Close Quarter Combat ...Why is it neglected?

Let me start off by saying that for the last twenty years The FBI statistics continue to show that ninety four percent of officer involved shootings happen within a ten foot range.

Even with the growth in technology (I am a believer in technology), close combat is still the most important facet of all wars. Just look at our current Military perform during Iraqi Freedom and the Gulf War. What about the "shock and awe" campaign. Visions of Stealth Bombers, Missiles, tanks and Helicopters blazing through the night sky, illuminating their targets like fireworks on New Years Eve are ingrained in our minds. What we did not see was the un-glamorous ground work conducted by the ground troops that made it all possible. Facing the enemy head on, knocking down doors and facing relentless resistance, all within ten to fifteen feet at most. Clearing areas that no helicopter, or jet fighter could get into.I have twenty two years of experience training and teaching the craft of close quarter combat. Hand to hand combat, (small arms) firearms and edged weapons. Anything inside fifteen feet, I consider close combat. I have conducted seminars for South American Special Forces, Navy Seals, U.S Marshals, Law Enforcement and Dignitary Protection Units throughout the U.S and South America. Feel free to visit my website at kokorocombatives.com.

Chosen and having the honor to be the team leader for various dignitary protection details in South America, my team provided high risk security to three different high profile principals. We cleared many houses and large structures in advance and sometimes at a moments notice. Most of the confrontations were engaged at the ten foot range. Our hand to hand combat skills, pistols, knives and non-mounted combat flashlights were used extensively even though the team carried three MP-5's, two Mossberg Shotguns and three AR-15's.

Getting to the meat of this article, being a part of the law enforcement community I have observed the lack of defensive tactics and close quarter combat skills of many officers. Even specialized units such as SWAT and SRT are lacking key fundamentals. The departments are not placing close quarter tactics as a high priority on their budgeting. Sure officer's are qualifying once a year with their side arm and are taking a mandatory in-service defensive tactics course for eight to ten hours per year. Part time swat teams are gathered twice a month for eight to ten hours shooting at still targets from one hundred yards away with their MP-5 or AR-15 and training tactical entry in practice houses with simmunition. Still very little close combat is taught. Keep in mind I am not pointing any fingers at the operators, I am looking deeper than that. I understand that you take what the department gives you within its budget or your own budget.

Now the bottom line here is that fundamentally speaking no Law enforcement officer, private security or military personnel should be exposed to a high risk environment without solid fundamentals.

How do we fix the problem? Well I believe that departments are not going to change their budgetary restraints. Ultimately it will be up to the individual to search out good courses and seminars, and of course practice what they learn.

Of course this is a lot easier said than done, considering long shifts on the job and the amount of time you have left to spend with your family and loved ones………….I know the feeling all to well.

However, some sacrifices are worth it in the end. To be a highly trained officer or soldier shows a dedication to your profession, yourself and your loved ones. And by the way your chances of going home safe increase dramatically.Here are five suggestions:

1) Once you find a reputable instructor, or training program/seminar. Make sure that they teach what is going to be useful for you.(You do not need to go to a Military Ops seminar when your line of work is Executive Protection.............You get my point)

2) Practice what you learn, make an effort to get together with a few of the guys every couple of weeks. Make it fun. Airsoft scenarios are a bomb; you can practice tactics in junk yards, abandoned homes, etc.

3) Buy quality gear that will last and that you can count on. Your gear like your firearm should never let you down. Take care of it!

4) If you are an officer, after you clear call paint a picture in your mind of what could have gone wrong and how were you prepared to handle it. I feel that visualization is a great training aid. That’s a topic for a different article.

5) Join a martial arts school and make a commitment to attend at least twice a week. Martial arts will help you in many ways including flexibility, coordination, awareness and discipline.

Close Quarter Combat has many facets and levels. Starting from the basics and working your self up will help you perform at a higher level in your chosen honoroble proffession.

Rafael Conde has twenty two years of experience in the close quarter combat field. He has conducted seminars throughout Latin America and the U.S. to Law Enforcement, Special Forces, Navy Seals and private security groups. His certifications include police firearms instructor, fifth degree black belt halung kung fu, second degree black belt Aikido, Graduate of Allied Forces Tactical Team, Special Operations Instructor U.S. Army, EDA Counter -Terrorist Team CQC Instructor, and Chief Agent Executive defense Agency. Mr. Conde is currently working as a Police Officer in the Steets of one of the highest crime cities in the State of Florida. He is also the Chief Instructor of Kokoro Combatives a training team for the modern warrior.

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