Editor’s note: The program described below was designed, in part, by the California college wrestler and Kodokan judoka Mel Bruno, a man whose jobs included a stint as a trainer for the California Department of Corrections. For some details of Bruno’s judo career, see http://w3.blackbeltmag.com/halloffame/achievers/mel.html.

This student study guide was designed to guide you through your study assignments in the most logical sequence for easy understanding. The supplementary information section contains additional material required to keep you up-to-date in this subject. Answer the self-evaluating questions so you will better understand and retain the material you have studied.

ARCHER E. LACKEY

Colonel, USAF

Commander

DISTRIBUTION: Special

The student will:

1. Understand the fundamental principles basic to combative measures in Air Police application.
2. Be able to determine when to apply the psychological and/or physiological approach to a problem situation.

The nature of Air Police duties is such that military personnel engaged in this field must at all times be mentally and physically prepared to apply whatever force is necessary to accomplish their mission. The Air Policeman’s training dictates that he first resort to all means short of the use of force to control any situation. There will occur certain circumstances when the use of force is unavoidable. The ability to act effectively will quickly terminate such encounters in favor of the Air Policeman, with little or no injury to the offender. This training is intended to provide further refinements of basic training in Air Police restraint and control techniques, and to develop and instill confidence within the Air Policeman in his ability to cope with such situations.

Pages 1 & 2 – SAC Manual 125-2
 
 

Techniques used in most forms of hand-to-hand combat are basically the same; however, the approach to the application of these techniques differs with the objective. The combat crewmember, for example, in his use of combative measures is fighting for his life, or to avoid spending untold months as a prisoner-of-war. The Air Policeman, on the other hand, has an altogether different situation. Air Police combative measures are more defensive in nature; they comprise techniques used to control or subdue individuals, or in self-defense.

In meeting day to day problems that involve handling of prisoners, recalcitrants, and violators of the law, it is necessary that the Air Policeman possess considerable skill in restraining tactics. In such case, the Air Policeman is authorized by law to exercise such force as is necessary for the accomplishment of a lawful objective. The Air Policeman who uses force which is unreasonable or unnecessary to overcome the resistance offered by an offender is himself guilty of an offense.

Question: How much force may an Air Policeman use in controlling a given situation?

The timely presence of an Air Policeman who adapts himself to a problem situation with poise and confidence will very often resolve the situation without further difficulty. Readily recognizable self-confidence comes from the Air Policeman’s ability to detect and control situations which will inevitably confront him while he is engaged in the performance of his duty. Training and regular practice will provide him with the ability to control any given situation, with or without the use of force.

In dealing with an emergency situation, loss of control is a menace; the Air Policeman must be alert to meet any possibility. By acting in an alert and confident manner, he will command respect for himself and the authority he represents. Lack of proper training may immobilize an individual at the precise time when prompt and intelligent action is imperative and would insure command of the situation. Control and self-protection techniques are best demonstrated when the ability of the Air Policeman enables him to apply psychological methods (reasoning methods short of physical contact or force) which prevent undesirable situations from developing. When psychological handling fails and the use of force becomes a necessity, it should be employed in a manner calculated to leave no doubt in the mind of the offender that the Air Policeman can and will overcome any and all resistance offered. Such command of a situation is dependent upon a summing up of variable factors at hand and an immediate exercise of whatever action is appropriate and necessary to resolve the problem at hand. In this respect, the methods based upon the principles embodied in the Air Police combative measures course of instruction will serve to help the Air Policeman prevent or control situations which may cause injury to himself or others. These methods will further assist him in displaying those qualities expected of an Air Policeman: excellent personal appearance, courage, confidence, good posture, alertness, poise, and flexibility in any situation. These qualities are essential if he is to command the respect his position demands. Knowledge, ability, and confidence are the signs of a good Air Policeman. Moreover, this phase of Air Police training is designed to adequately insure that the Air Policeman, as an important representative and member of the Air Force, is capable and efficient in the performance of his duty.

Question: How does an Air Policeman apply "psychological-timing" to break up a street fight?

SAC Manual 50-10B
 
 

The student will:

1. Understand the principles of balance and movement of the body in attack and defense.
2. Be able to move quickly into position for control.
3. Be able to break the balance of an opponent.

