Earn your Combatives qualification through the Modern Army Combatives Program. From Level 1 basics to Level 4 instructor certification, master the hand-to-hand combat system used by the entire U.S. Army.
Level 1 is the foundation of the entire MACP system. Every soldier in the Army is expected to complete Level 1 training. The course focuses on ground-fighting fundamentals drawn primarily from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling.
Students learn to close the distance, clinch, take an opponent down, and achieve dominant body position on the ground. From there, basic submissions and positional escapes are drilled until they become instinctive.
Level 1 can be taught at unit level by any Level 4 certified instructor, making it the most accessible combatives training in the Army. The graduation rate is approximately 95%.
Level 2 expands beyond ground fighting to include stand-up striking, clinch fighting, and weapons-based close-quarters scenarios. Students learn to integrate combatives with tactical situations where weapons may be present.
Fighting in full kit — body armor, helmet, and combat load — changes everything. Techniques that work on the mat must be adapted for the weight and restriction of combat equipment. Weapon retention and disarming drills add a lethal dimension.
Level 2 is where combatives transitions from sport to combat. Students must demonstrate proficiency in both striking and grappling under realistic tactical conditions.
Level 3 is the competitive proving ground. Students must compete in a combatives tournament against other trained fighters. Win or lose, the requirement is to demonstrate advanced technique, strategy, and the warrior spirit to step into the ring.
Fight strategy and coaching are introduced at this level. Students learn to analyze opponents, develop game plans, and coach teammates from the corner. These skills are essential for building effective unit combatives programs.
Officiating and safety management are also taught — Level 3 graduates help run tournaments at their installations. The combination of fighting, coaching, and managing competitions produces well-rounded combatives leaders.
Level 4 is the pinnacle of the MACP system. Graduates are certified to teach, evaluate, and certify soldiers at all lower levels. This is not just about fighting — it's about building warriors across the entire Army.
Teaching methodology is the core of Level 4. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to break down complex techniques, correct errors, and manage a training environment safely. They learn curriculum development, program management, and competition organization.
The ~60% graduation rate reflects the high standard. Candidates must be technically proficient in all MACP techniques, effective instructors, and capable program managers. Level 4 graduates are the backbone of Army combatives.
Fort Moore is the birthplace and headquarters of MACP. All four levels are taught here year-round. The dedicated combatives facility features full-size matted training areas, competition cages, and classroom space. This is where the Army's top combatives instructors train and certify.
Level 1 is designed to be taught at the unit level. Any Level 4 certified instructor can conduct Level 1 training at their home installation. This decentralized model is what makes MACP an Army-wide program rather than a niche school.
MACP is embedded at every major Army installation worldwide. While Fort Moore runs the formal school, combatives training happens everywhere the Army has soldiers. Some installations have dedicated combatives facilities; others use unit gyms and field-expedient training areas.
Combatives tournaments are the competitive heart of MACP. From installation-level bouts to the All-Army Combatives Championship at Fort Moore, tournaments test fighters under pressure and build the warrior ethos that combatives training is designed to develop.
MACP classes run year-round at Fort Moore. Level 1 is available at unit level anytime. Higher levels are scheduled through the Combatives School. Source: U.S. Army Combatives School / Fort Moore.
| Class | Report Date | Graduation | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| MACP L2 01-26 | 13 Jan 2026 | 23 Jan 2026 | Level 2 |
| MACP L4 01-26 | 03 Feb 2026 | 27 Feb 2026 | Level 4 |
| MACP L2 02-26 | 10 Mar 2026 | 20 Mar 2026 | Level 2 |
| MACP L3 01-26 | 07 Apr 2026 | 17 Apr 2026 | Level 3 |
| MACP L4 02-26 | 05 May 2026 | 29 May 2026 | Level 4 |
| MACP L2 03-26 | 15 Jun 2026 | 26 Jun 2026 | Level 2 |
Level 1 is accessible to everyone. Level 4 demands mastery. Every level tests your conditioning, technique, and warrior spirit on the mat.
Every failure on the mat has a type. We built a fix for each one.
Most soldiers arrive with zero mat time. If you've never been in a clinch or fought off your back, you'll be overwhelmed on day one. Start drilling basics now.
If you can't take someone down, you can't control the fight. Sloppy shots get sprawled on and leave you in a worse position. Takedown technique is non-negotiable.
Ground fighting is the foundation of MACP. If you can't maintain mount, escape side control, or work from guard, you'll fail the technique evaluations.
The clinch is where fights are decided. Pummeling, underhooks, and body lock control must become second nature. Clinch work separates fighters from bystanders.
Live sparring against a resisting opponent is where technique meets reality. You cannot fake it. If you freeze when someone fights back, all your training is worthless.
Grappling is exhausting. If you gas out in the first two minutes, technique goes out the window. Build your anaerobic endurance before you hit the mat.
Key Takeaway: Combatives rewards preparation. Arrive with grappling fundamentals, anaerobic conditioning, and the mental toughness to fight a resisting opponent. Level 1 is accessible to everyone — Level 4 demands mastery of technique, teaching, and program management.
Close the Distance — Dominate the Fight
Warriors trained in the Modern Army Combatives Program carry the confidence that comes from knowing they can fight and win in any close-quarters situation. From the clinch to the ground, from basic technique to instructor mastery, MACP builds the warrior spirit that defines the American soldier.
Since 2002, MACP has trained hundreds of thousands of soldiers across every installation in the Army. The program proves that every soldier is a fighter first — and that hand-to-hand combat skill is not a relic of the past, but a critical warrior competency for the modern battlefield.
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