CRO and MACP questions

Hello!

I was wondering if there were any of those browsing the forums who were going to apply to be a Combat Rescue Officer? I know one USAFA candidate who is going to apply to be a CRO, but I was especially wondering if any current cadets were heading in this direction?

I also had been recently doing some light research into the Modern Army Combatives Program and I found out that though the Air Force adopted a form of MAC only in 2007, the Academy has been teaching Combatives for several years, which is exciting! I was wondering what those classes were like and if cadets were given the opportunity to advance in Combatives proficiency level, beyond what was standard at USAFA? Perhaps I should not be excited about the fighting classes -- I heard from one cadet that they are not fun.

Thank you,
ordnance.

The Academy has several combatives classes. Freshmen take either boxing (males) or self-defense (females). Juniors take unarmed combat I and II. UC I focuses on fight-ending self-defense (take-downs, a couple throws, etc). UC II focuses on grappling, from the ground (basically wrestling, going for chokes or arm-bars).

There are also several martial arts clubs.
(...or if you really go for military efficiency, there is the Combat Shooting Team.)

ONe of my kids is thinking of CRO but not yet positive. He relayed to me that it was pretty difficult.

There was a thread a while back (http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/showthread.php?t=5503) that talked a little bit about CRO's. It is supposed to be extremely difficult with a very high wash out rate.

Thanks for the info, raimius. I want to get deep into fighting and marksmanship at USAFA because I have never had the easy opportunity to do such things as a civilian. What did you personally think of the combatives classes? Do you know any details of the Combat Shooting Team?

Yes; I am of course apprehensive about trying out for CRO, but I especially like the CRO motto: "That Others May Live." That is something worth dying for. Don't get me wrong, though -- I'd rather not die.

ordnance18 said:

Yes; I am of course apprehensive about trying out for CRO, but I especially like the CRO motto: "That Others May Live." That is something worth dying for. Don't get me wrong, though -- I'd rather not die.

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Haha same! Seriously though, if I go to USAFA this will be something I heavily look in to. As you said I as well love their motto

Yes, I know a bit about the Combat Shooting Team. It was restarted last year, after being defunct for several years. I am one of the cadets who will be leading it next year. It is a team of about a dozen cadets from all four classes. We practice and compete in "practical shooting." We practice with AR-15s and 1911 pistols, with the occasional shotgun practice (Mossberg 590s). We compete in IPSC, IDPA, and other defensive pistol events, as well as 3-gun competitions (rifle, pistol, and shotgun). Next year, we plan on attending the Joint Service Academy Weapons Competition (an unfortunate set of events and funding issues prevented us from attending this year). We will likely be holding tryouts for several open positions early next semester.
There is also a recreation Small Arms Club, but it is on hold for now. Unfortunately, the shooting sports clubs are suffering from some proceedural issues (with weapons and ammo storage) and a lack of available leadership (they are relatively new entities) and we had one professor who was coordinating most of it. He may not be able to take as much of a role next year.

Also, there is the NCAA Rifle Team. I don't know a whole lot about the details, but their style of shooting is very different than ours. They go for extreme accuracy with airguns and .22s. If you are looking for pure marksmanship, that would probably suit you better. The Combat Shooting Team is focused on more "pie plate size group" accuracy done very quickly (although we do work on pure accuracy quite a bit, it is not our primary focus).

As for the combaives classes, they vary. Boxing is very much a sport. While it was fun and challenging, I question its usefulness outside of the ring. (Other than fostering confidence and the ability to be aggressive when necessary.) UC I has quite a few useful moves, but the class was designed to teach moves and have the cadets demonstrate proficiency at those moves. There was no real sparring involved. However, the class is being redesigned, and the new class has a significant amount of sparring (from what I've been told). UCII focuses on wrestling/grappling on the ground. This involves much more sparring (although several moves are prohibited, along with stikes, for safety purposes). I am currently taking UCII, and I enjoy the class. It is also probably the most useful for learning combatives, IMO. (UC I being useful information, but the lack of sparring was a serious drawback.)

There are also several martial arts clubs at the academy, but I have no direct experience with those. I think the Judo club is currently in limbo (long story for which I do not know all the details). The karate club is very active, from what I've seen. There may be others I do not know about.
(...Hornetguy, anything I missed?)

I don't participate in martial arts here, but the judo club is back in force. Also have aikido, traditional TKD, olympic TKD, as well as karate.

I figured you'd know more about them than I do. Obviously, that was true, lol.

RoleoMom's son is on the Rifle team - I think she also posts here, as well as on CC and the newer site.

Yeah, I have no experience with martial arts, but I figure it would be a beneficial hobby in preparation for being a CRO. The Combat Shooting Team sounds like it would be very beneficial as well. Thanks for the detailed info on combatives, raimus. Exciting stuff!

raimius said:

Yes, I know a bit about the Combat Shooting Team. It was restarted last year, after being defunct for several years. I am one of the cadets who will be leading it next year. It is a team of about a dozen cadets from all four classes. We practice and compete in "practical shooting." We practice with AR-15s and 1911 pistols, with the occasional shotgun practice (Mossberg 590s). We compete in IPSC, IDPA, and other defensive pistol events, as well as 3-gun competitions (rifle, pistol, and shotgun). Next year, we plan on attending the Joint Service Academy Weapons Competition (an unfortunate set of events and funding issues prevented us from attending this year). We will likely be holding tryouts for several open positions early next semester.

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Can freshman be on the team? I have looked into it and am glad to hear that someone on here is on the team. Is it very competitive?

Wow, I too have interest in combat shooting, too. I believe they also have Ninjutsu (ninja training)- this would be so awesome to know. Anyone have any experience with Ninjutsu, what about Aikijo? I took Aikijo in high school and it was awesome too (its like Aikijo but you use a jo stick).

By Marx! Surely Ninjutsu at the Academy is a rumor? That would be so crazy. I want to be a ninja! Seriously, that would probably be the coolest class/club to be involved with. [If it had even just an ounce of practicality.] I'm guessing that hornet would have mentioned it though if it existed.

l Taz l said:

Can freshman be on the team? I have looked into it and am glad to hear that someone on here is on the team. Is it very competitive?

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Yes, freshmen can be on the team. Currently, there are 2 seniors, 2 juniors, 4 sophomores, and 2 freshmen (we lost several team members to other things). We should have anywhere between 2 and 6 open slots (a lot depends on funding and ammo/gear support).

It is competative. This year, we held try-outs. I think we had about 40-50 people try-out. We had a one page introduction/interest essay, a shooting test, and interviews. We looked for interest/experience, strong performance in other areas (those who go on probation cannot compete, unfortunately), shooting skill, and dedication. The team is still forming a program, so that may not be done the same way next year.

Would all these clubs be in addition to intramurals? Does that put an unbearable strain on the daily schedule with clubs, or is it not too bad to deal with?

yes clubs are done on top of intramurals. and yes it makes your day a little bit rougher... i've got a friend on the Combat shooting team, and he's gone alot with practice. then he works out, then homework.. it's a busy day. but very worth it

There is a "limited on-season" status where clubs can practice during intermurals, but very few clubs have this.
The combat shooting team does not have LOS, currently. We were practicing 4 days a week (1.5-2 hours on MWF, and half to full days on Saturday). Unfortunately, there is a review of armory and storage proceedures, and the team's practices have been temporarily suspended.

The schedule was pretty tough, at times. It made for some very busy weeks (i.e. paper and GR season got rough).