Balance and body movement are synonymous with good posture. Good posture is essential to the Air Policeman if he is to display the qualities that will aid him in the performance of his official duties. Qualities such as good physical conditioning, self-confidence, alertness, and a clearly apparent ability to cope with situations which require control serve to identify the capable and efficient Air Policeman.
 
 

Pages 1, 2, 3 – SAC Manual 125-2
 
 

Mental balance, or stability, is a state of mind that is necessary before physical balance can be achieved. Physical balance must be retained in the Air Policeman and destroyed in his adversary. The destruction of the adversary’s body balance after he has been subtly off-balanced, psychologically, is a fundamental of judo.

Question: What is meant by a "subtle off-balancing"?

It is difficult to apply a particular restraining technique without first creating an off-balance situation. It is also quite difficult to move a recalcitrant person if he has complete control of his balance. The principle of inertia (a body in motion tends to remain in motion) should be remembered when dealing with recalcitrants. To move a person in a forward direction, when he resists your efforts, you should first pull him to the rear. His normal reaction will be to attempt to pull in a forward direction to overcome your rearward pull. At the precise moment that he pulls forward, if you quickly push his arm, he will be off-balance and start moving forward. You can easily keep him moving forward without too much effort on your part. You might liken this to pushing a car by hand. It is difficult to get the car moving, but once it has picked up momentum it will continue to move without much assistance. (See Figure 2.)

It is important to break the balance of an individual who must be "taken in." Any one that in any way resists a policeman is a potential problem – he may very possibly resort to attempts to physically harm the lawman. If the recalcitrant is kept off balance he is in no position to cause any damage. On the other hand, the Air Policeman should be able to maintain good balance throughout any action he must take to effect an off-balance of the recalcitrant. This requires a good knowledge of body movement. Too many times a policeman, due to poor body management, finds himself in difficulty during a scuffle. He is either injured because he has been caught off balance and is unable to protect himself; or, he has incited the wrath of bystanders by what appears to be unnecessary roughing up of the recalcitrant.

Question: Why is it important to keep a recalcitrant person "off-balance"?

It is strange but true that bystanders seem to be ready to sympathize with any person in the custody of a policeman. Regardless of what crime has been committed, the bystander feels that the policeman is taking advantage of the person he has in tow. This, perhaps, is due to the fact that too many policemen do not have the skill necessary to handle situations without appearing overbearing and apparently to be using more force than necessary. With subtle maneuvering, a policeman can maintain composure and force his adversary to put himself in a position to be controlled without fuss and overt force.
 
 

As indicated in Study Assignment.
 
 

The student will:

1. Be able to maneuver and apply appropriate restraining techniques during a recalcitrant’s escape attempt.
2. Be able to apply proper controlling measures in moving a recalcitrant person.

The Air Policeman’s ability to apply leverage will determine his effectiveness in physically restraining and controlling recalcitrant persons. Without this ability the Air Policeman must then resort to such measures as are over and above the limits of dignity and good form. Or, in permitting the situation to get out of hand, he must then resort to force which should have been unnecessary, if the situation had been handled properly.

Pages 7, 8, 9 – SAC Manual 125-2
 
 

In the application of a sleeve, wrist, elbow, shoulder, or any other types of leverage, it is important to direct the recalcitrant’s resistance against himself. As the recalcitrant resists the initial grasp of his arm or wrist, the Air Policeman gives way with the resistance and immediately follows up with the most applicable control. The position and resistance of the recalcitrant are the determining factors regarding the maneuver necessary to terminate resistance.

Question: How can one determine "the most applicable control" to use to terminate resistance?

If the recalcitrant’s arm is forced into an extended position, the logical leverages to apply would be against the elbow. On the other hand, if he should resist by flexing his arm, the logical leverage would be the application of the hammerlock or wrist leverage in accordance with the position of his arm or body action. (See Figure 3.) In some cases, as in applying leverages using forearm, chest, supinated joint-lock, or wrist leverage, it may be necessary to use some distraction to loosen the attacker’s resistance. Gentle blows, such as a heel to the recalcitrant’s arch; knee blow to the thigh; backward elbow blow; or a back of the hand or edge of hand blow to the nose, neck, or between the eyes; are some of the distractions that may be employed.

