United States Army Combatives School

The US Army Combatives School was founded in 2000 by then Sergeant First Class Matt Larsen and is located at building 69, Fort Benning, Georgia.

Upon finishing this, it was published in 2002 as FM 3-25.150 (Combatives), he was asked by the 11th Infantry Regiment (a TRADOC unit) to develop a training course for their cadre.

Advocacy for the Combatives doctrine was transferred to the 11th Infantry Regiment to follow SFC Larsen.

An advanced student will not necessarily pass the guard or achieve the mount in the same way as a beginner but the drill still functions as a framework for practice.

During physical training for instance Soldiers could be asked to perform the drills interchangeable with callisthenic exercises.

Since submission techniques can often directly end a fight or cause an immediate benefit for the soldier that successfully applies them, they are very much preferred over striking.

Critics argue that focusing on submission techniques could be hazardous for soldiers in combat zones (as opposed to controlled tournament-type fights), as it temporarily prevents forward motion and increases vulnerability to multiple attackers.

Students are taught the difference between pain that signals a joint lock is in progress and simple discomfort.

While spinal locks can completely disable or kill an enemy, practicing these methods are not safe and thus are not taught.