Hmmm... Enlisted aren't required to do boxing, and they are, arguably, the first in the line of fire, right? According to my son, 'combatives' were emphasized during basic training and they wore protective gear. At the conclusion, they were quite ready, willing and prepared for physical, one on one combat. And I don't think there is an excess of concussions from this.
Why couldn't something like that be substituted, given what has been learned about hazards of concussions? Because, quite frankly, I'd hate to have an officer with 'shaken baby syndrome' leading my son into battle if it could at all be avoided.
And just because something has always been done, doesn't mean it can't or shouldn't change with the times. For example, back when this tradition started, women didn't have the right to vote, or join the Service Academies, for that matter. Just saying...
Running and ducking for cover now... lol!