Soldier enjoys challenges, volunteers for combatives class

Published May 30, 2013
By Sgt. Cassandra Monroe
120th Public Affairs Detachment

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Even though Army combatives is part of a soldier's warrior tasks and required for yearly training, combatives moves like arm bars, guillotines and Komodo dragons motivated Staff Sgt. Jose Morejon to become a better trainer for Soldiers conducting combatives training here.

"It's all about attention to detail," he said.

Morejon, 2nd Battalion, 309th Training Support Regiment, 174th Infantry Brigade chemical specialist, said he wants to be a better leader and noncommissioned officer.

His leadership aspirations led him to volunteer for level-two of the Modern Army Combatives Program's Tactical Combatives Course and endured bruises, soreness and exhaustion.

"I like a challenge," he said. "That's why I joined the Army."

Morejon is a trainer for mobilized units at here. He spends most of his days on the land navigation ranges, but he hopes to expand his training resume and branch out to other warrior tasks and battle drill lanes.

"I think combatives balances you out as a Soldier, especially noncommissioned officers. It builds discipline and keeps you fit," Morejon said.

The two-week course teaches advanced techniques including front and rear leg kicks, punches and hand-cuffing techniques. Once completed, Morejon, a native to Lodi, N.J., will be certified to take his level-one knowledge and share it with his troops.

"That's the point of the program, to share the knowledge," he said. "Here, what you put in is what you get out.

"I've learned a lot of new exercises that I'm implementing in my physical training to keep my core fit and to help with my cardio," said Morejon. "I feel more confident that, both overseas and in the field, I can defend myself only with my rifle and my body.