What's Happening?
The Marine Corps continues to emphasize the historical legacy and ongoing relevance of close combat training, tracing its roots back to influential figures like Anthony J. Drexel Biddle. Biddle, an internationally known swordsman and master of various
martial arts, served with the Marine Corps in both World Wars, demonstrating hand-to-hand combat techniques. His methods, initially questioned for their flamboyance, were later adapted by instructors such as Stephen Stavers and John Styers, making them practical for a majority of Marines. Stavers established individual combat schools at New River, NC, and Camp Pendleton, CA, developing curricula that included quick shooting, bayonet, knife, club, and unarmed combat. Styers, a student of Biddle, further refined these techniques and published 'Cold Steel' in 1952, documenting methods for a new generation of Marines. The Marine Corps' close combat doctrine has evolved, incorporating influences from Asian martial arts and later systems like the LINE program, which aimed to integrate techniques from Biddle, Fairbairn, Sykes, Styers, and Echanis. Despite various program revisions, the core principle remains the necessity of effective individual fighting skills for Marines.
Why It's Important?
The Marine Corps' continuous focus on close combat training highlights a fundamental aspect of military readiness and the enduring need for individual fighting skills in modern warfare. The historical progression from Biddle's early 20th-century methods to contemporary programs like the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) demonstrates an adaptive approach to combat effectiveness. This emphasis ensures that every Marine is considered a rifleman, capable of engaging the enemy in close quarters when fire and maneuver are not sufficient. The integration of diverse techniques, from bayonet fighting to unarmed combat and knife skills, underscores a comprehensive approach to preparing Marines for unpredictable combat scenarios. The legacy of instructors like Stavers and Styers, who translated theoretical knowledge into practical, battlefield-applicable skills, is crucial for maintaining the Corps' combat ethos. This commitment to close combat proficiency is vital for maintaining the psychological and physical readiness of Marines, ensuring they possess the confidence and technical ability to survive and prevail in direct confrontations.
What's Next?
The Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP), established in 2002, continues to be the current framework for close combat training, incorporating a belt system and emphasizing battle skill orientation, use of bayonets, knives, weapons of opportunity, and unarmed combat. This program, developed under the direction of Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen James L. Jones, and led by LtCol George H. Bristol and MSgt Cardo V. Urso, represents the ongoing evolution of the Corps' approach to individual fighting skills. Future developments will likely involve continuous refinement of MCMAP to adapt to new threats and combat environments, drawing on both historical lessons and contemporary research. The debate over the most effective methods, as seen with the LINE system, suggests that the Marine Corps will remain committed to evaluating and integrating techniques that best prepare its personnel for the realities of close combat. The goal is to ensure that Marines possess a comprehensive arsenal of skills, integrating firearms with armed and unarmed physical instruction, to maintain their readiness for any situation.
Beyond the Headlines
The Marine Corps' dedication to close combat training extends beyond mere physical techniques; it cultivates a profound psychological and cultural dimension within the institution. The emphasis on 'kill or be killed' scenarios instills a mindset of aggressive survival and unwavering determination, which is central to the Marine ethos. The historical narrative of figures like Biddle, Stavers, and Styers, and their contributions to close combat, forms a significant part of the Corps' identity and tradition, fostering a sense of continuity and pride among Marines. The ongoing debate and evolution of training systems, from the Biddle system to Fairbairn's 'gutter fighting' and the modern MCMAP, reflect a continuous quest for optimal effectiveness and a willingness to adapt. This commitment to mastering individual combat skills also highlights the ethical considerations inherent in military training, where the development of lethal proficiency is balanced with the responsibility of its application. Ultimately, close combat training is not just about physical prowess but about forging resilient, adaptable, and mentally tough warriors capable of operating in the most demanding environments.
