Retired service member teaches self-defense in Afghanistan

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN

03.31.2013

Story by Sgt. Joshua Edwards 

129th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – On a dusty basketball court in Afghanistan is where Michael Foley can be found doing what he loves most: teaching.

After a career in the Army that spanned over three decades and a number of occupations from Military Police, to Criminal Investigation Division, to Rangers, and Special Forces, Foley uses his vast experience to teach self-defense and hand-to-hand combat.

“I have always been a teacher,” he said. “Ever since I can remember, once I got to a certain level, I would start assisting. When I would get my black belt, I would start teaching others.

For the past 42 years, Foley has taught all over the world in places such as Japan, Korea, Kosovo, Bosnia, Macedonia, Hawaii, Germany, Rwanda, the Caribbean Islands, and Iraq.
Foley, a program manager with Civil Information Management as well as a professor at North Idaho College, volunteers his time and expertise to service members currently deployed to Bagram Airfield.

“I saw a need here, and I wanted to meet that need,” said Foley.

Effective. This is the word Foley used to describe the way in which he teaches.

“I’ve been in Special Operations, Special Forces,” he said. “I’ve worn the green beanie. I went that whole route and with that experience – actual combat experience – I have developed a system that is geared toward people serving in a combat zone.”

This, however, is only part of the reason why Foley teaches.

“I don’t know how many times I had Soldiers in Iraq come up to me and tell me that the things I taught them worked,” said Foley. “They were able to protect themselves, that’s what gives me the drive, the successes.”

• Date Taken: 03.31.2013
• Date Posted: 04.08.2013 12:35
• Story ID: 104801
• Location: BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF
• Hometown: COEUR D'ALENE, IDAHO, US