US Army Rangers Combatives

"Close combat, man to man, is plainly to be regarded as the real basis of all combat."   -Carl Von Clausewitz

One of the most effective systems of military hand-to-hand combat has to be that of the Combatives program taught to the US Army Rangers. While at Ranger School, soldiers learn to use their fists, elbows, knees, and feet, basically any part of the body that can be effectively used against an opponent. Students learn hands-on by working in pairs for up to four hours at a time under the supervision of instructors proficient in Combatives.  Ranger methods may seem crude when compared to traditional styles of fighting, but they are indeed effective. The Ranger Combatives program also incorporates many formal styles such as Muay Thai Kick-Boxing and Filipino Kali/Arnis/Eskrima weapons techniques. In combat there is one objective and that is to survive by any means including killing. Ranger Combatives fulfills that objective very well. As urban combat becomes more common, the terrain will dictate close quarters fighting. This will result in closer engagements w/ the enemy. Combatives are thus a necessary skill for soldiers in future battlefields.

Above two Ranger instructors rehearse before a hand-to-hand class. The Ranger on the left attacks with a right cross. The Ranger on the right raises his left arm to block the incoming strike and counters with an elbow strike to the solar plexus.

Click here to view US Army Combatives Manual FM 21-150 for detailed techniques