Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Joel Quebec | Maj. Erik, left, commander of the Norwegian Task Unit in Erbil, Iraq, spars with one...... read more read more
A Norwegian major wants to incorporate the U.S. Army’s model of modern combatives into a competitive training activity similar to how the U.S. Army does it.
Rather than get the training once as introductory with little subsequent activity, Maj. Erik, commander of the Norwegian Task Unit in Erbil, Iraq, feels the best way to get the best training out of combatives is through competition.
“Competition is what really develops functional skills,” he said. “Competition encourages the pursuit of excellence and you refine your techniques through competition.”
“If you combine [the myriad of martial systems used in Modern Army Combatives Program] with what we know about training large groups of people to do things based upon our experiences in the Army,” explained retired Sgt. 1st Class Matt Larsen, creator of the current Army combatives program, “soon you have a program that can actually train soldiers to do the things that we’ve always wanted them to be able to do but never really had a good program to get them there.”
Erik started his current program in 2014 when he became the company commander. There was a meeting of the soldiers and leaders and it was decided they would have what became the Fight of the Week.
Previous problems with fight training and fighting activities was the number of injuries, which Erik believes can be greatly reduced through more training with proper supervision. More training means less injuries and he has the statistics to show it.
In basic training, the progression is very steep over a two-week period where actual sparring begins on day two. Erik has taken the two week program and spread the training out over a whole year.
“You have to do it consistently and with a live opponent with progressing resistance,” Erik said.
The first few fights involved combatants who were experienced in mixed martial arts or had some fighting experience already. As the activity grew more popular more soldiers wanted to participate.
The rules of a particular match are dependent upon the participants’ experience and training level. As the fighters progress, more action is allowed. At the lowest level, there is only grappling. As time goes on, boxing is introduced and eventually the matches take on a UFC/MMA appearance.
Although the army has combatives training, it’s not a tournament style competition. Soldiers are trained but are not required to keep up with it. By having weekly tournaments, soldiers continue to hone their skills becoming better and better as time goes on. They also learn tactics and strategy that carry over into other aspects of military life, especially in combat situations. The training and fighting teaches defense and offense, timing, balance and effective movement.
There are also social benefits to the competitions. Even though they are fighting an opponent, they become closer as fellow soldiers. They learn to control aggression in the ring, breeding mutual respect, unlike a drunken brawl, a negative part of life that militaries the world over have had issues with. There is a certain boost of confidence that comes with the learning of new techniques and victory in the ring and soldiers also seem to be more motivated for this particular training.
“Before I joined this unit, I hadn’t been doing much martial arts or combatives,” explained Lance Corporal 1st Class Martin. “I have always been a little anxious to try something if there is a risk of failing.” Martin has gained more personally than he initially thought he would. “Training with a resisting opponent and especially meeting one in a fight has done a lot for my skills and self-confidence.” He also believes that the training and competition would be very useful in combat or in peace-keeping operations.
“I view combatives as one of the basic skill sets to a fighting soldier,” said Command Sgt. Major Emil. “The techniques and tactics of close quarter combat that were used in the trenches of World War One are still relevant.”
Emil also explained that despite the huge leaps in technology in the last 100 years, the need for effective close quarter combat ability will still be a reality.
The Fight of the Week is meant to be a positive experience. No one has to go into the ring if they don’t wish to. For some, the fighting is fun as is watching your fellow soldiers compete.
“This is a very unique thing that we do,” said Erik. ”so we’re trying to get the rest of the Norwegian Army to do the same.”
Erik believes it positively helps soldiers to control battle stress reactions and it builds courage. “Either you win or you learn.”
| Date Taken: | 04.06.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 04.27.2017 07:54 |
| Story ID: | 231720 |
| Location: | ERBIL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, IQ |
| Web Views: | 964 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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