subject: Ieds And Martial Arts [print this page] There is nothing worse in personal combat or warfare than an enemy who doesn't show themselves in battle. They strike and disappear, attack from a distance, and they leave unwelcome surprises as you try to seek them out. These attacks don't just cause casualties, but lower morale in the field at home and buy your enemy another day. In the case of Iraq improvised explosive device (IED) account for 70% of American deaths and injuries and 40% of the deaths for all coalition forces in the region. The Islamic fascists in the region know they can't win, but if they can make the situation miserable enough they hope to drive out America. While you might not be able to use your martial arts training on someone planting a bomb you can still use it to stop one.
After speaking to a number of military sources and civilian contractor most said the situation was improving in Iraq, but there is still plenty of work and fighting to be done. For those of us who don't have the same insight into the situation the fact that the news media barely mentions the war means America is doing pretty well. President Obama to his credit is trying to get a handle on the situation, and though he has a different way of handling things it seems he realizing pulling out isn't an option at least not until Iraq can stand on its own. All this doesn't mean much to those in the field who have to fight, survive, and make it home in one piece.
Now I have had some experience in the training for dealing with IEDs, and what comes up most often is awareness. The simple fact is these explosives are put in place, and though they don't stand out they don't belong either. This means you have to be proactive in your search for these weapons by learning what an area looks like when it is safe and secure. Look for what is out of place, and be wary of anything new, and if someone is using a cell phone to detonate a device.
This isn't easy when you're driving by in a vehicle, but do your best, and if one does go off what you do in the seconds after really matter. More attacks might follow, there are the wounded and the dead to deal with, and you might find your route back to base suddenly cut off. Bring as much reality to your training as you can, and make sure everyone learns each others jobs incase someone is taken out of the fight. Booby traps have always been a dirty part of war, but they've been around since ancient times and no advances in technology or morality will make them go away.
Your martial arts and self defense training will help you though when you're dealing with the worst of it though. You will be in better shape, more aware, and you'll be conditioned for high stress situations. This is a dirty fight and soldiers need to use every tool they have to survive, but they're not the only ones who need to worry. These homemade bombs have been appearing around the world and the scum we're dealing with has no problem killing civilians. So be aware and keep training, so when something does happen you'll be ready.
