11

Source: FM21-50 Ranger Training and Ranger Operation (Dept of the Army, Jan-1962)

11. Hand-to-Hand Combat

a. Objective. To familiarize the Soldier with hand-to-hand combat, develop self-confidence, improve physical fitness, and instill a spirit of aggressiveness and a will to win.

b. References. TM 21-200 and FM's 21-150 and 23-25.

c. Requirements.

(1) Cadre.

(a) One principal instructor.

(b) Five assistant instructors per 100 Soldiers.

(d) Support.

1. One sound equipment operator.

2. Two aidmen.

(2) Vehicle. One ambulance.

(3) Training aids.

(a) Sawdust pit or plowed area.

(b) PT platform.

(4) Communications equipment. One sound equipment set with four speakers.

d. Instructor's Notes.

(1) Introduction.

(a) Soldiers progress at different rates during hand-to-hand combat instruction. Hourly instructional outlines are intended as a guide only.

(b) Soldiers receiving instruction are paired off by size into buddy teams. Each new exercise is demonstrated by the phases and then once at normal speed. Each Soldier is then talked through the exercise by the phases one or more times prior to performing the exercise at normal speed. Special attention must be given to insure that each individual assumes the proper fall positions.

(c) Warm-up exercises are conducted at the beginning of each hour of instruction. This should include a review of the fall positions.

(d) Breakdown of instructional hours—

First Hour

1. Introduction (reasons for hand-to-hand combat).

(a) Excellent physical conditioner and body toughener.

(b) Builds spirit of aggressiveness and instills will to fight.

(d) Provides know-how for setting up similar type train-ing programs.

2. Fundamentals.

(a) Momentum (overhead throw).

Note. Demonstrators are used to emphasize fundamentals.

(b) Maximum strength against weakest point (wrist takedown).

(d) Balanced position (on-guard position).

(e) Mental position (use of growl).

(f) Accuracy and speed.

3. Throws (those to be learned by the Soldier).

4. Takedowns (those to be taught).

5. Holds and counters (those to be taught).

(a) Knife attacks.

(b) Bayonet attacks.

6. Techniques for disarming sentry—demonstration (modified rear strangle takedown).

7. Pistol disarming—demonstration.

8. Conclusion of demonstration.

9. Warm-up exercises (TM 21-200).

10. On-guard position (FM 21-150).

11. Left and right side fall position (FM 21-150).

12. Hip throw (FM 21-150).

Second Hour

1. Overhead fall position (FM 21-150).

2. Front fall position. This is performed by leaning forward, keeping the body straight, until the center of gravity forces the man's body to the ground. The shock of the fall is absorbed by the hands, forearms, and toes. No other part of the body touches the ground.

3. Overshoulder throw (FM21-150).

4. Overhead throw.

Phase (1). Number two man charges his buddy who grabs number two man's shoulders and takes one or more steps backward, maintaining his opponent's momentum.
Phase (2). Number one man drops to ground, placing leg into opponent's stomach area.
Phase (3). Number one man straightens leg and thrown number two man over his head; maintains his grip on the opponent's shoulders, rights himself and strike number two man, following up the attack.

Third Hour

1. Introduction to knife disarming (pars. 94-100 FM 21-150).

2. Vulnerable points (pars. 45 and 46, FM 21-150).

3. Counter to downward stroke (par. 94, FM 21-150).

4. Counter against the backhand slash (par. 99, FM 21-150).

5. Counter to sidearm slash.

Phase (1). Step into your opponent with the left foot and block the blow with the left forearm, elbow up.
Phase (2). Pivot 180° on the left foot, sliding the left forearm down your opponent's knife arm, grabbing the wrist, At the same time, reach up with the right hand and grab your opponent's clothing. Your opponent's right arm is straight and over your right shoulder, your knees are bent and your opponent is pulled in close to your buttocks.
Phase (3). Pull down with both hands, straighten your knee, and simultaneously throw your opponent over your shoulder.

Figure 37. Ranger training can be incorporated into any military organizational schedule. Participants shown above are United States Military Academy Cadets undergoing the one-week training program outlined in this manual.

Fourth Hour

1. Review first and second hours.

2. Rear takedown.

Phase (1). Grab your opponent by his shoulders from the rear and force him off balance; shift your weight to your left foot.
Phase (2). Pull back on your opponent's shoulders, simultaneously kicking him in the rear of the knees, knocking him to the ground.

3. Hear strangle takedown.

Phase (1). Punch your opponent in the left kidney and at the same time strike him in the Adam's apple with your right forearm, bending him to the rear.
Phase (2). Keeping your left fist in the kidney area, grasp your opponent's left shoulder with the right hand and tighten the strangle hold on the neck. At the same time move backwards, walking your opponent to the ground.
Phase (3). Tighten your strangle hold until your buddy signals that your strangle hold is effective. Lock your right hand to your opponent's shoulders with your chin.

4- Cross hock takedown.

Phase (1). Step into your opponent with your left foot, placing it slightly to the rear and left of your opponent's right foot. At the same time strike your opponent with both hands on his shoulders, bending him to the rear, grasping his clothing.
Phase (2). Forcefully bring your right leg through and to your opponent's rear in such a manner as to strike! his legs from under him.

Fifth Flour

1. Review third hour.

2. Second counter to the downward stroke (FM 21-150).

3. Counter against the upward stroke (FM 21-150).

4. Second counter against the upward stroke (FM 21-150).

5. Alternate method used to channel your opponent's knife] threat (cross right arm over left to form a face aim view).

Sixth Hour

1. Introduction to bayonet disarming.

2. Parry right (FM 21-150).

3. Counter to the short thrust (FM 21-150).

4. Counter to the long thrust.

Phase (1). Parry opponent's thrust to the right, grabbing the rifle with both hands once it is diagonally across his body.
Phase (2). Execute phase two of the overhead throw. Phase (3). Execute phase three of the overhead throw, pulling the rifle from your opponent.

5. Second counter to the short thrust.

Phase (1). Parry opponent's thrust to the right, at the same time crow-hopping to the left, facing the right side of the rifle, both hands above the weapon.
Phase (2). Drop both hands, slamming the bayonet into the ground.
Phase (3). Grasp the rifle butt with the left hand and your opponent's right shoulder with the right hand, throwing your opponent over the rifle. Remove the rifle from the ground and finish off your opponent.

Figure 38. Hand-to-hand combat provides the Soldier with another means to fight or defend himself when he is unarmed.

Seventh Hour

1. Review all unarmed hand-to-hand combat.

2. Execution of hold and counters to holds (FM 21-150).

3. Mass competition. Have each man attempt to throw the winners of other teams. The last person standing in the pit is the class champion.