[H2H]

As far as the knife expert, I meant no one in particular, rather an example of something that is trained, but not really "trained". For instance, a unit here on Bragg once hired a "Knife Fighting Expert" to teach. From what I hear, he made a fool of himself when one of the students punched him in the face during the drill. Aparently, in all his years of knife fighting this was the first time he was hit full on in the face, as normally his students are "not allowed" to strike him.

As far as dominant position, we are both on the same page, just using different terms for what we are trying to say. If you are in any way engaged with him, to stomp on Haji's head or hit him with a helmet, you must have some sort of position on him. It is not that I am looking at it as a 2 stage event, but rather that you almost always have to have one to have the other. In you are on your stomach with Haji on your back, you are not going to do any damage to him. Many times when people hear "Dominant Position" in regards to MACP, they immediately think of the UFC. This is not the actual teachings in the program. Instead, back to the Fight Strategy we are just trying to be in a position to either kill the enemy, or if we are unable, be able to stay alive and control him until our team is able to finish the fight.

The things I learned in the MACP classes most definetely came into play on Deployment. I ran into situations where killing the enemy was not an option, but choking him unconcious and flex-cuffing him was an option under ROE.

I totally agree with you on a lot of things you are saying. That video is not Combatives for the battlefield, it is MMA. But, at the same time, it is a motivating tool to get all soldiers to continue to learn Modern Army Combatives. I have used this before, but it is a lot like the Karate Kid. When he was waxing the car or painting the fence, he had no idea he was actually learning something. That is the case with MACP. On the surface some of the things may not make perfect sense, but in the end we are teaching important lessons to the soldiers. I know the program is not perfect, and knowing it as well as I do, I know many of the short commings first hand. But, it is still a big step in the right direction.

I would never take any of the criticism over the program personally. In fact, I think you make great points and I apprieciate the conversation. My job is to teach soldiers and I do it the best I am able, hoping that maybe I am able to give a couple the means to save themselves if it ever comes down to it.

Thanks.