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EUROPEAN ARMY

SELF-DEFENCE AND ARRESTING METHODS

Army Internal Security Tactics. For Public Information and Research Only.

Introduction

The following training notes are a compilation of the tactics and techniques employed by some European Armies. These minimum force tactics have been used for the past 20 years in order to train soldiers in self-defence, arrest and restraint, whilst on Internal Security duties. Internal Security duties refer to tasks such as assisting the police maintain law and order, riot control and counter terrorist patrols in urban areas. The emphasis throughout this training is on self-defence and reaction to assault. The soldier is normally dressed in Internal Security (IS) clothing and carrying a baton. In light of the present knowledge on pressure points, reality based fighting systems and first aid training to cope with the results of asphyxia, some of the techniques and approaches presented in this article are now dated.

These training notes will be divided into 10 sections :

General Principles
Terminology
The Baton
Pressdown technique
Pulldown technique
Hammerlocks
Thumblocks
Wristlocks

Section 1 - General Principles

Arrest and Restraint Teams are required to use minimum force when tasked. This principle will result in minimum crowd provocation.
Battle inoculation for all soldiers on Internal Security duties is recommended. A soldier is not committed to battle unless he is fully trained in the handling of his weapons in a battle environment. This entails mental as well as physical preparation.
All techniques described in this programme can be executed whilst normal IS clothing and equipment, including respirator, are worn.
Good training, hense confidence in self-defence, will raise the morale of the soldier.
Although most of the self defence movements are based on the soldier being attacked, they can be adapted upon the initiative of the soldier to changing situations.
Upon completion of a technique, the baton is usually left free to use as necessary.
In controlling an attacker, speed of arrest is essential in preventing sympathisers from closing in. Self defence techniques allow for the attacker to be controlled by arm locks whilst remaining in a standing position. A prisoner can be used as a shield against missiles.
Because of the structure of self defence training, the number of techniques required to deal with most attacking situations are few and well within the grasp of the average soldier.
Learn first aid for treating: unconsciousness, asphyxia and no pulse.

Section 2 - Terminology

The following terms are used in the text:

Present the Attacker's Elbow. This refers to the fact that in some techniques, you have to get the attacker's elbow joint facing up in order to apply a a successful restraint. Each technique will be described in detail in the following sections. This detail is difficult to recall when you are under stress so it is better to remember the basic principles involved in attacks to the elbow joint. These are simply, Pull In and Push Out. That is, irrespective of which arm the attacker grips and irrespective of their gripping arm, you must first pull their arm into their centreline and then push that arm out to the side of their body. The pull in will induce the attacker to work against you so that the push out is accomplished more easily.
Cross-Grip. Attacker grips defender's wrist or body area by reaching across his own body, eg. attacker's right hand grasping the defender's right wrist. For most Cross Grip counter attacks, use outward then inward rotation to effect an escape and present the attacker's elbow.
Even-Grip. Attacker grips defender's body area on the same side as the gripping hand (s) eg. right hand of attacker gripping the defender's left wrist. For most Even Grip counter attacks, use inward then outward rotation to effect an escape and present the attacker's elbow.
Rear-Grip. Attacker grips the defender's wrist or arm from the rear position. To counter attack this hold, you must turn first and then counter attack as appropriate for either Cross or Even Grips.
Inward Rotation. The defender's arm is moving in towards the centre line of the body in a circular action.
Outward Rotation. The defender's arm is moving outwards from the centre line of the body in a circular action.
Palm Grip. This grip is applied to the back of the hand in order to squeeze the attacker's thumb and little finger together. It is a transition grip, used when moving from one position to the next stage.
Minor Goose-Neck Wrist Lock. Defender gripping the back of the attacker's hand and applying pressure to the wrist.
Major Goose-Neck Wrist Lock. Defender gripping the back of the attacker's hand and applying pressure to the wrist. The attacker's fingers point upwards towards his elbow joint. This hold is reinforced with a thumb lock.

Section 3 - The Baton

Method of holding the baton

The baton should be held with the thumb in the leather thong which is wound over the knuckles thus enabling the hand to grip firmly. There are three reasons for this:

The baton can be released from the hand allowing freedom of movement.
By resting on the thumb the baton can be retained as necessary very quickly.
When you are being dragged by the baton into a dangerous situation, it is easy to release the baton.

