372nd MPAD, Nashville, Tenn.

LAS CALDERAS, Dominican Republic (March 26, 2008) – British Royal Marines trained soldiers and policemen from a number of Caribbean countries here today on hand to hand combat as part of Tradewinds 2008.

The class is designed to teach riot control tactics, both unarmed and with a baton. The tactics, such as joint locks and pressure point strikes, are geared toward maintaining control of a subject while remaining open to defend against outside attacks.  

The training is intended to take out the main aggressor in a mob, according to Sgt. Craig Beattie, British Royal Marines. “It’s like a wolf pack, there’s always a leader directing things. Take him out and there’s suddenly anarchy in the crowd.”

The instructors demonstrated each technique on a volunteer. The pain involved with these maneuvers gave a dose of realism to the class. Students paired up and tried the techniques on each other with guidance and pointers from the instructors. “It’s very quick and hard,” said Police Constable Denbert Williams from St. Vincent and the Grenadines. “It’s all new to me, but the arm lock is quick and easy to apply.”

Others found the training a challenge as well, according to Corporal Peter Wickham, Trinidad and Tobago Defense Forces. “To get it right, you have to be at it constantly,” he said. “After this, we can go home and practice.”

“It’s challenging at times, but the exposure is good,” said Corporal Vince Haynes, Guyana Defense Forces. “This is what it’s all about: defend yourself unarmed.”