Offutt gets combative Published Oct. 19, 2012 By Maj. Jeremey Meyer U.S. Strategic Command OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- As you jog around the Offutt Field House track you may have noticed an evolving change at the north end: punching bags, wrestling mats, new Tactical Fitness and training areas, with more still to come. The changes are a direct result of a growing Department of Defense wide emphasis on combatives training. "We all wear the same color on the field of battle," said Maj. Gen. William Grimsley, U.S. Strategic Command chief of staff. Grimsley believes maintaining fitness and tactical proficiency is paramount regardless of service affiliation and this mantra has been echoed across all services as combatives and tactical fitness programs have come to the forefront in training. The Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, Army's Modern Army Combatives Program and most recently the Air Force's Combatives Program are all official combatives programs being instituted at bases worldwide. Team Offutt is joining the initiative with the development of the Offutt Combatives program as an opportunity for all-uniformed, civilian and family members to drive toward total fitness and resilience. The most recent branch to adopt a combatives program, the Air Force is not without history in the subject. In the1950s U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Curtis LeMay, Strategic Air Command commander, directed the establishment of formal combatives training for Air Force pilots and crews. However, by the end of the 1960's combatives was eliminated due to budget concerns and to speed up aircrew training. After an absence of more than 40 years, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force Gen. Michael Moseley ordered the development of a standardized Air Force combatives program in 2007, emphasizing a "Warrior Ethos" much like the Army's MACP. The reasoning was simple, operations in Iraq and Afghanistan had seen more Airmen in harm's way and Air Force senior leadership recognized the push for increased joint operations and its duty to provide capable warriors to the fight. "We have always produced the smartest Airmen ... ready to go out and do the mission ... but now we are producing warriors," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kevin Adelson, former Air Education and Training Command deputy chief, to the Army Times in 2008. "The Air Force Combatives is just another facet of that warrior production." The Air Force Combatives Program Center of Excellence is located at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. Several uniformed service members at USSTRATCOM recently received MACP certifications to provide a foundation for Offutt's program with the goal of a viable and sustainable tactical fitness and training program to benefit both the 55th Wing and USSTRATCOM. Offutt's TACFIT program also received CrossFit certification this year. The Offutt Combatives program offers a variety of classes across several disciplines throughout each day for anyone interested in training and expanding skills. Participants will find training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai kickboxing, self-defense, mixed martial arts, Krav Maga and weapons. "The goal of the program is twofold, meet operational training requirements and create a common warrior ethos plus it's a great way to stay in shape," said U.S. Air Force Maj Aaron Cerrone, who is one of the instructors. "Everything we are doing is geared to bring current programs together under one umbrella and fall in line with the goals of each service's current combatives program and certification process." The AFCP's desired learning outcomes are: Establish common warrior ethos throughout Air Force Acquire basic unarmed offensive and defensive skills Expose Airmen to full-resistance submission grappling skills Cultivate courage and instill confidence Develop ability to think and react under pressure Develop and practice aggressive mindset and mental toughness needed to survive "We hope all organizations encourage their personnel to take part in the program, even if it is a PT option," Cerrone said. "Many organizations have a combatives requirement already; those that don't should consider leaning forward and seek the training." Everyone at Team Offutt is welcome and highly encouraged to participate or e-mail Maj. Aaron Cerrone, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Nate Bejarano or U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Sean Brown via email if there are training requirements that can be fulfilled by the program. Classes are held multiple times daily at the north end of the Offutt Field House.