Indian Army’s Leap Towards Modern Close Combat Proficiency
Ankit Sharma
ankit.cloudnine@gmail.com
The Indian Army is set to complete three years since the formal introduction of the Army Martial Arts Routine (AMAR) – a forward-looking initiative that has significantly redefined the way Indian soldiers are trained in hand-to-hand combat. As warfare evolves across multiple domains, the Army has recognized the pressing need to adapt its training methodologies to stay ahead of emerging threats.Modern battlefields are no longer confined to conventional front lines. They are fluid, multi-dimensional, and highly dynamic, demanding soldiers who are not just physically fit but also mentally agile and tactically versatile. From high-altitude conflict zones to counter-insurgency operations in dense urban terrain, each operational theatre brings with it unique challenges. As a result, standardized training modules often fall short of meeting such diverse demands.
From Gaps to Gains: The CQC Transformation
One such area identified for overhaul was the Indian Army’s Unarmed Combat (UAC) training. While it had served well in the past, it was increasingly seen as inadequate in preparing soldiers for the close-quarter combat (CQC) scenarios that are becoming more frequent and complex in modern military operations.Enter AMAR – a carefully designed martial arts routine that integrates traditional Indian fighting systems, contemporary self-defence techniques, and global martial arts practices. The aim is to develop soldiers who are not only combat-ready but also capable of adapting to the unpredictability of real-time conflict situations.
AMAR: A Combat Philosophy for the Future Soldier
Launched in 2023, AMAR is not merely a training module; it is a combat philosophy. Over the past three years, it has been systematically integrated across various Army training institutions and field units. The emphasis is on agility, instinctive response, situational awareness, and most importantly, the ability to neutralize threats without reliance on firearms – an increasingly crucial skill in scenarios where stealth and speed are paramount.The success of AMAR is also rooted in its customization. Unlike previous models that followed a one-size-fits-all approach, AMAR is tailored to the specific operational needs of different units. Be it high-altitude troops, counter-terror units, or infantry soldiers in conventional roles, the training is adapted to reflect their operational realities and the nature of potential adversaries.
In a strategic sense, AMAR represents the Army’s broader effort to modernize its human resource capabilities in line with the changing nature of warfare. As the Indian Army continues to evolve into a future-ready force, such initiatives reflect its commitment to ensuring that every soldier – regardless of terrain or theatre – is equipped with relevant, rigorous, and responsive combat skills.
Every Soldier a Weapon
Driven by the philosophy that “every soldier is a weapon in his own right,” the Indian Army undertook a critical review of its foundational training, identifying key gaps in Unarmed Combat (UAC) and Close Quarter Combat (CQC) skills. To address these, an in-depth study was conducted on global military martial arts systems and their real-world operational applications. The findings informed a well-structured proposal, outlining the qualitative requirements for CQC training and a time-bound road-map for phased implementation across all levels of the force.
The reform was designed to be holistic and sustainable, integrating not only combat techniques but also administrative, logistical, and doctrinal considerations. Importantly, it caters to the full spectrum of operational scenarios-from high-intensity engagements requiring hard techniques to situations demanding soft techniques for restraint and control. This ensures that every soldier is equipped with adaptable, mission-relevant skills to respond effectively in diverse combat environments.
Institutionalizing AMAR: From Concept to Culture
The recommendations emerging from extensive research on global military martial arts were duly examined and adopted by the Army Training Command (ARTRAC). It was emphasized that Close Quarter Combat (CQC) skills must become a daily part of a soldier’s routine-much like physical training or sports-so that these techniques become instinctive, ingrained through muscle memory. Without regular practice, supervision, and evaluation, such skills tend to degrade, underscoring the need for consistent training.By late 2022, this vision began taking shape with the formal inclusion of CQC training-later aptly named Army Martial Arts Routine (AMAR)-into the Army’s official training curriculum. The first AMAR course was launched at the Army Institute of Physical Training (AIPT) in Pune. Since then, under the principle of “Training the Trainers,” hundreds of instructors have been trained as force multipliers to instil a self-sustaining and Army-wide AMAR culture, now an integral part of unit assessments conducted by senior commanders.
Today, AMAR is actively practised at Regimental Centres, Training Academies, and operational units, with inter-unit AMAR competitions becoming a regular feature at Formation levels, often highlighted on social media platforms. In a noteworthy development, Honorary Major Dr. Deepak Rao, a 60-year-old Territorial Army veteran and combat trainer, recently contributed advanced techniques involving termination methods such as strangulation, choking, paralysis, and cervical breaks, further enhancing the tactical methods.
AMAR’s Future: Certification, Innovation, and Sustained Excellence
Beyond the battlefield, there is a vision to certify AMAR-acquired CQC skills through institutions like NSDC (SPEFL), private organizations, sports universities, and the Army itself. This certification would enhance the human capital of retiring soldiers, enabling them to effectively teach self-defense to youth in schools and colleges, thereby fostering a broader culture of public safety and security.Recently, the Indian Army has seen a surge of young innovators and reformists, including Lt Col Prasad Bansod (designer of the Asmi Machine Pistol), Lt Col GYK Reddy (developer of the Microcopter), Lt Col Heera Singh (conceptualizer of the AMAR training reform), and Maj Rajprasad (creator of Vidyut Rakshak), among others.While these developments are promising, the long-term success of AMAR hinges on regular monitoring and periodic evaluation at all levels, driven from the top down. Commanders on the ground must ensure strict adherence to standards and prevent any dilution of training quality. As the saying goes, “well begun is half done,” but the remaining half-effective implementation and sustained rigor-is yet to be achieved.
As the Army celebrates nearly three years of AMAR, it does so not just with satisfaction but with a renewed determination to continue refining and evolving its training paradigms. The battlefield may be unpredictable, but with tools like AMAR, the Indian soldier remains as prepared as ever – resilient, responsive, and ready.
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