FRANKFORT, Ky. - Soldiers from the Kentucky Army National Guard’s 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment conducted Modern Army Combatives Program training at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Kentucky, Feb. 7, 2014. Sgt. Brad Jenkins, the KYARNG’s only master trainer, taught the class. Jenkins, a student of martial arts, has devoted more than half his life to mastering various aspects of self-defense, including jiujitsu.
“The benefits of combatives training are numerous,” said Jenkins. “I no longer run, but scored a 280 on my last Army Physical Fitness Test because of the cardio value of my mat time.”
Sgt. Lerone Simmons, a Public Affairs Specialist with the 133rd said, “I can see how combatives could help raise my APFT score, it forces me to work my core and stabilizer muscles.”
Jenkins pointed out the reach of combatives training goes beyond the Soldier’s physical dimension.
“Imagine I teach a private straight out of boot camp to put an arm bar on his commander,” he explained, “not only does that instill confidence in his physical abilities, but also his confidence to approach leadership with issues he may be having; whether family concerns, personal challenges, or even suicidal thoughts.”
“I enjoyed that the instructors took the training to a different level,” said Sgt. Brandy Mort, public affairs noncommissioned officer with the 133rd. “It really resonated with me when Sgt. Jenkins explained how it can help a Soldier defend against assaults that are more likely to occur off duty. Not all Army training translates so easily into your civilian life.”
“My hope is that our commanders realize the full potential of Army combatives training,” said Jenkins. “It would be nice to infuse combatives into other Army Warrior Tasks like room clearing, detainee operations, vehicle searches, or to fill training schedule whitespace.”
Date Taken: | 02.07.2015 |
Date Posted: | 07.07.2015 20:35 |
Story ID: | 169334 |
Location: | FRANKFORT, KENTUCKY, US |
Web Views: | 229 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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