Question: Name some forms of distraction that can be used to "loosen the attacker’s resistance"?

Application of leverage is easily accomplished from the position of interrogation, or from a more sideward or rearward position.

In properly restraining and controlling an emotionally disturbed individual, the Air Policeman should remember one important point: in cases of recalcitrants who do retrain some sense of reasoning, the application of joint-locking techniques will bring them under control. But the same method applied to one who is emotionally disturbed will not produce the same results, regardless of the degree of application. The emotionally disturbed will not react to the pain as would a "normal" person; consequently, the policeman applying pressure would not know when to cease in his efforts to subdue. The result would be serious physical injury to one who is already injured mentally. Understanding the difference between the emotionally disturbed (psychotic) as opposed to the emotionally excited (normal) individual makes it obvious that there is no point in the policeman’s attempting to apply severe leverage when dealing with emotionally disturbed persons.

Question: Why should care be exercised in applying leverage to an emotionally disturbed person?
 
 

As indicated under Study Assignment.
 
 

The student will:

1. Be able to force attacker to the ground with the use of leverage.
2. Be able to control attacker on the ground.

Sometimes it is necessary to apply a "takedown" to gain necessary control. Once a person has been subdued, the Air Policeman must "take him in" in order to complete the arrest. Since no come-along or restraint, other than mechanical means, has yet been devised that will guarantee adequate control for a long period of time, the takedown will prove an aid in further controlling recalcitrants.

Question: What is the "mechanical means" referred to above?

Pages 7, 8, 9 – SAC Manual 125-2

The Air Policeman must be in control of the situation at all times if he is to properly perform his assigned duties. This control will be in various forms, from the mild (the timely presence of the poised and confident Air Policeman), to the more severe control which requires the employment of firearms. Between these two extremes are other forms of control including immobilizing a recalcitrant person by stretching him out on the floor or ground, and, in some cases, the use of mechanical aids such as handcuffs. In some instances the offender can be told to lie down and he will comply. In other cases, in order to get the man down the Air Policeman must put him down, or in the vernacular of the law enforcement officer, "take him down." (See Figure 4.)

There are several methods of "takedown" that are available to the trained individual, from the double ankle pickup from the rear to the push down or pull down that is used with the elbow-joint locked and pressure applied in a forward and downward direction until the individual is stretched out on the floor or ground.

Once in the prone position, it is a simple task to apply one of various controls to the recalcitrant. If handcuffs are available, they can be applied in the recommended fashion, or the individual can be retained under control in the prone position while the Air Policeman awaits assistance.

Question: Name several methods of "takedown" available to the Air Policeman.

As indicated under Study Assignment.
 
 

The student will:

1. Be able to use the club in defense or offense.
2. Understand how handcuffs may be used in the moving or transporting of prisoners.

The policeman’s club, sometimes referred to as a nightstick or riot stick, was originally intended as an offensive weapon. The club plus handcuffs provide the policeman with two useful aids. One aid is used to subdue a belligerent individual, the other serves as a means of restraint, control, or security for transporting prisoners from one place to another.

Question: Name three uses of handcuffs

.

Pages 22-25 – SAC Manual 125-2
 
 

Since most of the offenses that involve military personnel are of a military nature only (AWOL, insubordination, and the like), it is an unusual occurrence when either the club or handcuffs must be employed by the Air Policeman. However, usual or not, it is necessary for the good of the policeman, and, at times, for the good of the offender, that the Air Policeman know how to use both aids effectively. The policeman’s use of the club can be predominately defensive in extreme cases which he may face on rare occasions. An emotionally disturbed airman making threatening gestures with a knife, can be handled safely by virtue of the additional safety range provided by the club. A club jabbed into the face can be a deterrent which will slow down any wild-charging, knife-wielding attacker. The club will also aid in defending against a more methodical attacker. It can be used to deflect and parry the various thrusts he may make. This, plus the disarming effect a well-delivered blow from the club can have on the hand of the attacker, makes the club an invaluable aid for the Air Policeman. (See Figure 5.)

