USMCGrunt
10-Year Member
- Joined
- Dec 13, 2010
- Messages
- 3,498
Very interesting video on the Army's Combatives competition at Ft. Bragg. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkzD3x4TN8o
Brings to mind many of the boxing "smokers" I attended over the years. These events can be a great motivator and team builder for units.
On the other hand, I was always a little conflicted when you pull guys out to focus solely on competition (rifle/ pistol teams, sports, etc). There has to be some balance on the goal of achieving elite competitors and unit/ branch pride and remembering the job everyone is ultimately training to do.
I would rather see the skill (marksmanship, hand-to-hand, other) worked throughout the organization so that the entire organization rises in awareness and skillset. Have tournaments where the best compete but stop short of forming full-time competitors. Sure, the competition won't be as good but that shouldn't be the goal anyway.
Brings to mind many of the boxing "smokers" I attended over the years. These events can be a great motivator and team builder for units.
On the other hand, I was always a little conflicted when you pull guys out to focus solely on competition (rifle/ pistol teams, sports, etc). There has to be some balance on the goal of achieving elite competitors and unit/ branch pride and remembering the job everyone is ultimately training to do.
I would rather see the skill (marksmanship, hand-to-hand, other) worked throughout the organization so that the entire organization rises in awareness and skillset. Have tournaments where the best compete but stop short of forming full-time competitors. Sure, the competition won't be as good but that shouldn't be the goal anyway.