The aim of any army officer when they step out on the battleground is to 'kill and not be killed'. This is a tall order, though most civilians take it for granted. Personnel who are manning the front lines of the battleground are trained in army combat training. They participate in some of the most realistic and hi-tech combat training and survival role playing activities before they are sent out on the field. For instance, the US Marines participate in programs that have been designed by Hollywood special effects companies who use real people and special effects to recreate real life situations.

In army combat training, service personnel are put through the grind. They are expected to defend themselves in the harshest physical conditions. Rugged terrain, harsh weather and deadly assailants are the norm. Members are tested when they are required to conduct raids or rescue their comrades while saving themselves from grenades, one-on-one attacks, fire and guns.

Army combat training offers personnel the skill and the ability to make split second decisions regarding the course and method of their attack. They are also trained to control shock and pain, factors that could distract them or hold them back from delivering their best on the battleground. They are also trained to remain focused in the face of trauma suffered by their comrades so they can work towards achieving their aim of eliminating the threat and saving those who are helpless or injured.

The core objective of army combat training is hand to hand combat. Any trained soldier can shoot the enemy from afar, but if they are in a situation where they have to be face to face with the opponent/opponents, they must have the skill to defend themselves. Unarmed combat training teaches the soldier to fight with whatever resources they have. It brings out the very best in service personnel because it teaches them aggression and technique besides feeding them with the mindset to win.

Army combat training leans heavily on mixed martial arts. Double leg take downs, kicks, punches and boxes are taught. However, these techniques are not nearly enough to ensure self defense and survival. So, army combat training focuses on survival skills too. There are no rules, no rounds, no referees and no limits. The aim is to recover a weapon so that the fighter can survive. Every single technique and skill that is taught aims to drive home the fact that combatives are a last ditch effort at survival. Thus, the training not only focuses on body and strength, but also develops the mind. Like someone said, half the battle is fought and won in the mind.