Questions: 1.) Explain what is meant by "the additional safety range" provided by the riot stick. 2.) What is one method of stopping the charge of an attacker armed with a knife?

As indicated in Study Assignment.
 
 

The student will:

1. Be able to defend himself against an attacker wielding a knife.
2. Be able to defend himself against an attacker wielding a club or stick.

The unarmed Air Policeman may have to defend himself against an attacker armed with a knife, or an attacker swinging a stick or bludgeon of a sort. Perhaps, even a club that the attacker has been able to get his hands on might be used. In any case, the Air Policeman realizes that the attacker intends bodily harm, and will have to be restrained or controlled. This can be done effectively with the wrist takedown. [Ed. Note: Based on the descriptions given below, the attacker is assumed to be enthusiastic but essentially untrained.]

Pages 42-54 – SAC Manual 50-10B
 
 

When the Air Policeman must contend with an attacker wielding a knife or a club, he should think not only in terms of disarming the individuals, but also in terms of being prepared to restrain and control him after the disarming. Perhaps, it would be best to apply a takedown to get the attacker into a position where he would be easier to restrain and control. The takedown can be either forward or backward. The choice would depend on what method of attack is being used. Once an attack is started, the off-balance is almost invariably to the front or side. The takedown, then, should be in the same direction as the motion. The takedown would be forward, and the attacker would wind up in a prone position. In some instances, as in a missed overhand attack, as the attacker attempts to recover he will raise his arm. When he raises the arm he is then off-balancing himself in a rearward direction. He can now be taken down to the rear, winding up in a supine position on the floor. When an attack can be stopped before the attacker starts his forward momentum it permits an easier takedown to the rear. A man is off-balance to the rear when he starts his forward swing. In order to throw a punch or swing a club a person must draw back the arm he intends using (this would provide the necessary power and momentum for the forward swing). It is at this moment (when the arm is drawn back) that he can easily be pushed backward, without a chance to recover. So, when defending against a knife or club attack, it is important to perform your offensive techniques when the attacker is at his weakest point – off balance.

Question: With your attacker starting to swing at you, what is your course of action?

Whether the attack is stymied before or after the swing gets started will have a bearing on what your reaction will be. In order to stop the attack before it gets started, it is normally safe to move directly into the attack. On the other hand, if the attack is underway, it behooves you to move away – either backward, sideward, or downward out of the line of attack. Once the blow or thrust has been missed, it is time for your next move, because your attacker should be completely off balance. (See Figure 6.)

Question: After your attacker has been off-balanced because of his missed swing (at your head, for instance), what would be your next move?
 
 

As indicated under Study Assignment.
 
 

The student will:

1. Be able to search persons, either individually or with a partner.
2. Understand methods of breaking up fights, either individually or with a partner.

When there is physical violence and danger, Air Police teams can usually function much more effectively than can an individual Air Policeman. Team effort not only means additional protection, but it also provides for more maneuverability. This extra maneuverability provides a commodity so necessary in an Air Policeman’s work – the means to distract a person as a first step in disarming or controlling him.
 
 

Page 21 – SAC Manual 125-2

Pages 55-56 – SAC Manual 50-10B
 
 

Although an Air Policeman is trained to handle situations without assistance, even when it involves more than one person, he can function more effectively, and with a greater margin of safety, if he has the assistance of a partner. Since most policemen travel in pairs in present-day law enforcement, one can complement the other in any situation requiring the use of force in order to control the situation. For example, in the simple act of questioning a suspect one policeman takes the position of interrogation and his partner stands in a position where he can move into a position to take direct control if the suspect offers any resistance.

Question: What is the "position of interrogation"?

Since the one being questioned has his attention held by the policeman doing the interrogating, the other policeman can remain out of the line of vision. This is particularly valuable to the policeman team if the suspect pulls a knife and attempts an attack. He (the suspect) cannot watch both policemen if they separate. With one drawing the attention of the armed suspect, with feint-like movements, the other member of the team can circle around the rear and, using a double-ankle pickup from the rear, drop the suspect on his stomach where he can be disarmed and controlled.

