Section I.
Section I. PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS
Training soldiers in the appropriate use of combatives requires expertise and detailed planning. As in live-fire training, the potential for accidents must be mitigated by control of both the scenario and the conduct of the exercise itself.
A-1. PLANNING
When planning a hand-to-hand scenario many factors must be addressed. A detailed and well thought out scenario tells the soldiers what type of techniques are appropriate. For example, very different techniques are appropriate when clearing a building in an enemy occupied city, such as when U.S. forces cleared Hue City, Vietnam, than when clearing
a building during a noncombatant evacuation operation.
a. Scenario.Scenarios must be explained to soldiers in detail so that the appropriate actions come to them naturally. This should include an explanation of the events leading up to the scenario as well as the immediate tactical situation.
b. Rules of Engagement. Rules of engagement must be given that provide soldiers a clear understanding of what actions are appropriate.
A-2. CONDUCT
During the conduct of an exercise, leaders must maintain control throughout. It is very easy for undisciplined troops to go beyond the bounds of the exercise when they get frustrated at their own poor training. Soldiers and subordinate leaders must know what is expected of them, and what the repercussions are for inappropriate actions.
a. Opposing Force.There is always a tendency for soldiers playing the opposing force (OPFOR) to lose track of the training goals and get carried away. OPFOR must be well rehearsed and stay within the bounds of the scenario. The safety of the OPFOR must be considered even in small details of the situation. For example:
- Should they wear their canteens on their LBE knowing they will be knocked down?
- Are there any dangerous objects for them to fall on, such as the pointed corner of a table or a picket in the ground?
b. Safety Measures.The most important control measure that a leader can have after the scenario begins is a means to stop the action. This can be as simple as a whistle, but it must be clear and easily heard over the action.