Soldiers of Tripler Army Medical Center (TAMC) are encouraged to participate in different courses to help maintain mission readiness.
Combatives trains Soldiers and leaders, instills the warrior ethos, and prepares participants to close with the enemy and defeat them in hand to hand combat while providing many opportunities upon completion.
Combatives Level 2 is an 80 hour course comprised of advanced ground movement, as well as stand up fighting and is derived from a combination of boxing, kickboxing, and Muy Tai.
"This course opens up plenty of opportunities for Soldiers. The course counts as promotion points for Soldiers for career advancement and is also a great way to network in the Army," stated Sgt. Michael Walker, TAMC Medic, Combatives Level 2.
It's also designed to help maintain physical fitness, trains Soldiers to be ready for any situation, as well as giving Soldiers the tools they will need if ever attacked.
Walker stated, "The purpose of being Combatives certified is to have the ability, knowledge, and confidence to bring the training back to your unit and teach them to be more combat effective on the battlefield."
As the course is physically demanding, Soldiers must be capable of passing the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) with a minimum of 180 points and not be on a medical profile that would participation.
Safety measures such as, mandatory mouth pieces, headgear, gloves, hand wraps, shin guards, are all used to enhance safety.
In addition, instructors observe Soldiers to ensure maneuvers are conducted as safetly as possible.
"It is combatives, it is physical. but we do our best to minimize injuries," stated Staff Sgt. Mario Colon, Assistant Instructor.
In order for Soldiers to graduate the course they must complete a written exam as well as a practical exam where they must demonstrate proper technique while instructing each movement in order to receive a passing grade.
TAMC's goal is to maintain Soldiers' combat readiness, keeping the Army the driving force in conflicts worldwide and encourages Soldiers to join the next Combatives course.
"I was very apprehensive to join combatives, and had a hard time in the beginning. However, halfway through the course, I started getting into the groove. I have been an active member of the Combatives ever since," stated Walker.
For more information on the program, contact Sgt. Michael Etheridge at 808-433-9905 or by email at michael.r.etheridge.mil@mail.mil.
Social Sharing