Close Quarter Combat

This shocking manual takes you through the army's close-quarter combat system as taught by its master instructor. Find out how to break a man's arm after disarming him, do a bad guy with a bayonet or entrenching tool and many more battlefield techniques. For academic study only.

Close Quarter Combat is an anecdotal history that brings to life the fear, intensity, and raw courage of close-quarter combat in chilling detail. Despite the development of deadly long-range weapons during the twentieth century and a substantial increase in the killing power of all weapons, modern soldiers have continued to fight the enemy at close range. Close Quarter Combatincludes firsthand accounts of waging war among the ruins of Stalingrad, fighting in tunnels during the Vietnam War, springing an ambush, and even fighting with axes on the Eastern Front during World War II. The book contains accounts from US, British, German, and French servicemen and covers both world wars, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Falklands campaign.

“[A] remarkable how-to . . . offers freeze-frame instructions on medieval martial arts using swords, shields, poleaxes, daggers and wrestling” (Publishers Weekly). Written by German fencing master Hans Talhoffer in 1467, this book illustrates the intricacies of the medieval art of fighting, covering both the “judicial duel” (an officially sanctioned fight to resolve a legal dispute) and personal combat. Combatants in the Middle Ages used footwork, avoidance, and the ability to judge and manipulate timing and distance to exploit and enhance the sword’s inherent cutting and thrusting capabilities. These skills were supplemented with techniques for grappling, wrestling, kicking and throwing the opponent, as well as disarming him by seizing his weapon. Every attack contained a defense and every defense a counterattack. Talhoffer reveals the techniques for wrestling, unarmored fighting with the long sword, poleaxe, dagger, sword and buckler, and mounted combat. This unparalleled guide to medieval combat, illustrated with 268 contemporary images, provides a glimpse of real people fighting with skill, sophistication and ruthlessness. This is one of the most popular and influential manuals of its kind. “This superb treatise, amply illustrated, provides valuable insight into the real world of medieval combat. Magnificent!” —Books Monthly

Even by SAS standards Mike Curtis has had a remarkable career. A former coal miner and likely Welsh international, he served with 2 Para in the Falklands before going on to join the SAS. In C.Q.B. he describes his gruelling experience in the Falklands and also focus on two more of his major SAS operations; the first in Iraq where he spent several weeks behind enemy lines; the second in Bosnia where he worked closely with all factions and latterly led a close protection team guarding visiting heads of State. Goose Green, the first land battle of the Falklands conflict, was the longest, hardest-fought, and most controversial. The outcome there was to set the tone for the remainder of the war, affect international opinion and the morale and determination of both armies. The SAS infiltrated Iraq in two guises - as road-watch patrols and mobile fighting columns. Constituting the biggest SAS overland fighting force since the Second World War, Mike Curtis's troop constituted a coherent, mobile weapon able to operate round the clock and defend itself against surprise attack. C.Q.B. is also the first published account of the SAS's activities in former Yugoslavia by a Close Quarter Battle Specialist and John Major's personal bodyguard.

The Special Operations Executive (SOE) was the paramount Allied sabotage force of the Second World War. Its job - in Churchill's words - was to "set Europe ablaze" through the use of sabotage, insurrection and assassination. One of its "shining Stars" and "legends" was the close-combat pistol instructor, Colonel Hector Grant-Taylor. Grant-Taylor taught the commandos, secret agents and irregular soldiers the art of how to kill at close quarters. He taught them how to be ruthless, lethal and covert, and yet his own life was itself a mystery worthy of a John Buchan thriller novel. Misinformation, deception, bravery, murder, and ultimately redemption, all play a part in his story. At Close Quarters finally puts to rest the myths and legends that surrounded his life, and unravels the mysterious truth behind the enigma that was Colonel Hector Grant-Taylor!

Military units and SWAT teams that specialize in Close Quarters Battle (CQB) typically bring a large force to the fight and often have numerous supporting assets such as snipers, helicopters and tactical vehicles. Thus, the scenario of a single Soldier or SWAT officer having to operate alone is also relatively unlikely and often receives less attention. However, for ordinary citizens in a home-defense scenario or for police officers responding to an emergency call, the chances of having to operate alone are quite likely. In these types of situations, backup is frequently unavailable or will not arrive in time. The citizens and officers who are forced to operate on their own face potentially the greatest risk, yet there are almost no tactical references (books, videos or classes) that provide useful information on the subject of single-person tactics.This manual and the associated training courses were developed by a team of experts with extensive special operations and law-enforcement experience to help fill the dangerous capability and knowledge gap in the area of single-person tactics. This manual can provide citizens and officers with critical, life-saving tactical knowledge that will give them a marked advantage in an emergency situation. The manual is designed to be short, easy to read and focused on the most important information for surviving a real-life emergency. The manual also uses many pictures and illustrations to accelerate learning and help students absorb knowledge faster. It covers a wide range of tactical subjects including... -Clearing without entry-Shallow entry (limited penetration)-Deep entry-Hallways-Intersections-Stairwells-Multiple roomsThe manual also provides specific suggestions on how to prepare for and deal with likely tactical scenarios including home invasion, deadly attackers (active shooter), sniper attacks, armed robbery and hostage situations.

The LINE (linear in-fighting neural-override engagement) is the most efficient and complete system of military close combat ever developed. This official USMC instruction manual provides comprehensive instruction in all aspects of this deadly system, including unarmed combat methods, knife and bayonet fighting and use of improvised weapons.

When it comes to writing weapons, most authors shoot from the hip--and miss. The Writer's Guide to Weapons will help you hit your target every time. Firearms and knives have starring roles in a wide range of genres--crime, thriller, war, mystery, Western, and more. Unfortunately, many depictions of weapons in novels and film are pure fiction. Knowing the difference between a shotshell and a slug, a pistol and a revolver, or a switchblade and a butterfly knife is essential for imbuing your story with authenticity--and gaining popularity with discerning readers. Inside you'll find: • An in-depth look at the basics of firearms and knives: how they work, why they work, what they look like, and how to depict them accurately in your stories. • The biggest weapons myths in fiction, TV, and film. • A surefire guide for choosing the correct weapon for your characters, no matter their skill level, strength, or background. • A review of major gun and knife laws, weapons safety tips,and common police tactics. • "The Hit List," showcasing the most popular weapons for spies, detectives, gunslingers, gangsters, military characters, and more. • Examples highlighting inaccurate vs. accurate weapons depictions. • An insightful foreword by David Morrell, the award-winning creator of Rambo. Equal parts accessible, humorous, and practical, The Writer's Guide to Weapons is the one resource you need to incorporate firearms and knives into your fiction like a seasoned professional.