Air Police teams can do a better job when it comes to breaking up fights than can the individual. When two policemen approach a pair of individuals engaged in a fight, each can come behind one of the combatants. By first pushing them into each other, then utilizing their own momentum – their withdrawing action away from each other – it is easy to separate them.

The methods described for teams of Air Policemen are very effective and insure thorough searches as well as safety in searching. The Air Policeman must be capable of performing various searches including searching more than one individual at a time and without assistance; however, the reassuring presence of a partner permits a more thorough search because the searcher is not required to use the extreme caution necessary when only one man is performing the search.

Question: What is the proper method of searching "three individuals" at a wall?

As indicated under Study Assignment.
 
 

The student will:

1. Be able to disarm a pistol or rifle equipped person.
2. Understand the proper psychological time to attempt a disarming technique.

Since it is the Air Policeman’s duty to insure the security of the installation he guards, whether the threat is from within or without, his ability to take a rifle or pistol away from an attacker may mean not only his own life might be saved, but also the safety and lives of all on the base as well. The base’s capability to carry out its assigned mission may also be determined by the Air Policeman’s success in weapon disarming.

Pages 58-63 – SAC Manual 50-10B
 
 

It is a rare occasion when the Air Policeman is called upon to disarm an individual who holds a pistol or rifle. In most cases the disarming could be accomplished without physical action. The offender could usually be talked into handing over the weapon. The average individual can be depended upon to react in the normal way, because he does not have the criminal tendencies of the offenders that the civil law enforcement agencies have to contend with. However, it is the one individual that cannot be depended upon to react in a normal manner that will cause the Air Policeman the most grief. This individual can be the emotionally disturbed (psychotic) airman; or one who has committed a felony and fears the consequences; or an enemy agent bent on performing some act of sabotage on an Air Force installation.

Regardless of the type of individual holding the weapon, the basic principles of gun disarming remain the same. The Air Policeman must first evaluate the situation, know when and when not to attempt a disarming, and finally, disarm the individual, taking advantage of the proper psychological moment to act. By using the proper psychological moment, the Air Policeman can practically eliminate all of the hazards involved in taking a weapon away from another person. Since even the most expert can err, and since one error can be the last, psychological timing is essential and will provide the Air Policeman with the best chance for a successful disarming. (See Figures 8 and 9.)

Question: How does the choosing of the proper psychological moment provide the Air Policeman with the "best chance" for success?

How can the Air Policeman determine the best time for action? As he evaluates the situation, he looks for several things to occur. When all, or most, of the things have happened, the proper psychological moment is at hand. This includes the attainment of the proper distance between the attacker and Air Policeman (safety range), whether he is relaxed or tense, or whether he can be distracted long enough to get his mind off pulling the trigger. These are some of the things that will dictate your course of action.

Question: Name several instances that will help determine the "psychological moment."

As indicated in Study Assignment.
 
 

The student will:

1. Understand the principles of off-balance in throwing an attacker.
2. Be able to use a variety of throws in defending against an attack from the rear.

"How would you get out of this one?" This was the question asked of the instructor by an Air Policeman. He proceeded to demonstrate a rear forearm choke-hammer lock combination. He admitted that he had been the victim of such a hold. You may ask how an alert Air Policeman could get caught in such a hold. Normally, the alert Air Policeman will never get caught in this or any other attack from the rear. But there will be times when even an alert Air Policeman can be distracted momentarily – distracted by one suspect long enough for his partner, or partners to sneak up behind and attempt to immobilize him. By remembering certain judo principles, and applying the appropriate judo throws, the Air Policeman can prevent attacks such as this from being successful.

Question: What are some judo principles that can be used to overcome rear attacks?
 
 

Pages 17-20 – SAC Manual 50-10B
 
 

When subjected to an attack from the rear, the trained Air Policeman can thwart it with little difficulty. Even though he may be caught off guard initially, the training he has received allows him to spontaneously react to situations such as this. For example, rarely is any attack from the rear executed with such finesse that the intended victim is immediately incapacitated, unless, of course, the attacker is highly trained. (See Figure 10.)

