D.C. National Guard Combatives Program builds readiness, warrior ethos

WASHINGTON - In a basement training room at the D.C. Army National Guard Armory, soldiers and airmen train in close-quarters combat - a hands-on program leaders say is sharpening readiness, discipline and the warrior ethos across the force.

Formally established in February, the District of Columbia National Guard's Combatives Program is already producing results, sending competitors to the 2026 Lacerda Cup - one of the Army's premier hand-to-hand combat tournaments - while reshaping how some units approach physical training. The program aligns with the Modern Army Combatives Program, blending wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, boxing and Muay Thai to improve lethality, self-defense and unit cohesion.

"The mission of the combatives program is to increase soldier lethality and their understanding and comprehension of what to do during a physical altercation," said Capt. Andrew Devine, the program's officer in charge.

Training prepares troops for unpredictable environments, teaching them how to create space, control individuals and protect themselves and others, Devine said.

The program has also fielded a competitive team testing itself against top fighters across the force. At the 2026 Lacerda Cup at Fort Benning, 21 teams competed - including 19 active-duty, one Army Reserve and two National Guard teams - with only eight champions emerging. National Guard soldiers from several states advanced through early rounds, with seven reaching the semifinals and four advancing to the finals.

Among them was Spc. Isaiah Castellanos of the D.C. National Guard, who won the bantamweight title after four matches in three days. He finished each bout in under two minutes, earning three submission victories before closing the championship fight with a knockout against a teammate.

"It feels pretty good," Castellanos said. "My coaches and my teammates helped me a lot with my game plan."

While competition highlights top performers, leaders emphasize the program is designed for soldiers and airmen at all experience levels. Participation ranges from beginners to professional fighters across the Army and Air National Guard.

A five-day basic course introduces foundational techniques, while a two-week advanced course builds on those skills through scenario-based training and controlled competition.

"The way that it's designed is to take somebody who's never had any martial arts or fighting experience and … give them a basic understanding," Devine said.

That accessibility has drawn participants with varied backgrounds. Castellanos, who entered with experience in wrestling and jiu-jitsu, said the program helped expand his skills into striking disciplines.

"It's definitely something you can start from zero with," he said.

Located inside the D.C. Armory, the program offers accessible training opportunities for Guardsmen assigned to Joint Task Force-District of Columbia. Units can reserve time with instructors, enabling broader participation across the force, including recurring training by the 260th Special Purpose Brigade and long-term involvement from Air National Guard members.

Leaders say the program is also improving morale and retention, with many participants ranking combatives among their preferred forms of physical training.

"It's their favorite PT because it's something new, and people are actually learning skills that they can apply," Devine said.

Participation remains voluntary, but officials expect the program to expand as interest grows. For leaders, the objective is clear.

"It's just being able to be prepared to fight and win," Devine said.

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