ADFA
training with extra slam
Marines on self-defence mission
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Director
of the Marine Corps Martial Arts program Virginia Lt-Col
Joseph Shusko demonstrates a throw on Maj Travis Faure.
Photo by Pte Shannon Joyce, Army newspaper
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By
Pte Shannon Joyce
NON-Lethal self-defence techniques were recently exchanged between
US and Australian forces when Marine instructors from the Martial
Arts Centre of Excellence (MACE) in Quantico visited ADFA to participate
in a tri-service course.
The MACE instructors were invited to participate in a seven-day
Military Self-Defence Supervisor and Exponent Course by the Special
Forces Training Centre, to expose our instructors and trainees
to some of the different training techniques.
The Military Self-Defence exponent course is designed to train
and qualify selected ADF personnel in approved non-lethal self-defence
techniques. The supervisor course is designed to qualify selected
exponents to supervise self-defence training with ADF units.
OC of the SFTC Development Group, Maj Gary Bergman, said that
military self-defence training taught the application of close
quarter fighting techniques within the use-of-force-continuum
for self-protection, and for controlling an aggressor in a range
of ADF operational situations.
“Military self-defence is a developing capability within
the ADF the invitation was offered [to the MACE instructors] to
exchange ideas and share the lessons learnt from current operations,”
he said.
“Their visit has allowed Australian instructors and supervisors
to observe and discuss close quarter fighting training and its
development issues.
“Of particular interest were those close quarter fighting
development issues related to the current operations being conducted
by coalition forces in the Middle East.
“The introduction of military self-defence training is an
important initiative, as it assists in preparing our soldiers
for complex war-fighting situations and military operations other
than conventional war,” he said.
Senior Instructor of the ADFA Military Self-Defence Courses Maj
Travis Faure said exposure to the USMC’s program assisted
in the development of the ADF’s program.
“It has been a fantastic opportunity to train and share ideas
with the USMC MACE instructors,” he said.
“I would like to see this collaboration continue as the ADF
develops a similar program with full time instructors. It has
also been an eye opener to witness the professionalism of the
USMC. They have a martial art which is a very operationally focused
program and one that we can only gain from.”
Despite a subtle difference between the two country’s self-defence
programs, Director of the Marine Corps Martial Arts program, Lt-Col
Joseph Shusko, said they’re essentially the same techniques.
“The cooperation that we’ve been extended since arriving
here is outstanding, and the exchange of ideas has been of great
value to both of us. It is this cooperation and exchange that
makes our coalition so strong,” he said.
“We have invited Maj Faure and his instructors to come to
our school at any time, to experience the way we do things in
the US.”
Units interested in running a Military Self-Defence course can
obtain the relevant information and authority from OPS, Special
Forces Training Centre, Singleton, NSW 2331 or e-mail: sftc.ops@defence.gov.au
SFTC sponsors Military Self-Defence Exponent, Supervisor and Instructor
courses, and further information can be found at: http://intranet.defence.gov.au/armyweb/sites/cqf_msd/
