7th MSC/21st TSC teach tactical combatives to Soldiers; Airmen

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany- Modern Army Combatives instructors from the 7th Mission Support Command and 21st Theater Sustainment Command taught more than a dozen Soldiers and Airmen, Army Level II combatives Jan. 25-Feb. 5, 2016.

Some of the advanced hand to hand fighting techniques and drills in Level II combatives are based in real-world type scenarios unique to current warfighters.

"Level two does a whole lot more tactical combatives," said Staff Sgt. Katie L. Kaseman, the 7th MSC Combatives Master Trainer Instructor, "for example room clearing, vehicle extractions and detainee operations. We also did simulated knife fighting with 'Shocknives,' which are plastic Taser type simulated weapons."

The 'Shocknives,' give each participant a short sharp electrical shock when applied to the body.

"It gives them a more realistic experience if someone were to attack them in a combat environment," Kaseman said. "Overall they are doing pretty good. There are double the amount of techniques in level two. They are a highly motivated group. They are definitely getting better as the course progresses. They are adopting and using the newly learned techniques during the grappling sessions."

Army combatives are generally taught as a last-resort fighting technique designed for close quarters combat.

"It is important for Soldiers to have the skill and knowledge to defend themselves in a situation where it may be necessary," said Sgt. Jessica Garrett a Human Resources noncommissioned officer with the 1st Human Resources Sustainment Center, 21st TSC.

Students learned 40 ground and 29 standing techniques during the course.

"Ground techniques included the triple attack series and the passing of the guard series," Garrett said, "standing techniques included takedown and boxing movements like the jab, the cross and kicks."

Both Spc. Kyle Roesser a signal systems support specialist with the 21st Theater Sustainment Command's Support Troop Battalion and a Sidney, Ohio native and Garrett, who participated as training partners in the 10-day course, are Basic Army Combatives Level I certified.

"I grew up wrestling, so I like combatives," Roesser said. "During the course I learned how to effectively defend myself against a potential adversary with a knife."