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Combative classes train soldiers, Airmen

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  • By Airman 1st Class Michael Cossaboom
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  U.S. Army Central Modern Army Combative Program instructors held a course here, Sept. 8-12.

The purpose of the class was to prepare military personnel for any situation they may face, whether it be on a future deployment or an act of self-defense.

"The most important thing students gain from attending this course is confidence," said Army Sgt. 1st Class Shaun Benoit, ARCENT International Military Affairs Central and Southeast Asia Branch NCO in charge.

Eleven students, six soldiers and five Airmen, participated in the 5-day course who were taught by four special duty Army instructors.

The MACP course was developed in the late 1990s by U.S. Army Rangers to improve soldier's hand-to-hand combat ability.

The course implements the fighting style Jui Jitsu, which is designed to defeat an armed enemy without using a weapon.

"Throughout the class students will learn level one combatives which concentrates on ground fighting techniques," said Benoit. "As students progress they learn additional styles of fighting such as boxing and Muay Thai."

Though students only learned the basics, the skills acquired could potentially be beneficial in the future, said Benoit.

"The first time someone gets hit, said Staff Sgt. Edward Leslie, 20th Security Forces Squadron standards and evaluation technician, "most people have no idea what to do. With this class it can help us learn how to react in a close-quarters combat situation."

When the course ended, the students will be certified in level one combative techniques and have the accreditation to teach those skills.

Classes are scheduled to be held once a month in Building 1842, near the 20th Force Support Squadron Honor Guard building.

Instructors hold open mat times which are from 5:30-8 a.m Mondays and Wednesdays and 11:15 a.m.-12:45p.m. and 3:15-4:45 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays."

To participate in the MACP, contact Benoit at (803) 885-8509.