 |
|
FLTLT
Dave Clyde is taken into a hold by US Marine Corps martial
arts instructor SGT Thomas Lee.
|
US
Marine Corps self-defence instructors have been sharing their
nonlethal techniques with the ADF.
The Special Forces Training Centre invited the instructors, from
the Martial Arts Centre of Excellence in Quantico, Virginia, to
a seven-day military self-defence supervisors and exponents course
at ADFA.
The course is designed to train and qualify selected ADF personnel
in approved non-lethal self-defence techniques.
Development Group OC Major Gary Bergman, from the training centre,
said the training taught the application of these techniques within
the use of force continuum for self-protection, and controlled
an aggressor in a range of ADF operational situations.
“The invitation was offered [to the US] to exchange ideas and
share some lessons learnt from current operations,” he said.
“We believe that if we have exposure to the US Marine Corps program,
which is very comprehensive and extensive, it can only aid and
develop our program.”
An instructor on the course, Flight Lieutanant Dave Clyde from
AFHQ, said despite a perception that the Air Force was all about
aircraft, it was relevant for members to attend the course.
“Being stationed out of bases, everybody has a role in security,
and we don’t always have the option of using firearms,” he said.
“For their own protection, people need to know how to handle themselves
in an unarmed non-lethal sense.”
Despite a subtle difference between the two countries’ self-defence
programs, Director of the Marine Corps Martial Arts program Virginia
Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Shusko said they were essentially the
same techniques.
“We’ve participated in these courses in Germany, Brazil, Spain
and other countries, but this program that MAJ Bergman is starting
is wonderful,” LTCOL Shusko said.
“The cooperation that we’ve been extended since arriving here
is outstanding, and that’s what makes our coalition so strong.
We have invited MAJ Bergman and his instructors to come to our
school at any time, to experience the way we do things in the
United States.”
Units interested in running a military self defence course can
obtain the relevant information and authority from OPS, SFTC,
Singleton, NSW 2331 or email sftc.ops@defence.gov.au.
For information visit http://intranet.defence.gov.au/armyweb/sites/cqf_msd/.
