Which military jobs provide training in hand-to-hand combat? I'm hoping to acquire some self-defense skills and am interested in roles that offer this kind of training as part of their program.
All branches of the military emphasize physical fitness and combat skills, but certain roles and units place a higher emphasis on hand-to-hand combat. When it comes to hand-to-hand combat, the Marine Corps is known for its Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP), which integrates hand-to-hand combat, edged weapons, weapons of opportunity, and rifle and bayonet techniques.
In the Army, roles such as Army Rangers or Special Forces (Green Berets) also involve extensive combat training. Army Combatives is the Army's approach to close quarters combat and involves grappling and striking strategies.
The Navy SEALs are trained in a specific type of combat called SEAL Tactical Training, where they learn to disable an enemy using any means available whether armed or unarmed.
Lastly, roles in the Air Force such as Special Reconnaissance or Pararescue specialists, also involve intense hand-to-hand combat training as part of their missions.
However, it's important to note that these roles are very physically demanding and highly competitive. They require not just physical fitness, but mental toughness, teamwork, and intelligence. I'd recommend speaking with a military recruiter to get more detailed information about these roles and their training requirements, and how they align with your career goals and personal interests.
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