ICS - courses

“Stalker Training” with the Third Recon Marine Battalion in Okinawa


Sgt Tom Richter and SSgt Michael Burke in Battlehand pattern: Richter taking the rifle-bayonet from SSgt Michael Burke.	Working through the Battlehand patterns. Sgts Dave Blome (l) and Tom Richter in the foreground.	Nibler and GSgt Roger Harmon demonstrating fine points.

The ICS has developed a new training course in conjunction with the Third Recon Battalion, USMC. The two-week program - “Stalker Training” - was rolled out at the end of October this year at Camp Schwab on Okinawa, where 3rd Recon is located. Nick Nibler and Hunter “Chip” Armstrong were invited to lead 25 selected members of the Battalion in a specialized course of instruction designed to provide each individual with a better understanding of natural human combative capabilities based on humans’ early evolution as hunter/stalkers, and how to implement those capabilities in the Marine Recon’s already high level training. The course of instruction included both classroom lecture and considerable “on the ground training,” including work on trails through heavy undergrowth.

Officially, 3rd Recon’s mission is to “conduct amphibious and ground reconnaissance operations, surveillance, battle-space shaping, and limited scale raids in support of the III Marine Expeditionary Force, 3d Marine Division, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and other Marine Air-Ground Task Forces (MAGTF'S) or a Combined/Joint Task Force.” In short, 3rd Recon is a unit whose members are jump and scuba qualified to handle a full range of reconnaissance type operations. They are imbued with skills that are generally found only in a limited number of specialized elite military units.

The basis of the training package was a group of close-in combat training patterns called “Battlehand.” Battlehand consists of 11 training patterns using hand-to-hand weapons (mounted bayonet, battle blade aka a combat knife, stick, and empty hands). Additionally, there are six firearm adversary drills that are initially done with the handgun. These patterns are based on natural postures and biomechanical movement patterns that are intrinsic to humans, and can be seen in the hunter behaviors of all cultures. The patterns are all simple and direct, mostly consisting of one or two-step elements. Also incorporated in the patterns are means for developing an understanding and efficient use of such concepts as approach-close-and-entry (see “Approach, Close, And Entry” by Hunter Armstrong, IHS web site) and effective use of targeting-timing-distancing (see “Hoplological Concepts of Space and Time” by Hunter B. Armstrong, Hop-Lite No. 13).

By reinforcing natural patterns of movement-and-behavior, rather than trying to develop new more complicated neuro-biomechanical patterns, the performance behaviors are more likely to survive the high level stress of combat.


Niber addressing instructors-in-training: 1st Lt Nic Wisecarver, Sgt Dave Blome, Sgt Tom Richter, and MCMAP instructors SSgt Friend and SSgt Bullock.	1st Lt Nic Wisecarver in Battlehand pattern putting battle blade to SSgt “Bull” Bullock’s throat.

In the course of training, the group of 25 was split and 11 seniors were selected to work at a more intensive level to prepare them as instructors-in-training in the Battlehand and Stalker Training.

The first part of the training was conducted on a level field next to the 3rd Recon’s combat training room. The Recon Marines were extremely quick to gain capability in the basic skills, and at that point, two-on-one drills were introduced. To add some degree of reality, some of the training was done in rough terrain on the beach and brush area adjacent to the training field.


LCpl Michael Paulsen in Battlehand pattern using the battle blade to take away the rifle-bayonet from 1st Lt Nic Wisecarver.	Two-man team of LCpl Patrick Dolphin (l) and LCpl Jace Earp after just taking out Sgt Dave Blome, one of a series of hidden adversaries they had to deal with.	Nibler watches as Cpl John Quante and Chief Mike McNair prepare (?) for battle.

By the second week, the Recon Stalkers were ready to practice their skills under more realistic conditions by taking the training into a heavy undergrowth area known as LZ Phoenix. At this level, the instructors-in-training took over designing the adversary training drills, and setting up patrol and ambush scenarios. These are particularly intense drills with both groups playing both ambushers and Marines. It should be mentioned that during all of these drills the Recon men wore everything from web gear to armor and packs. This was physically demanding, but these Marines were more than capable of handling the physical demands.

LCpl Andrew Siler and LCpl Kevin Theis forcefully taking down SSgt Michael Burke.

In the Stalker Training, Nibler and Armstrong were greatly helped out by Staff Sergeant Darrell Pinson and Staff Sergeant “Bull” Bullock, members of the Okinawa MCMAP (Marine Corps Martial Arts Program) instructor-trainer cadre, as well as, the current chief of MCMAP Okinawa Master Sergeant Shane Franklin. The men of the 3rd Recon Battalion are among the most professional we've had the privilege to work with.

L-R: Cpl Geoff Jamison, Armstrong, Nibler, GSgt Roger Harmon, Sgt Perry Silverlake, Capt Mike Taylor, Cpl John Quante, HMC Mike McNair, Sgt Marcus Foran, LTC Bristol, Sgt Dave Blome, Sgt Tom Richter, SSgt Michael Burke, SSgt Darrell Pinson, 1st Lt Nic Wisecarver