LINE Combatives™

    L.I.N.E.-Linear Infighting Neural Override Engagement- is a system of close combat training that is designed to familiarize the soldier with the basics of close combat techniques, tactics, and principles. Without doubt most close combat encounters will end, if not start in the grappling stage of close combat.

    The grappling stage of close combat must not be confused with groundfighting. Grappling in close combat is defined as anytime the opponents hands are on you or vice versa. It is therefore imperative that soldiers are not only familiar, but are proficient at close quarters fighting.

    It must be understood that self-defense and close combat are at the opposite ends of the combative spectrum. Self-defense techniques are designed to repel an attack with no intention of continuing the offense once the attack has been stopped. Close Combat techniques are designed to kill the enemy without regard to his intentions. Techniques of LINE Combatives™ are designed to cause violent death within seconds of the initial movement of the soldier.

    It is extremely important to use techniques that are not only effective but are also graphically violent. All humans have limitations of psychological acceptance. By training beyond the normal limits of psychological acceptance, two goals are reached; first, the use of such techniques causes psychological shock and hesitation in the enemy. Second, by training beyond the accepted limits the soldier will expand his own limits of acceptance allowing him to continue on with the mission regardless of the intensity of the violence.

    LINE Combatives™ is made of techniques that have two fundamental properties: medical feasibility and technical probability. To be medically feasible a technique must be able to cause the expected results-i.e. Accurately reflect the study of human anatomy and the input of medical experts. If a technique cannot be verified medically and scientifically, it should not be considered.

    All techniques and principles of LINE Combatives™ have been demonstrated to, discussed at length with and received approval from the Office of the Armed Forces Medical Examiner. To meet the requirements of technical probability that is to ensure that even a novice practitioner can execute the techniques with a high degree of success. LINE Combatives™ was designed to have the following characteristics:

• Uses everyday movements that can be performed by soldiers that are wearing full war gear and extremely mentally and physically fatigued

• With repeated drill on the essential movements, practitioners acquire "learned muscle memory." Movement then requires no conscious thought allowing techniques to be executed during high stress and fatigue

• Does not depend on vision. Most close combat encounters occur in limited visibility or during periods of darkness. LINE keeps the opponent at close quarters, in physical contact and immobile, so vision is not necessary

• Relies on closely related techniques that almost always end in the same finishing movement. Hence they are quickly learned and have a high rate of retention

• Employs "central nervous system override" by causing damage to a limb joint and then using the damaged joint to keep the opponent immobile until he is killed

• Can be practiced violently and at full speed with a minimum of injuries through the use of alternate striking areas and slight modification to technique

    Regardless of the merit of any system, techniques must be practiced to be effective. If conscious thought is needed to execute a technique, the success rate in an actual situation will be extremely low. Technique must become a conditioned response through repetition.

    LINE Combatives requires no special training aids or equipment, no special training areas, and costs nothing. Once trained, LINE Combatives requires one minute daily to maintain proficiency in the base system. It was designed to be integrated into a unit's physical training schedule; whenever physical training is conducted; close combat should be practiced.

    There has been and never will be a perfect system; change is inevitable with all training evolutions. It is important to first standardize a system and ensure it is a solidly in place before fine-tuning occurs. LINE Combatives was developed 27 years ago and has trained over 500,000 military and law enforcement personnel worldwide without a single serious injury. It is the purpose of close combat training to prepare soldiers to survive close combat encounters.

    The main benefit, however, is the building of the confidence and self-image that serves as a foundation for all other combat skills. An unarmed warrior is still a warrior. A well-armed coward is still a coward. The unarmed warrior has been, is now, and always will infinitely more dangerous than the well-armed coward.