Special Forces soldiers get knife and blade combat training

by Spc. Daniel L. Savolskis

FORT BRAGG, N.C. (Army News Service, Dec. 30, 1997) -- First-hand accounts of survival situations frequently reveal the value of realistic training. Soldiers rely on their skills to succeed during crises, requiring them to continually train during times of peace.

Soldiers from Company C, 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), received that training during an advanced knife and blade combat course, recently. The one-week course was designed to increase survivability during knife and blade combat. It was taught by Norris Domangue, Hackman-Domangue Martial Arts Program, and co-developed by Ray Parra, Academy of Martial Arts Kali/ Salat and Jun Fan.

Domangue explained the complexities of knife and blade combat. "The whole concept of knife combat is a real science," he said. "There are the angles, different techniques and combinations of each to consider. It's an art form, not just slashing and jabbing around with the weapon. It's important to overcome the fear of the weapon and gain the confidence to adapt to the situation."

The course covered a broad range of techniques, designed specifically for highly-trained soldiers like those in Special Forces. It was broken into eight areas: grips and draws, grappling and grabs, long-range fighting, mid-range fighting, close-range fighting, ground fighting, knife techniques and long-blade, or machete, techniques.

During each step of the course, Domangue stressed correct technique. "Paying attention to the details during this initial stage means success and survival in a real situation," he continued. "After all, surviving and continuing is the key to success and the goal of any mission."

Company C Commander, Maj. James Campbell, agreed that courses like this translate into force protection.

"Special Forces soldiers require combative training based on their missions, operational areas and the current international environment," he said. "Our soldiers are expected to possess a high degree of mental toughness, self-confidence and esprit de corps. This training provides soldiers with not only physical, but also, mental skills necessary to complete the mission.

"It's important that we maintain our skills," Campbell continued. "Force protection is a very high priority in today's Army and that's why we conducted this course. It's excellent training."

(Editor's note: Savolskis is with the U.S. Army Special Operations Command's public affairs office at Fort Bragg, N.C.)

(Reprinted via US Army Homepage)

Dec. 1997