can supervise level 1 instructors and referee basic competitions.
Post Bent Arm Bar
• 2006 — Soldier’s Manual of Common Tasks includes combatives as one of 40 Warrior core tasks.
Frame Straight Arm Bar Level 3 — Basic Army Combatives Instructor Course: 160-hour course integrates fighting skills into the in-
• 2007 — AR 350-1 delineates training for all units Armywide and every battalion and brigade to have certified instructors. Hook and Head Control Sweep from the Attempted Straight Arm Bar fantry battle drills and close quarters battle. Level 3 qualified instructors can instruct the level 1 course, referee
• 2009 — As Soldier feedback from the field necessitates refinement, FM 3-25.150 is updated with more techniques and outlines Access Secondary Weapons Scissors Sweep post events, special rules competitions and serve as battalion master trainer for scenario-based training.
planning for Armywide instructor training programs. Stand in Base Close the Gap and Achieve the Clinch
Escape the Mount, Trap and Roll Front Takedown to the Mount Level 4 — Tactical Army Combatives Instructor Course: 160-hour course designed to teach management
• 2010 — Soldier feedback leads to MACP broadening the curriculum at lower levels so Basic Combat Training and Advanced
Pass the Guard Rear Takedown skills at the installation level. Instruction focuses on how to design, manage, execute and promote a safe com-
Individual Training teach more fighting techniques to new Soldiers.
Side Control Front Guillotine Choke batives program, with special emphasis on teaching methodologies and safety.
Achieve the Mount from Side Control

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Credits: Photos by John D. Helms, Fort Benning PAO; Demonstrators: Soldier — Staff Sgt. Christopher Gordon, Enemy — Sgt. Atreyu Ross, USACS; Design by Sgt. Russel Schnaare; Written by Linda Crippen. Read more about recent changes to the MACP in the August 2010 NCO Journal: https://usasma.bliss.army.mil/NCOJournal/default.asp.
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