Types of Combat Skills Taught to US Military Service Members: Beyond Grappling

When discussing the combat skills taught to service members in the United States military, the conversation often revolves around the use of advanced weaponry and specialized tactics for optimal battlefield performance. However, the training provided to military members goes beyond just firearms and heavy artillery. It encompasses a wide range of self-defense techniques, both for on-the-ground and close-quarters engagements. This article aims to explore the various combat skills taught to service members and the extent to which they include grappling techniques such as takedowns and submissions from wrestling and judo.

Introduction to Military Combat Skills

The US military emphasizes the importance of well-rounded combat skills to ensure the safety and effectiveness of its service members. These skills are not only crucial for individual soldier engagements but also for team operations and overall mission success. The training curriculum is divided into different branches, with each branch focusing on specific combat techniques tailored to the roles and responsibilities of its service members.

Focus on Weaponry: Beyond Grappling Techniques

While grappling techniques such as takedowns and submissions are valuable skills, the US military places a significant emphasis on the use of advanced weaponry. This includes the use of .50 caliber machineguns and 40mm grenade launchers for long-range engagements, typically from 1000 to 2000 meters. These weapons are designed for precision and high lethality, allowing service members to neutralize threats from a distance without engaging in close-quarters combat.

Another critical weapon used by the US military is the Javelin missile, which can be fired from a tank to blow the turret off the enemy vehicle from a distance of 3000 meters. Such advanced weaponry is designed to deliver maximum impact from a safe distance, minimizing the risk of direct confrontation and ensuring the safety of the service members.

Grappled Elias: The Limitations of Grappling Techniques

The title 'Grappled Elias' is intriguing and somewhat humorously alludes to the challenges of using grappling techniques in a military context. Grappling techniques, such as those from wrestling and judo, are indeed taught as part of the overall combat training for some military branches. However, these techniques are typically not the primary focus due to the nature of modern combat operations.

Engaging in grappling techniques, particularly on the ground, is inherently risky. It requires the service member to be in close proximity to the enemy, which increases the risk of being injured or captured. While grappling techniques are taught to enhance overall physical fitness and minimize injury in close-quarters engagements, they are not utilized as a primary method for neutralizing opponents at a distance or in high-risk situations.

The Comprehensive Training Curriculum for Military Service Members

The US military's training curriculum is designed to equip service members with a diverse set of skills, ensuring they are prepared for a wide range of combat scenarios. This includes:

Hand-to-hand combat: Basic and advanced techniques for close-quarters combat. Grappling techniques: Fundamentals of wrestling and judo for physical training and safety. Rifle and small arms training: Proficiency in using various firearms, including semi-automatic and automatic weapons. Advanced weaponry training: Use of heavy weaponry such as .50 caliber machineguns and Javelin missiles. Vehicles and vehicle tactics: Training on operating military vehicles and engaging in tactics specific to vehicular operations. Survival and medical training: Essential skills for survival and providing medical care in hostile environments.

By providing a comprehensive training program, the US military ensures that its service members are not only skilled with advanced weaponry but also capable of adapting to various combat scenarios and maintaining situational awareness.

Conclusion: A Balanced Approach to Combat Skills

While grappling techniques like takedowns and submissions from wrestling and judo are part of the training regimen, the US military's primary focus remains on weapon proficiency and advanced tactics. The training is designed to be balanced, preparing service members for a wide range of combat scenarios and ensuring their safety and effectiveness. Grappling techniques are valuable for physical fitness and enhancing overall combat readiness, but they are not the dominant focus of the training curriculum.

Questions and Further Reading

For more information on the various combat skills taught to US military service members, consider exploring:

Articles discussing specific branches and their training regimens. Official military publications on combat training and techniques. Demonstration videos and training programs available online.

Understanding the full scope of combat training in the US military can provide valuable insights into the preparedness and readiness of its service members.