Marine Corps Martial Arts

Today’s Marines operate within a continuum of force where conflict may change from low intensity to high intensity over a matter of hours. Marines are also engaged in many military operations other than war, such as peacekeeping missions or noncombatant evacuation operations, where deadly force may not be authorized. During noncombative engagements, Marines must determine if a situation warrants applying deadly force. Sometimes Marines must decide in a matter of seconds because their lives or the lives of others depend on their actions. To make the right decision, Marines must understand both the lethal and nonlethal close combat techniques needed to handle the situation responsibly without escalating the violence unnecessarily. This publication guides individual Marines, unit leaders, and close combat instructors in the proper tactics, techniques, and procedures for close combat. Techniques described in this publication can cause serious injury or death. Practical application in the training of these techniques will be conducted in strict accordance with approved Entry Level Close Combat, Close Combat Instructor (CCI), and Close Combat Instructor Trainer (CCIT) lesson plans.