An Cosantóir

unarmed combat | 13 sary to use a high-level of force or will voice procedure achieve the desired result? Or if someone doesn't have a knife do you really need to hit them with a baton? They are taught to always look for the least level of force necessary to deal with the situation." It is hoped that these newly qualified unarmed combat instructors will go back to their units and pass on their knowledge and skills. However, the skills they have learned are like a set of new tools, they have to be maintained in good condition. All the instructors agreed that this is not as simple as going back to their unit and running a course in two years time without any training in between courses. Sgt McGuire empha- sised, "They have to keep up their training and skills. The more training they do the better their skill level will be. They should train regularly with their colleagues or even come back here to instruct on the next course. Constant practice is the only way to maintain your skills." CPL DARREN MAHONY, NO 1 OPS WG I am a 4th degree black-belt in Kenpo Karate, which is also primarily a self-defence disci- pline. I thought the course was very good. The instructors were excellent and they really know their subject. I found the areas of handcuff- ing, weapons retention and disarmament very interesting. As a civilian martial arts instructor you don't often come across these military style techniques. I am a crew leader in 103 Sqn but I would like to instruct unarmed combat either in the Military Training Sch in Baldonnel or here in the DFTC. CPL COLM MCNAMARA, MP SCH As an MP you do unarmed combat on the Pro- bationers Course, the MP Standard Course, and the Prison Officer Course. The instructors course brings you onto the next level. Some of the tech- niques, like taking a knife off somebody, I had never done: it's a lot easier than I thought. With the new skills I have acquired I will now be able to go back to the MP Sch and instruct on unarmed combat. LT COLM KIRBY, 1 CAV SQN As cavalry we must also be able to operate in the dismounted role in ATCP operations, overseas, and in combat, so we need to be able to apply COD 6 procedures if required. Unarmed combat is very helpful in areas such as public disorder training, where you could use the arrest techniques we learned here. The course was very physical and the skills certainly enhance your confidence. It will be great to bring things like battle PT and unarmed combat into my unit as regular activi- ties. There are two other instructors in my unit so between the three of us we will be able to run courses for the unit. L/SEA JOHN MCCARTHY, LÉ AOIFE One of our primary duties in the Naval Service is policing our waters, mainly in the fishery protection and drugs interdiction roles. As a member of the armed boarding teams, un- armed combat is part of our training because, for example, when you are clearing and secur- ing a vessel you may be required to restrain a belligerent member of the crew. This course is excellent and gives you the skills and confidence needed. For drug interdictions you are armed because of the potential dangers but 'minimum force' still applies. THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE The Students' View

• Cover