National Guard Transportation Soldiers practice close-combat

JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING, D.C. (April 16, 2016) - What looked like combat on the battlefield was actually a regular drill weekend of National Guard training. Soldiers from the 547th Transportation Company, or 547th TC, spent a day learning Modern Army Combatives.

Instructors demonstrated execution of three close-combat moves: the clinch, defending themselves from an over-the-arms bear hug, and weapons retention. Then Soldiers paired up and practiced with one another.

"Mastery of these moves will result in more proficient fighters than exposure to a large number of techniques will," said Sergeant 1st Class Robert Bandy, platoon sergeant, who has been an Army Combatives instructor since 2008.

The instructors familiarized Soldiers with stand up maneuvers such as grappling over weapons, posting and framing.

"Army Combatives Training is a requirement," said 1st Lt. Tiffany Lane, commander. "It is important for our Soldiers to learn hand-to-hand combat because it allows them to build their self-confidence, promotes teamwork, and prepares them to handle a wide range of situations."

Everyone from the most junior Soldier to leadership participated.

"This training is a morale booster and our company is staying in compliance with Army regulation," said 1st Sgt. Octavia Williamson. "It is important for the Soldiers to know that their first sergeant can handle herself."

The maneuvers require participants to have close physical contact, something they don't do often and some found uncomfortable. But shortly after starting, all the discomfort was forgotten and Soldiers were fully engaged.

"I thoroughly enjoyed the combative training session," said Spc. Kevin Valentine, motor transportation operator. "The instruction was at the right pace, by the numbers, and enough for us to understand the techniques that were taught."

Army Reserve components have two years to complete Army Warrior Task requirements.

"We will incorporate combatives into our quarterly training schedule," Bandy said.

"It allows us to be refreshed annually and achieve the Army Warrior Task requirement and perform Hand-to-Hand Combat, at an accelerated pace."