How Does Close Combat Training Parallel Marine Corps Tactical Concepts?

When people are introduced to close combat training, one of the first questions they ask is how it relates to what real soldiers are learning. There has been a lot speculation about the possible answers to this subject, but the easiest thing to do is learn martial arts and compare what you have learned to reference publications from the Marine Corps. On such relevant publication is referred to as MCRP 3-02B. It supersedes the more well known Fleet Marine Force Manual (FMFM). It also provides the doctrinal basis for the Marine Corps Close Combat Training Program (MCCCTP).

MCRP 3-02B defines close combat as a physical confrontation between two or more opponents. It can involve armed and unarmed, nonlethal and lethal techniques. The unarmed techniques that are outlined include hand to hand combat and defense against hand held weapons. The report goes on to outline the 5 basic Marine Corps tactical concepts: Achieving a Decision, Gaining an Advantage, Speed, Adapting, and Exploiting Success. %

The next tactical concept is speed. Marines use their speed to gain the initiative and the advantage over their enemies. By understanding the basics of their close combat training, they can act instinctively, thus with the speed needed to execute those techniques successfully. The fourth tactical concept is adapting. Close quarter combat is often contains elements of uncertainty, rapid change, friction, and disorder. Every situation is inherently unique and cannot be controlled. If you are able to adapt quickly, then you will gain the advantage in the fight. The final concept is exploiting success. An enemy may not surrender once you have them at a disadvantage, which means that you must not only gain the advantage, but also exploit that advantage to gain the maximum benefits.

If you have tried to learn martial arts through different gyms or training materials, you may have noticed that no two programs are exactly alike. This means that it is up to you to determine whether or not the training that you are receiving is teaching you to: achieve a decision, gain an advantage, use speed, adapt to the situation, and exploit success. Since there is not complete uniformity among close combat training programs, there is a good chance that some programs will meet the 5 tactical concepts, while others may not.