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98th Division trains combatives in dark

  • Published
  • By Army 1st Sgt. Jason Ford
  • 98th Division Combatives Academy
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Combatives have become a staple of warrior skills training in the military. The decade of persistent conflict has influenced leaders to institute combatives familiarization into all mobilization training.

All warriors train hand-to-hand combative techniques prior to deployment in support of ongoing contingency operations regardless of military occupational specialty or scheduled mission overseas. Both Regional Training Center East and the 174th Infantry Brigade at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., conduct combatives training as part of mobilization validation.

The Modern Army Combatives Program consists of certification levels. The 98th Division institutionalized an MACP Academy here, offering Levels 1 and 2 combatives certification led by MACP trainers.

"Every servicemember can benefit from this course," said Staff Sgt. Charles Ganoung, 98th Division Combatives Level 1 instructor. "Training how to gain the tactical advantage is important in all environments - those few seconds mean everything."

Many troops are familiar with the padded rooms where he or she learned the basics of combatives, but taking servicemembers out of his or her comfort zone, turning out the lights and ordering a room clearing gives practical application a whole new meaning.

Ganoung along with Tech. Sgt. Bryan McDonald, 818th Contingency Response Group assistant flight chief, helped make standard combatives training realistic. The instructors recreated typical scenarios troops may face in current operating environment utilizing the New Jersey Army National Guard Joint Training and Training Development Center indoor urban lanes.

"Everyone should be allowed the opportunity to get into a fight in a realistic, controlled environment," said McDonald, also a graduate of the 98th Division Level 1 and 2 certification programs. "This way he or she can gain the confidence to engage the enemy and stand their ground in a real-world situation."

McDonald is the senior mentor for several Airmen who underwent the 98th Division Combatives Level 1 certification course in October. McDonald suited up as the enemy, adding the element of surprise, and taking on the Airmen one by one as he took part in his peers and subordinates' training.

"It was a little intimidating at first," said Airman Joshua Tomkins, newly assigned 818th CRG fire team member. "It's tough work but fun at the same time."

Security Forces, Military Policeman, and Infantrymen aren't the only ones taking combatives certification courses. Certification is open to most anyone who is willing to give it a try. Visit the 98th Division Combatives Academy website at www.98divisioncombatives.com for more information on training and certification courses.