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72nd FA BDE holds joint service combatives training

  • Published
  • By Capt. Kelvin Scott
  • 72nd Field Artillery Brigade Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Marines were each represented during Modern Army Combatives Program Level I training given by the 3-314th Field Artillery Battalion, 72nd Brigade, March 10-14, here.

MACP is a close quarters training program that fuses hand-to-hand combat, martial arts, and weapons into combat readiness. Level I certification is 40-hours conducted at the Battalion or Brigade, whereas Level 2 certification is 80-hours conducted at the Brigade level. Levels three and four, each consisting four weeks, are taught at Ft. Benning, Ga. at the U.S. Army Combatives School.

"The training that service members receive during MACP is essential in today's military," said Maj. John A. Bond, 3-314th executive officer. "We want to familiarize them with proven techniques used to defeat opponents, as well as gain confidence in themselves and their skills."

With all services represented on the Joint Base inviting other services to participate in the training opportunities is an option.

"As a battalion, our previous classes were internally focused because we needed to meet First Army's 'Big Five' training requirements." explained Capt. Rogers Ramirez, Combatives officer-in-charge.

"We are now close to 100 percent and want to seize the unique opportunity afforded to us at JB MDL. Once my battalion commander, Lt. Col. (Samuel) Rodriguez gave the thumbs up, we contacted representatives from the other services to see who was interested. Not surprisingly they were all eager to send people," he continued.

Generally, in a 'purple' or joint environment participants are apprehensive because of the subtle differences found in working other branches. The level of uneasiness quickly evaporated once training started.

U.S. Coast Guard Lt. John LaMorte, a Narlton, N.J. native said, "While the uniforms and terminology were a bit different, everyone was professional and quickly adapted. It may be different services, but we are all in the military."

"Anything with joint services working together works for me," he continued. "All five services were working together to achieve MACP Level I certification. Through teamwork we were able to accomplish that goal."

The uniqueness of this opportunity was not lost on the other service members.

"I have been in the military for 11 years. This is the first opportunity that I have had to work and train with the other services. Being able to do this with all five services at once is incredible," said Air Force Capt. Travis Whitton, a pilot with the 2nd Air Refueling Squadron.

Aside from working with the other services, the chance to add MACP to their leadership portfolio was a reason that some attended the course.

"As a black-belt instructor with the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, I always want to learn more. As a Marine, I love challenges. Simply put this course gave me a good dose of both," said Sgt. Cristian J. Cabrera Rodriguez. "This was a challenging class and I would advise my fellow instructors to take part."

Generally, bumps and bruises are a result of the certification process. The students are told this during the initial intake and understand that those scrapes serve a purpose.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Allan Brown, a 3-314th supply noncommissioned officer, said "The will to live is stronger than any scrape. Prior to the course I never really thought about hand-to-hand combat. However, once the course was underway, I quickly got a better appreciation of the need to close the distance and finish the fight."

Even though the course was at times stressful, the participants were pleased with the training they received.

Navy Petty Officer 1st Class, William Thormann, an Aviation Support Equipment Technician, said, "While the class was more intense than what I expected, I am thankful that the 3-314th allowed us to participate. In such a short span, I learned so much. Regardless of the service I believe everyone should take this class because it gives you the skills to protect your family, friends, and self."