All-Army Combatives: Tournament demonstrates discipline, dedication, strength

Lt. Gen. Don Campbell Jr., III Corps and Fort Hood Commanding General
Thursday, July 19, 2012

Fort Hood is again hosting the U.S. Army Combatives Championship July 26-28 at the Abrams Physical Fitness Center. As last year’s overall All-Army Champion, Fort Hood has retained the honor to host the tournament here at the Great Place for a second straight year. Last year was the first time since 2005 the All-Army combatives tournament was held someplace other than Fort Benning, Ga., and the Great Place proved to be the perfect venue to showcase the top warriors in our Army.

I am extremely proud of our combatives program here at Fort Hood. It is just one more indicator of the type of professional Soldiers that we have here at the Great Place. Army combatives training teaches three phases of a fight strategy: close the distance, gain the dominant position and finish the fight. To effectively learn these skills takes extensive practice. To master these skills and to be effective in modern combat takes more than just practice. It takes discipline, dedication and both physical and mental strength. All of these are essential characteristics in our Warrior Ethos – to always put mission first, never accept defeat, never quit and never leave a fallen comrade.

I have talked a lot recently about the attributes of the Army as a profession and what it means to be a professional Soldier. Discipline, dedication, competency and knowledge in one’s craft are just a few of these core concepts. The Army Combatives program embodies these same concepts that are at the heart of our profession of arms.

As an avid sports fan, I have always found the well-trained and well-disciplined athlete who quietly goes about his or her business to achieve success is much more impressive than the show-boater or trash-talker. I know that we have those quiet professionals here at the Great Place who set the example with their actions and level of competency. Also, more important than a single sporting event, Army Combatives is a key element in ensuring we remain the greatest Army in the world by fighting and winning our nation’s wars. I am excited that we have been leading the way here at Fort Hood.

In addition, with the exceptional support of all of our units, great Families, civilians and Central Texas communities, last year’s All-Army Combatives tournament was a world-class event. I am confident that this year’s event will be equally as professional and impressive. I again want to thank all those involved for their many hours of hard work in making this event a resounding success that we can all enjoy and be tremendously proud of.

I encourage everyone to come out and support our Fort Hood team next week as we defend the championship and go for our third straight All-Army title. This is again a great opportunity to see some of the best fighters in our Army. Let us show the Army who is the best and what a world-class event looks like here at the Great Place.

Phantom Warriors! Army Strong!