MMA in the Military: US Army Combatives Program

While taught in all branches of the U.S. military (as well as police forces), combatives (also called “CQC” for “close quarters combat) has its roots in World War II.

Developed by William E. Fairgairn and Eric A. Sykes (also known for their Fairbairn-Sykes fighting knife) first began teaching hand-to-hand/melee fighting to the British Armend Forces, so that the soldiers could learn quick, effective techniques for combat—with or without weapons.

Though teaching CQC to troops was de-emphasized after WWII, the onset of the Vietnam War reintroduced the need for hand-to-hand and close quarters combat knowledge.

Since that era, the US Army has adopted what it calls “Modern Army Combatives” (or “MAC”), which draws from Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Muay Thai, boxing, and Eskrima, the national sport and martial art of the Philippines. MAC was officially adopted in 2002; The Modern Army Combatives Program (MACP) started in 1995 with the 2nd Ranger Battalion Fort Benning, Georgia.

The US Army also has a yearly tournament at Fort Benning. Both males and females compete. Watch the video below and let us know what you think in the comments—if you do we’ll send you FREE SGPT STICKERS!

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