Below are training suggestions for Military Police Unarmed Self Defense (USD) trainers who wish to implement a USD program in their unit. 

 

USD Instructor Tips:

 

Professional instruction is the key to success in USD training. Instructors must be physically fit and highly proficient in the demonstration and practical application of USD techniques. Confidence, enthusiasm, and technical expertise are essential for success in teaching USD. Assistant instructors must also be properly trained to help supervise and demonstrate maneuvers.  The following instructor responsibilities are the core of planning and executing combatives training.

 

             a. Seek maximum efficiency with minimum effort.  Continually strive to reduce all unnecessary explanations, movement, and activity.  Streamline the training without compromising content, efficiency, or safety.

             b. Stress cooperation and technical mastery.  Promote suppleness and controlling aggression.

             c. Reinforce the details of each technique and provide positive feedback when warranted.  Use occasional humor to motivate Soldiers, but avoid degrading or insulting them.

             d. Ensure serviceable training aids are present in sufficient quantities for all Soldiers being trained.  Ensure training areas are well maintained and free of dangerous obstructions.

             e. Ensure instructors and assistant instructors are well-rehearsed and prepared before all training sessions.

             f. Instructor-to-Soldier ratios should not exceed 1 instructor for 20 Soldiers.

             g. Require strict discipline of all Soldiers.

             h. Supervise all practical work closely and constantly.  Never leave a group unsupervised.

             i. Familiarize the Soldiers with each maneuver by a complete explanation and demonstration before they attempt the moves.

             j. Do not allow the Soldiers to get ahead of the instruction.

             k. Ensure the training partner offers no resistance, but allows the maneuver to be freely executed during the learning stages and while perfecting the techniques.

             l. Ensure there is adequate space between Soldiers during all practical work.

             m. Ensure that Soldiers empty their pockets, and remove their jewelry, and identification tags before training.

             n. Stress that only simulated strikes to vital points, such as the head, neck, and groin area are to be executed.

             o. Ensure that Soldiers understand the use of both physical tapping and verbal signals to indicate to the partner when to stop the pressure in grappling and choking techniques.

             p. Make sure Soldiers warm up and stretch properly.

             q. Teach and practice falls before conducting throws.

             r. Ensure that the Soldier to be disarmed does not place his finger in the trigger guard during weapon disarming.

             s. Ensure you have medical assets on scene with a signed risk assessment.

             t. Fit the Warrior Ethos into all your training.

 

 

USD Instructor Tips