Army Knife Training

The U.S. Army trains its soldiers for hand-to-hand knife combat.

Knives are excellent weapons for hand-to-hand combat. In the United States Army, the military has specific protocols and training techniques to maximize knife attack and defense skills. Although knife battles are rare, all officers must know how to properly utilize a battle knife.

Vital Spots

Military personnel are trained to investigate and strike at the vital and exposed parts of an opponent. The neck, face or any exposed skin are the most preferred spots to attack an opponent. The army officer may want to avoid attacking the opponent's chest since the opponent may be wearing body armor.

Boxed In

Army personnel are taught to attack their opponent within a tight formation. Wide attacks are easily defended by an opponent. With centered attacks, there is an increased likelihood of striking an opponent.

Six Angles

The United States military trains soldiers to utilize knives in six angles of combat. The six angles are vertical down, forward diagonal, reverse diagonal, forward horizontal, reverse horizontal and forward thrust.

References

• Judo Info: USMC Close Combat Manual