Photo by Sgt. Zachary GardnerThe National Training Center U.S. Army Combatives Team, from Fort Irwin, Calif., stands ready for combat. The team will test their skills at the Army Combatives Championship at Fort Hood, Texas, July 25-28.
Some do it to test their limits, others do it because they love to compete, and some just do it for fun. But no matter what their reasoning, it still takes a lot of personal courage to walk into a ring and get hit in the face.
Photo by Caroline KeyserSpc. Robert Heinig reaches up to break a hold by Capt. Michael Wechsler during the 170- pound class championship round of Fort Irwin’s Warrior Challenge Army combatives tournament at Freedom Fitness Center, May 24. Wechsler is a member of the National Training Center U.S. Army Combatives Team for 2012.
Troopers from the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment will test their skills at the Army Combatives Championship at Fort Hood, Texas, July 25-28 as members of the National Training Center U.S. Army Combatives Team. The competition will be held to instill the Warrior Ethos, promote esprit de corps, and to build on the confidence of the Soldiers who are competing.
“Being sharp and being able to defeat someone at close quarters combat is definitely a part of the Warrior Ethos,†said Warrant Officer Ronnie D. Grubbs of Regimental Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, and combatives team member. “It’s easy to sit around and talk about it, but when you get out there and compete, it gets a lot more real.â€
Last year, 54 teams from across the Army competed. Fort Irwin took 26th place. The NTC team has been working hard in hopes to come back with the big win.
The competition rules for the events allow for use open hand slaps to the face, closed hand strikes to the body, kicks, and knees from the waist down while standing in addition to the grappling rules.
“The rewards from winning, or the lessons taught from losing are invaluable,†said Grubbs.
