Realistic training of combined skills in a military setting is crucial for preparing soldiers for real-world combat scenarios. Integrating skills taught in isolation, such as the Army Combatives Program and the Combat Marksmanship Continuum, into realistic training scenarios creates an opportunity to apply these skills in a real-world context. The integrated practice of these skills will simulate actual combat environments and ensure that when the time comes to do it for real… the soldier is ready. This article has step by step instructions on several combined ACP and CMC techniques that can be achieved with minimal equipment, making it accessible to everyone.

US Army General George Patton once said ‘Train like you fight and fight like you train’. ( Reference Link: 11 Gen. George Patton Quotes That Show His Strategic Awesomeness | Military.com ) In high stress situations our high level cognitive functions decrease and individuals fall back to their base level of training. This is why it is so important that our training is as realistic as possible.

Combat marksmanship continuum (CMC) and the Army Combative Program (ACP) are integral components of the Army Training Continuum and important components of developing a combat mindset. While often taught and practiced in isolation, the real world application of CMC and ACP will often occur in unison, and as such should be trained in unison. Below are some simple CMC and ACP combined training techniques that can mostly be achieved with current facilities and equipment with no additional costs to the unit:

Technique 1 Kinetic immediate action In this scenario, shooters are given 15 seconds from the OIC’s word of command “threat” to complete the drill. The time stops once the shooter has fired all 12 rounds. The shooter stands 10 metres from the target with the mannequin at the seven-metre line. On the command “threat”, the shooter is to close the distance and conduct the kinetic IA on the mannequin. Once the IA is conducted, the shooter is to remain at the seven-metre line, draw their pistol, and engage any targets with two to the head and two to the body. The iteration is complete once the shooter has engaged all three targets and conducts the post engagement sequence.

Technique 2 Kinetic IA with a pistol The threat has closed to a distance of one metre or less. In this instance the sequence is as follows: The non-master hand is brought to the wedge position, with the aim to control the head, dominate the throat and allow the combatant to clear space to draw their pistol. The master hand draws the pistol from the holster and holds wrist firmly on hip, with the pistol parallel to the ground The threat is rapidly engaged, with the aim to clear space and adopt a better quality firing position.

Technique 3 Low cross domination seat belt technique. This technique is performed as follows:  The combatant places their knee/shin across the pelvis of the threat and hooks the foot into the threat’s side.  The combatant’s opposite leg is posted high in order to ensure maximum body weight is directed into the threat’s pelvis.  The combatant should be able to stand up easily from the position should the need arise. Note the weight being applied to the threat’s hips, and that the weapon is up to provide cover. Note, low cross domination should only be attempted after high cross domination is achieved. Should the threat become compliant, the combatant can adjust the low cross seatbelt position appropriately to retain dominance, and bring a weapon to bear if required to provide personal safety from further threats and area security.

Conclusion

There is a wide scope for how we can consolidate our skills and implement the combat mindset in training. As with all training, the key is to make it as realistic and relevant as possible. The above techniques can be worked into your weekly routine with the current facilities and equipment already available to you at your unit, and they can be tailored to meet the specific needs and skillset required in your current role.