Target areas of the body for the baton

The target areas of the body are located in areas where the bones are close to the surface.

Wrist and forearm.
Inside and outside the knee.
Collar bone and lever under the chin.
Ankle.
From the pit of the stomach to under the chin (Only in an emergency because of the lasting damage.)

http://http://www.policebatons.com/mptc/index.html

Go to the Training Page for the Monadnock baton. This site has the pressure points, Use of Force concepts and the Resistance - Response model.

Note

Try http://www.adtdl.army.mil/cgi-bin/adtl.dll/FM/19-15/ch12.htm

This site offers the US Army Manual FM19-15 on dealing with Crowd Disturbances. This includes the use of the baton and the use of restraints.

If this link is not operating also try http://www.adtdl.army.mil and go to the library and check out the field manuals for Military police, that is where FM19-15 is located.

Arresting methods using the baton

Under Arm Method. Grip the attacker's wrist in a cross grip and torque the wrist so that the inner side now faces upwards. You must then step round the attacker's held wrist so that you are standing shoulder to shoulder withthe attacker. Place the baton underneath the attacker's tricep muscle at least fotr fingers width above the elbow joint. The point of the baton must be placed on the attacker's chest. Pain compliance can now be achieved by using more torque on the wrist, forcing it down and then levering the baton upwards.
Over Arm Method. Grip the attacker's wrist and step round the attacker as for the Under Arm Method. Using your chest area as a lever, apply pressure on the attacker's elbow joint by pulling back on the held wrist. The attacker's head can be forced back by pushing with the baton arm.
Parallel Arms Method. Start with the preliminaries for the Under Arm Method. Again the baton is placed on the attacker's tricep with the point resting on your forearm. Pain compliance can again be achieved by forcing the attacker's wrist down and the baton forwards.
Neck Lock Method. The baton is held across the front of the attacker's neck. Place your free arm under the attacker's arm, in front of the baton and then behind the attacker's head pushing it forward. In this final position, the baton is resting on your forearm.
Through the Legs Method. The point of the baton is punched through the attacker's legs and then turned horizontal. Your free hand can either grip the attacker's hair or collar, pushing forward to keep the attacker moving forward, off balance.

Section 4 - The Pressdown

Attacker grips the defender's right wrist (baton hand) in a Cross Grip

Place the palm of your free left hand on top of the attacker's gripping hand.
Rotate your right hand with an outwards to inwards rotation, thus presenting the attacker's elbow joint.
This will free your right hand which then switches over with the left hand.
Step through with the left leg and apply pressure to the joint with the left palm, forcing the attacker to the ground, face down.

Points to note

On the movement of the hands, the hips should also rotate to initiate more drive.
The heel of the baton should be placed over the attacker's wrist to increase downward pressure.
After stage 3, this technique will lead to the application of the major goose neck counter attack to the attacker's wrist.

Attacker uses an Even Grip

Trap the attacker's hand with your free hand (thumb on top).
Rotate the held hand inwards and outwards to release the attacker's grip. Maintain your Palm Grip on the attacker's hand.
Either step back on the right foot or else step in on the left foot so that you and the attacker are now side by side.
The attacker's elbow joint is now presented for striking or forcing downwards as necessary.

Points to note

After stage 2, this technique will also lead to the application of a major goose-neck counter attack to the attacker's wrist.

Attacker takes a Rear Grip

First, you must turn and see if the grip is either an Even or Cross Grip and then counter attack as appropriate.

Points to note

A larger rotational movement of the wrist is required.

Section 5 - The Pulldown

The Pulldown as with the Pressdown, can be used in both defence and attack. Wheras the Pressdown was used more often from the side on position. The Pulldown is a technique to be used when you are directly facing the attacker and wish to maintain that position, rather than turn your back on the attacker's accomplices.

Attacker uses an Even Grip on the defenders left wrist.

Rotate your left hand inwards then outwards to present the attacker's elbow joint.
Use the free hand to grasp the back of the attacker's hand.
After this move, transfer your grip to the left hand again and use the free right hand to pull down on the elbow joint.

