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The essence of a warrior: Do you have it?

  • Published
  • By Maj. Robert Rossi
  • 375th Security Forces Squadron commander
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Within the realm of modern combatives, there are two simple truths. The first is that the true essence and test of a warrior is the willingness to close with the enemy. The second is that the person who wins the fight is almost always the one whose friends show up first with a gun.

I recently participated in an Army combatives course where one of the requirements was to participate in a clinch drill. The object of the drill is to close with an attacker and end his attack by gaining control of, or clinching, his arms. To be successful in the drill you must determine your opponent's max effective range and then stay outside of it until you can quickly pass through it and gain control. Meanwhile, the attacker is continuously executing the universal fight strategy by throwing as many punches as possible for the purpose of inflicting maximum damage. The round continues until the attacker is subdued or the student is unable to continue the fight. Each student must complete four rounds against different attackers. The student is forced to demonstrate the warrior essence; there is no way to finish the drill without first moving through the field of fire and closing with the enemy. The drill teaches the student that they can stand in the fight, endure physical punishment, persevere and succeed against a fully resistant opponent intent on inflicting them harm.

President and famed Rough Rider Theodore Roosevelt stated "it is not the critic who counts...the credit belongs to the man actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood who strives valiantly, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming," and "if he fails, at least he fails while daring great." Theodore Roosevelt understood the essence of a warrior. He knew that nothing great comes without great sacrifice and risk. The warrior, even if knocked down, always stands up to face the next challenge. We all face challenges in our everyday lives. Certainly not all of them are as severe as being punched in the head, although at times we might feel that way. It is the warrior essence that motivates us to charge into challenges head-on, take our lumps, persevere, and find a way to achieve success.

As members of the Armed Forces, we step into the "arena" willingly, ready to face our foes without hesitation. To better do that, the warrior values preparation. It is training that prepares us to close with the enemy. Preparation and training help instill confidence in ourselves and in our skills. Warrior essence is the foundation; once you've established the willingness to close with the enemy, the skill to better do so can be learned and honed. What are you doing to develop the essence of a warrior?