When attacked from the rear, the trained Air Policeman immediately gives way. To "give way" means to move in the direction in which the force is applied. For example, if the attacker tried to choke from the rear and started pulling backward, the trained man would immediately back up. This act would cause the attacker to lose his balance because he would be expecting resistance. On the other hand, if the attacker should attempt the same choke, but lean on the back of the intended victim, he would probably find himself being thrown over the Air Policeman’s shoulder. Actually, it requires little effort to throw a person forward, if he is advancing. By the same token, it is a simple task to throw a person to the rear if he is pulling you from behind.

Question: What would be an appropriate throw for a rear attack over the arms?

As indicated under Study Assignment.
 
 

The student will:

1. Understand the principles of off-balance in throwing an attacker.
2. Be able to use a variety of throws in defending against frontal attackers.

When face to face with an unarmed but aggressive attacker the trained Air Policeman can feel secure that he is more than a match for the unruly individual. Since the attacker is unarmed in this instance, he will no doubt resort to the rough-and-tumble tactics of the street fighter. The trained individual should have little difficulty in handling this situation.
 
 

Pages 1-7 – SAC Manual 125-2

Pages 31-41 – SAC Manual 50-10B
 
 

Although the Air Policeman has been trained to cope with rough-and-tumble hand-to-hand fighters, he should be ever alert for new tricks and exceptionally skilled opponents. He can usually determine how skillful an attacker is in the first few seconds of the encounter. Remembering that the Air Policeman is empowered by law to use whatever force is necessary, he should not hesitate to use "whatever force is necessary" when he sees the need. When the attacker is overly aggressive and belligerent, it may require that he be thrown to the ground in order to "take the fight out of him." It may even be necessary to apply additional restraint or control measures. The simplest method of getting the attacker on the ground, and of taking the fight out of him, is to use a throwing technique. As the attacker moves toward you, he is using his strength and momentum, and he is off balance a good portion of the time. As he presses to the attack, he can easily be thrown by using the judo principle of "giving way." If he is advancing, he should be thrown in the direction in which he moves. The same principle applies if he is grappling and pulling in a direction to himself.

Question: What is the simplest method of getting an attacker to the ground?

It should be pointed out that caution should be exercised in throwing any individual. The Air Policeman has it in his power to inflict serious damage upon the attacker, depending upon how the throw is made. The Air Policeman can usually control the body of the attacker as he makes the throw, and control it so that the body lands on the head, neck, back, or side. If the throw must be accomplished on a concrete surface such as the street, the Air Policeman should be careful not to injure the attacker any more than is necessary. The same throw can be made on a turf area and in most cases not cause any physical discomfort. The Air Policeman should be ready to apply further control and restraint methods without delay. In using a throw that calls for the Air Policeman to lower his own body to the ground, such as "stomach throw" or "lateral drop," he should be sure that his adversary is off-balanced properly, otherwise he may find himself at a disadvantage.
 
 

Question: What would be the disadvantage mentioned in the last sentence of the preceding paragraph?
 
 

As indicated in Study Assignment.
 
 

The student will:

1. Review all lessons to prepare for proficiency check.
2. Understand the progression from mild application to the more severe form of control procedures.

Just as the Air Policeman’s civilian counterparts (policeman, sheriff, and highway patrolman) have discovered, you too, should realize that your badge, gun, club, and uniform – your symbols of authority – do not imbue in all people the same degree of respect. On the contrary, although those who are not habitual lawbreakers might deport themselves properly; the perennial criminal despises the sight of these symbols, and will enjoy flouting your authority, if he feels he can. The authority has been vested in you, but the respect you must earn.

Pages 26-29 – SAC Manual 125-2
 
 

After completing this training and getting a satisfactory grade in the proficiency checks, you should feel confident in your ability to handle various physical situations. However, neither overestimate nor underestimate the ability you now possess. There are many situations which you can handle without any additional training. On the other hand, there are many that will require further practice to develop the basic skills learned. Further practice in Air Police methods is an absolute necessity in order to instruct others in these fundamentals. If you, or your Air Policeman students, are to portray the confident, highly trained, poised guardian of military installations and personnel, you must perform your duty in a manner to leave no doubt in the minds of those who observe you, that you, or your students, are just what you purport to be – highly trained and confident Air Policemen.
 
 

As indicated under Study Assignment.