Attacker uses a Cross Grip on the defenders Right Wrist

Rotate your right hand outwards then inwards. At the same time Palm Grip the attacker's hand with you left hand on top.
Release your right hand and use it to pull down on the attacker's elbow.

Attacker takes a Rear Grip

First, you must turn and see if the grip is either an Even or Cross Grip and then counter attack as appropriate.

Section 6 - Hammerlocks

Defender using a Cross Grip attack

Rotate the held wrist with an outwards and inwards rotation, presenting the elbow joint.
Use the heel of the free hand to jab the attacker's elbow upwards.
With the baton hand, force the attacker's arm over the free arm into the hammer lock position.

Points to note

When jabbing upwards, keep your thumb and fingers together. Do not grip the arm, this causes the elbow to drop.
The hand of the locking arm should not grip the attacker's clothing. This hold is affected by forcing down on the elbow joint with the little finger edge of your hand.
The baton hand may be used to strike the attacker's knee or shin as necessary.

Defender using an Even Grip attack

Trap the attackers's gripping hand and rotate the held wrist inwards and outwards to release the grip and present the attacker's elbow joint.
The baton hand may now strike the elbow as necessary whilst the free hand maintains a firm grip of the attacker's wrist in the palm grip position.
The baton hand can force the elbow joint forwards, pushing the arm into a locking position up the attacker's back.

Points to note

When forcing the arm to bend with the baton, ensure the baton is withdrawn and not locked in the attacker's arm.
The baton may be used to strike as necessary.
The hand gripping the attacker's hand locked up his back should not grip the attackers clothing.

Defender using a Rear Grip attack

Rotate the hand outwards to inwards, presenting the attacker's elbow.
Maintain your grip on the attacker's wrist to fold the attacker's arm in the hammerlock position.
Release your hold on the attacker's wrist and force the hammerlock on with finger pressure on the elbow joint.

Section 7 - Thumblocks - The Major Gooseneck

Thumblocks are applied as an alternative to the Pulldown and the Pressdown. Successful application of this technique will allow you to arrest and restrain the attacker without going to the ground first.

From the Palm grip, grab the attacker's thumb in an all round grasp.
Fold up the attacker's elbow between your forearm and the side of your chest.
Apply sufficient pressure to the back of the attacker's wrist in order for them to comply.

Section 8 - Wristlocks

Three wrist locks will be discussed in this section, the Minor Gooseneck, the Rear Backfall and the Forward Backfall.

The Minor Gooseneck

When the attacker uses a cross grip on your baton hand, rotate your baton wrist clockwise to release the attacker's grip.
Continue the rotation in order to trap the attacker's wrist with your thumb and middle finger on top of the attacker's wrist.
Simultaneously pull on the attacker's wrist and press down on the back of the attacker's wrist to collapse it down.
Step in to stand side on to the attacker, at the same time slip your free left hand between the attacker's upper arm and chest to reinforce the press down on the attacker's wrist.

The Rear Backfall

When the attacker uses an even grip on your baton wrist, rotate the baton inwards and upwards to release the grip. The heel of the baton can be used to assist you achieve the release.
Both your thumbs are placed in the back of the attacker's wrist. The little finger edges of your hands are pressed into the crease lines on the attacker's wrist.
To effect the backfall, press down with your thumbs and pull with the little fingers against the attacker's wrist.
With the attacker on their back you are in danger of being kicked in the face unless the wrist grip is applied to a high degree of pain compliance.
The counter attack can also be defeated by rotating the attacker's wrist more counter clockwise and stepping out to the side of the attacker. This will force the attacker over on their face.
Note that if you use your free hand to hold the attacker's hand against your wrist in Stage 1, this will also lead to a takedown.

The Forward Backfall

When the attacker uses an even grip on your baton wrist, rotate the baton out and upwards to release the grip.
Place your thumbs on the back of the attacke's wrist and turn the attacker's wrist counter clockwise.
This action will cause the attacker to somersault forward, landing on their back.
With the attacker on their back you are in danger of being kicked in the face unless the wrist grip is applied to a high degree of pain compliance.
To remedy this problem, rotate the attacker's wrist counter clockwise and step over so that the attacker is now on their face.

To be completed in Sept.

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