NOTE: As often as we can, kentuckyguard.com publishes stories by Kentucky National Guard unit public affairs historian representatives, also known as UPAHRs. This is an additional duty taken on by a Soldier or Airmen with the intent of telling their unit’s story. This is one such story ….
Story by Spc. Vincent Willingham, 149th BSB Unit Public Affairs Historian Representative
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Sgt. 1st Class Amy Parker demonstrates a combatives move as other members of HHC, 149th BSB look on during Restorative Physical Training Saturday, June 29 2013, in Bowling Green, Ky. Soldiers conduct RPT, part of the Modern Army Combatives Program, in order to improve overall physical readiness and to prepare for additional instruction during Annual Training. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Vincent Wilingham)
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. -- Members of the Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), 149th Brigade Support Battalion conducted Restorative Physical Training (RPT) June 29th, 2013, at the National Guard Armory in Bowling Green, Ky. Staff Sgt. Kevin Borders, HHC Readiness NCO, led the PT session Saturday morning.
"The Modern Army Combatives Training Program (MACP), or simply combatives, involves strength, conditioning, stretching, and flexibility to a degree that can cause injury with improper training. RPT is a series of conditioning drills designed to greatly reduce the chance of injury," said Borders.
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Staff Sgt. James Davis catches his breath during a break from Restorative Physical Training Saturday, June 29 2013, in Bowling Green, Ky. Soldiers conduct RPT, part of the Modern Army Combatives Program, in order to improve overall physical readiness and to prepare for additional instruction during Annual Training. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Vincent Willingham)
Beginning at 8 AM, Soldiers conducted a series of stretching exercises to loosen up. The stretches were followed by an intense, nearly two our physical training session designed to toughen the body and mind. Physically exhausted, but better prepared for situations involving hand to hand combat, the Soldiers were released to get cleaned up and to prepare for the rest of the training day.
Combatives training is an intensive, hands-on experience that will instill confidence in Soldiers and greatly improve the desired level of physical fitness Soldiers are expected to maintain. Borders believes that Combatives training is important because it is used to instill the Warrior Ethos in all Soldiers.
"Combatives allows Soldiers to close the distance, gain a dominant position, and finish the fight,” he said.