Mobility equals survivability. One of the key components in a
combat stance is applying a body posture that will allow default
behaviour compliant of different parts of the body for a dynamic
mobility. Majority of combat stances, like the German NSAK,
are quite good for shooting, but terrible for rapid reactionary
body mechanics such as moving away from the shooting tunnel
instead of moving into it.
Compared to the modified IDF combat stance that we teach
at Project Gecko, there is a huge difference in the leg position.
Through the different leg position we achieve the following
advantages.
1. On Demand - In other words it has to be simple but effective
that the individual could employ the body posture literally on
demand as a behavioural default.
2.Proactive – In most cases entering a combat stance is done
in a reactive manner, as the need for the stance obviously is
triggered by something. But by being proactive for example you
can say this:
The initial posture in the modified Israeli combat stance nearly
forces the shooter into moving (not only stepping like NSAK)
sideways rather than in a linear manner towards his threat
(which increases fatality chances drastically).
3. Human Behaviour Compliant – We’ll get to this point later.
Additionally what we need to increase in our performance
tremendously is a solid manoeuvrability provided by the legs on
demand. Only through this we can maintain our centre mass in
balance while simultaneously being able to move in any given
direction as fast and safely as possible.
We reach this through bended knees and a nearly straight
torso. Through “squatting” we increase the muscle tension what
leads to a more stable position. The closer we get to the 90° in
the knee joint, the less mobile we are. So what we want is to
find the perfect balance between manoeuvrability and stability.
Typically we keep the hips projected in 45°, while the
opposite feet to the rifle pointing towards the threat or point
of interest.
Now after we talked about getting into optimal conditions
we also need to talk about how to hold them. Through the
physiology of the muscles we know that the leg muscles create
more energy when they get slightly stretched. So similar to a
sprinter getting ready at his/her starting block, we also get into
a slightly bended knee position to provide optimal conditions.
ECONOMIC USE OF ENERGY IS KEY
During long operations the soldier needs to carry all of his
equipment for days. Normally the weight of the average
assaulter loads out is around 25 or 30 kg. (Dependant on role).
Due to the fact that magazines and other essentials must be
reachable, most of the weight is normally in front.
So what happens now if we lean forward towards the
enemy? Our lower back needs to work more to stop us from
AL
MOBILITY
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