by Senior Airman Jessica Hines
8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

7/24/2012 - KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Soldiers from the Alpha Battery, 2nd Battalion of the 1st Air Defense Artillery here participated in Combatives training July 24 at the Wolf Pack Fitness Center.

Created to prepare Soldiers to face hand-to-hand combat situations, the training emphasizes subduing an enemy without a weapon.

U.S. Army Sgt. Quintez Williams, Level III Combatives instructor, reminded Soldiers they may not always be at their physical best when faced with a hostile force. He emphasized that factors such as their environment, fatigue and stress greatly affect how they engage the enemy.

"The training helps people know that if they were ever put in a stressful situation, they would have the knowledge and the know-how to get out of that situation and protect themselves," said Williams.

The Soldiers in Williams' class completed Level I training: moves and techniques. He hopes the participants will take away an understanding and appreciation for the skills which are meant for use in combat, not the streets.

"A lot of people who join the Army have never been in a fight, never been hit in the face," he said. "Combatives teaches how to handle that stress and still be able to accomplish the mission."

Encompassing different styles of martial arts, Combatives was implemented into the Army in the mid-1990s in response to the ever-changing demands of the American Soldier.

"You're not always going to have that weapon or weapons system at your disposal," said Williams.

Soldiers can achieve a Level IV status through the courses and even go on to compete in tournaments.

For Spc. Terrelle Mills, Combatives student, the training was a refresher course to ensure he can correctly execute the moves.

"It's not about trying to hurt anybody; it's for protection, a last resort if needed," said Mills.

"If it ever comes down to it, we have the know-how to get through a hand-to-hand combat situation," Williams added.