How much hand to hand combat training do you get if you enter the US military?

Question

I am considering joining the air force because i would like to fly, but i also am interested to know what kind of hand to hand to combat training would be included, as I am anxoius to learn that as well.

Answer 1

I'm guessing you'll learn the basics at basic training/OCS. Besides that it depends on the unit and how they conduct training. Even in the Marine Corps where we have an established martial art program (MCMAP) much of the advancement in belt (beyond tan) is on your own, outside the unit training schedule, at least for my experience. You will train with a qualified instructor, get your hrs and test for your belt. I have also known other Marines who have black belts in Krav Maga, Aikido, etc and train with them on occasion so in your case you can find other airmen with martial arts experience to teach you as well. Or go to martial arts school if there's one available.

Answer 2

It doesnt make you a professional martial artist or anything, but it is most likely useful if you are in the unlikely situation of being caught without your weapon with no route of escape except through the guy.

Answer 3

Well the Marines teach a lot of martial arts. They also teach a lot of firing etc. as well as the army you learn fighting techniques and a lot with weapons. The only branch that I know you don't learn much on how to be in combat is the Navy.

Answer 4

Not very much.

The Air Force has started offering hand to hand training in AF OTS.

But there is no Hand to hand, in AF basic training.

If you want to learn hand to hand, your much better off, joining a local dojo and taking some martial arts on your free time.

PS: if you want to fly, then you need a 4 year college degree first.

Answer 5

The hand to hand combat training for basic inductees is pretty minimal. That goes double for the Air Force. No criticism there, it simply isn't necessary considering the mission an airman is likely to encounter.  In the Army, it was basic strikes to the various body parts, and some general Judo type throws. Some parry and blocks.

  In advanced and special operations jobs you'll get more in depth hand to hand combat instruction. In Ranger and Pathfinder schools the hand to hand instruction WAS more specific for the type of fighting you'd expect between 2 combat soldiers. Bayonets and rifles as the primary close quarters weapons.

   Honestly, hand to hand is pretty limited because it's RARE. Modern warfare employs equipment and weaponry designed to kill from a distance. Getting through all that's not something you're likely to encounter.

  I studied Karate (kenpo) for years before enlisting, and nothing I learned in the service was as intensive as that. If you're interested in THAT, I'd suggest you take martial arts lessons. It's fun, and you're guaranteed to learn more of practical value in day to day life. Military teaches you what you'll NEED to know, but it's unlikely you'll get into a bayonet fight at the club. lol

Answer 6

I went to basic training in 1998 and we didn't have any hand to hand combat that I remember.  They did, however, teach us how to use bayonets even though that's obviously outdated.

We DID learn hand to hand combat when I was in military police training.  That's obvious, though, and more MOS oriented.  I wouldn't look for much in basic training if I were you.

Answer 7

The Air Force gives the least hand to hand training and usually only to those who might actually need it,  such as combat pilots,  forward air traffic controllers,  security police and law enforcement.   Everyone else they would consider to be at a secure base and should not need it.  

If you want to learn on your own,  any good karate or judo school should be able to give you a good start.    

Answer 8

You'll get no hand to hand combat in the air force.  In the Marines you'll be equivalent to a purple belt in karate as we do a lot of hand to hand combat.