Counter to a Front Headlock

Marines use a counter to a front headlock when the opponent approaches from the front and puts his right arm around the Marine's neck, bends the Marine forward, and locks the Marine's head against his hip. To execute the counter to a front headlock, Marines Grasp the opponent's wrist and forearm with both hands and pull down to clear the airway. Maintain control of the opponent's wrist throughout the move. Once the airway is clear, tuck the chin to protect the airway and to prevent the opponent...

Elbow Strikes

The elbow is a powerful weapon that can be used in several different ways to attack virtually any part of an opponent's body. Elbow strikes can be performed either vertically upward or downward or horizontally forward or reverse . The striking surface is 2 inches above or below the point of the elbow, depending upon the angle of attack, the opponent's attack angle, and the position of the opponent. Vertical Elbow Strike Up . To execute an upward vertical elbow strike, Marines Contact the...

Knife Fighting Techniques Slashing Techniques

Marines use slashing techniques to close with an enemy. Slashing techniques distract the opponent or damage the opponent so Marines can close in. Typically, Marines target the opponent's limbs, but any portion of the body that is presented can become a target. Vertical Slash Technique. The vertical slash follows a vertical line straight down through the target. To execute the vertical slash, Marines Thrust the right hand out and bring the weapon straight down on the opponent, continuing to drag...

Nonlethal Rifle and Shotgun Retention Techniques

Most Marines are armed with the M16A2 service rifle. Marines are taught to keep their weapon with them at all times. Marines must be constantly alert to their surroundings and the people moving in and around their environment. Marines may be confronted by an individual who tries to take their weapons. If this happens, Marines should not struggle with the individual. To retain positive control of their weapons, Marines must understand and apply weapons retention techniques, otherwise known as...

Offensive Bayonet Techniques

Straight Thrust. Marines use the straight thrust to disable or kill an opponent. It is the most deadly offensive technique because it causes the most trauma to an opponent. Target areas are the opponent's throat, groin, or face. The opponent's chest and stomach are also excellent target areas if not protected by body armor or combat equipment. To execute the straight thrust, Marines Lift the left leg and lunge forward off the ball of the right foot while thrusting the blade end of the weapon...

Rear Choke

Marines execute a rear choke when they are behind the opponent, the opponent is on the ground, or when they are taking the opponent to the ground. To execute the rear choke, Marines Reach, with the right arm, over the opponent's right shoulder and hook the bend of the arm around his neck. Pull the opponent toward the chest by pulling the clasped hands toward the chest. Exert pressure with the biceps and forearms on both sides of the opponent's neck on his carotid arteries. Maintain pressure...

Counter to a Front Bear Hug

Marines execute a counter to a front bear hug when the opponent approaches from the front and puts both of his arms around the Marine's body, trapping the Marine's arms to the sides. To execute the counter to a front bear hug, Marines Step forward and to the left with the left foot at a 45-degree angle to the outside of the opponent's right leg, keeping the left leg bent. Grasp the opponent's torso or arms to gain balance and to assist in throwing the opponent. It may be helpful to hook the...

Turning Throw

Marines use a turning throw to take the opponent to the ground while they remain standing. A turning throw can also be executed from a stationary position. It is particularly effective if Marines and the opponent are wearing gear. To execute the turning throw, Marines Grasp the opponent's right wrist with the left hand. Step forward with the right foot, place it against the outside of the opponent's right foot, and pivot so the back of the heel is next to the middle of the opponent's foot. Hook...

Chin Jab

The chin jab can immediately render an opponent unconscious and cause extensive damage to the neck and spine. The striking surface is the heel of the palm of the hand. To execute the chin jab, Marines Bend the right wrist back at a 90-degree angle with the palm facing the opponent and the fingers pointing up. Keep the right arm bent and close to the body. Extend the hand into a concave position with the fingers slightly spread apart. Step forward with the left foot toward the opponent, keeping...

Counter to a Rear Choke

Marines execute a counter to a rear choke when the opponent approaches from the rear and puts his right arm around a Marine's throat. To execute the counter to the rear choke, Marines Grasp the opponent's forearm at the radial nerve and bicep with both hands and pull down just enough to clear the airway. Once the airway is clear, tuck the chin to protect the airway and to prevent the opponent from reapplying the choke. Step behind the opponent's right leg with the left foot, keeping both legs...

Counter to the Mount

Marines use this technique when they are lying on their back on the ground, the opponent is mounted on top of the Marine, and the opponent's legs are wrapped around the Marine. The opponent has the tactical advantage. To execute the counter to the mount position, Marines Push the opponent over and roll him off to the right side. Maintain control of the opponent's hooked arm and move to a kneeling position. Move to a standing position while maintaining pressure on the opponent's arm and using...

Second Impact Syndrome

Second Impact Syndrome occurs when a second blow to the head produces a second concussion that occurs within 1 week following a previous concussion before recovery from the first concussion . Second Impact Syndrome causes rapid brain swelling and can cause death. Therefore, there must be 7 days between pugil stick bouts to reduce the risk of severe injury resulting from Second Impact Syndrome. The 7 day separation between pugil stick bouts significantly reduces the possibility of injury,...

Pugil Stick Training

A pugil stick is a training device used to simulate a rifle bayonet so that effective, but safe, training can be conducted to build proficiency of rifle bayonet techniques. Pugil stick training builds on the techniques used to throw punches. Pugil stick training is the only full contact training provided to Marines in the Close Combat Program. Pugil stick training teaches Marines to function when faced with stress and violence, and it prepares them to deliver a blow and take a blow. It also...

Takedowns

A takedown is used to bring an opponent to the ground to further control him. Takedown From a Wristlock Come-Along. To take the opponent to the ground from a wristlock come-along, Marines Takedown From a Wristlock Come-Along. To take the opponent to the ground from a wristlock come-along, Marines Use the right foot to push down on the opponent's calf or Achilles tendon. Use the right foot to push down on the opponent's calf or Achilles tendon. Maintain control of the opponent's wrist and elbow...

Principles of Joint Manipulation

Joint manipulation is used to initiate pain compliance and gain control of a subject. It involves the application of pressure on the joints elbow, wrist, shoulder, knee, ankle, and fingers . Pressure is applied in two ways i In the direction in which the joint will not bend. For example, joints such as the knees and elbows only bend in one direction and when pressure is applied in the opposite direction, pain compliance can be achieved. i Beyond the point where the joint stops naturally in its...

FigureFour Choke 1

Choke Marines

A variation of the ground fighting rear choke is the figure-four choke. The figure-four choke allows Marines to gain more leverage on the rear choke. If the rear choke cannot be secured, the figure-four variation may be applied to increase the pressure of the choke on the opponent. To execute the figure-four variation of the rear choke, Marines Apply the ground fighting rear choke. The chest should be against the opponent's back. Grasp the left biceps with the right hand and place the left hand...

Counter to a Rear Headlock

Marines use a counter to a rear headlock when the opponent approaches from the rear and puts his right arm around the Marine's neck, bends the Marine forward, and locks the Marine's head against his hip. To execute the counter to the rear headlock, Marines Grasp the opponent's wrist and forearm with the right hand and pull down to clear the airway. Once the airway is clear, tuck the chin to protect the airway and to prevent the opponent from re-applying the choke. Reach over the opponent's...