Close Combat and Hand to Hand Fighting

The book was pristine, and it demonstrates how to properly fight. Mind you, it isn’t nice about it either. It is a warrior’s guide, so “fighting fair” isn’t exactly a priority.

I train in martial arts and our system spends a lot of time working on self-defense. I had heard that the Marine Corps recently revamped their training and that a good chunk of it was available in this book. I read it and was impressed. I was even more impressed when we started working on the techniques with a partner. It looks like the Corps has really got something here.The empty handed techniques are very well explained and the simple illustrations work well to show the high-points and details. The knife fighting techniques look very efficient. I've tried them out, within the limits of training with a partner that you want to live. They seem to work reasonably well. The bayonet material is not necessarily something I'll be using any time soon, but it could have application, with modification and a bit of imagination, to a walking stick or cane.I also like the philosophy contained with the book. It's straight-forward and no-nonense.You're not going to learn to fight like a Marine from this book (they offer a pretty intensive course, just sign up). If you do train and practice self-defense then this book will offer you additional tools to work with.

Well, I just got through reviewing the entire field manual and I have to say that I have seen better. The LINE program has good concepts, but some of the techniques in this manual, as someone else pointed out, would probably get you killed. So here is my comment on each section in the manual.Fundamentals of Close Combat Very good - a good overview of kicking, punching, stances, etc.Line I - Wristlocks and Counters Against Chokes and HeadlocksLine II - Counters Against Punches and Kicks Both good - I have seen most of these techniques at some time and most are good. They may not be my first choice, but if they are practiced correctly, they should work ok.Line III - Unarmed Defense Against a Knife *Wow*, all I have to say is you better be dang good. There is one technique, defense for an inside slash, out the five they show that is one I would use. The others will probably get your neck or spine cut. I certainly hope they teach our Marines something better at boot camp.Line IV - Knife Fighting Good - basic knife fighting, could be used by anyone.Line V - Removal of Enemy Personnel I am not qualified to discuss this one.Bayonet Fighting and Line VI(counters) I am not qualified to discuss this one, but it seems to be straight forward and not bad.Weapons of Opportunity Good - makes sense to use what you have handy.Anyway, I rated this book at 3 stars because there are a few things that are useful in it. The big dissappontment was the the knife defense section. In my opinion, except the one, the other knife defenses are questionable, don't use them.

I practice moves with my buddies to help keep in shape and for fun when we've been drinking. Oh the juvenile pissing contests we have... Anyway, book came in new condition and I recommend it.

Good, no nonsense close quarter combatives

Just like I remembered.

I bought this FMFM because I thought it outlined the MCMAP (Marine Corp Martial Arts Program) system of fighting. This field manual does not describe MCMAP. It was first published in 1993, and describes the older LINE (Linear In-fighting Neutral-override Engagement) system. Apparently MCMAP is so new, there are no books for the civilian market yet.Somewhat disappointed.

I wish they had writings on this book because its hard to understand some of the moves without a drill instructor to let you know where you went wrong.