Dragon Soldiers Hone Combative Skills in Annual Tournament

Photo By Staff Sgt. Kelly Carlton | OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea - The gold, silver and bronze medalists of the 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade Annual Combatives Tournament held at Osan Fitness Center, May, 18, 2016, pose together after receiving their medals. The Modern Army Combatives Program is a hand-to-hand style of fighting that Soldiers are trained from the time they enter into the U.S. Army and can progress into higher certification levels throughout their career. (Photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Kelly Carlton, 35th ADA Brigade Public Affairs)  

SOUTH KOREA

05.18.2016

Story by Staff Sgt. Kelly Carlton 

35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade

OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea -- Soldiers from across 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade competed in the brigade's Annual Combatives Tournament held at the Osan Fitness Center here, May 18, 2016.

Seven Soldiers won first place in their respective weight class in the hand-to-hand fighting style known as the Modern Army Combatives Program.

"During a real world situation you never know when you might run out of rounds for your weapon," said Pfc. Paul Oiler, a Patriot launching station enhanced maintainer/operator, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2-1 ADA Battalion who also won the lightweight category. "Combatives training not only prepares you, it also helps prepare your battle buddies. You always have to be ready to defend your own."

According to the official Fort Benning website (the home of the Modern Army Combative Program), the mission of the U.S. Army Combatives School is to train Soldiers in close quarters combat to instill the Warrior Ethos and prepare Soldiers to defeat the enemy in hand-to-hand combat.

One competitor understands this mission well.

"I was raised in the Army on combatives; we did combatives training twice a week and it provided a lot of esprit de corps along with giving Soldiers the opportunity to achieve a high level of mental toughness," said Capt. David Malave, assistant operations officer, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 35th ADA Brigade, who competed in the light heavy weight category.

Senior leaders were in attendance to support brigade Soldiers and emphasize the importance of training and competing in this fighting tactic.

"Combatives is important because it creates readiness and keeps us ready to fight tonight," Command Sgt. Maj. Erik McCray, command sergeant major, 35th ADA Brigade said. "It teaches Soldiers to be resilient and not only to be resilient but to be confident in the combative skills we have taught them. It's also a sense of pride and dedication when Soldiers know how to defend themselves in close-quarters combat. In today's complex environment that is reassuring."

Malave has been involved with Army combatives for a couple of years now and also started practicing Jujitsu.

"The philosophy of Jujitsu dictates that fighting builds strong bonds between fighters," he said. "Combatives is a lot like that. Soldiers exchange respect and trust for each other. We won't always have a weapon so we must become the weapon to defeat our enemies. We are always soldiers first and I love the warrior mentality Army combatives brings to our formations."

The seven finalists will compete in the Eighth Army tournament 16-17 June, 2016, which will be held at U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan.

These Soldiers will be heading to Yongsan:

Master Sgt. Jonathan Mejil, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2-1 ADA, Flyweight
Pfc. Paul Oiler, HHB, 2-1 ADA, Lightweight
Spc. Versean Ponds, E Battery, 2-1 ADA, Welterweight
Spc. Alex Reed, F Battery, 6-52 ADA, Middleweight
Spc. Jordon Sanchez, F Battery, 6-52 ADA, Cruiserweight
Warrant Officer One Oscar Franco, E Battery, 2-1 ADA, Light Heavyweight
Spc. Benethmae Akalefu, D Battery, 2-1 ADA, Heavyweight

• Date Taken: 05.18.2016
• Date Posted: 05.19.2016 20:04
• Story ID: 198605
• Location: KR