There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
on December 30, 2012
I would tend to give to give this work 3 stars based on content.
Although there are some things that are definitely still valid. Many of the riot formations shown in this book are still being taught today (at least they were in my police academy.) His demonstration on use of cover, etc. There are good things here.
However there is also a lot of outdated information as well. Most of the defensive tactics and shooting techniques are VERY outdated for example and haven't been taught for decades.
I do however give it four stars as it was a PHENOMENAL collection of information and techniques for it's time. Applegate did a GREAT job putting it all together in one source. I can't really find anyone else who had done an equally thorough job of putting it all together.
(Yes, I realize he was taught a lot of his stuff from other sources, Fairbiarn for example..... but I can't find an equally thorough piece of work from any of Applegate's predecessors.)
This really should be in the library of any self-defense enthusiast (by the way... it is fun.... I've caught several "experts" who cite this book, and it becomes apparent they didn't actually READ it. ha ha)
Although there are some things that are definitely still valid. Many of the riot formations shown in this book are still being taught today (at least they were in my police academy.) His demonstration on use of cover, etc. There are good things here.
However there is also a lot of outdated information as well. Most of the defensive tactics and shooting techniques are VERY outdated for example and haven't been taught for decades.
I do however give it four stars as it was a PHENOMENAL collection of information and techniques for it's time. Applegate did a GREAT job putting it all together in one source. I can't really find anyone else who had done an equally thorough job of putting it all together.
(Yes, I realize he was taught a lot of his stuff from other sources, Fairbiarn for example..... but I can't find an equally thorough piece of work from any of Applegate's predecessors.)
This really should be in the library of any self-defense enthusiast (by the way... it is fun.... I've caught several "experts" who cite this book, and it becomes apparent they didn't actually READ it. ha ha)
on September 1, 2017
This is a real gem in combat fighting. It's old, but effective. Makes for a rather good foundation on which to build with more modern methods, if you are in any field using firearms. Rex Applegate's legacy and contributions to humanity are invaluable.
VINE VOICEon June 3, 2014
First, this is a 2007 reprint of that 1943 manual--even has a reprint of Rex Applegate's autograph from July 23, 1943. Chapter 9, "Jap Close Combat Tactics" was the best military intelligence assessment of the period and wasn't repeated in later editions.
If you want practical, get this edition: Kill Or Get Killed
Rex Applegate updated the point shooting portion in these products:
Bullseyes Don't Shoot Back
POINT SHOOTING - Battle-Proven Methods Of Combat Handgunning - with an Introduction by Col. Rex Applegate
Compared to the current US Army combatives field manual, FM 3-25.150, Applegate's "Kill or Get Killed" is simple to learn (because it exploits motions already used in normal activities) and simple to retain. FM 3-25.150 emphasized controlled aggression to CONTROL enemy soldiers and irregular fighter suspects--and is heavy on non-lethal. "Kill or Get Killed" emphasized killing the enemy as rapidly as possible when the soldier had lost his weapons--using bare hands, or improvising weapons from a stick or heavy cord. Chapter 1 is "Unarmed Offense," and the 1942 US Army hand-to-hand combat manual labeled its unarmed fighting "defense." Different mind set.
I found the chapter on disarming quaint, even though the techniques work. The reason for my bemusement is that there are three reasons why someone loses control of their loaded firearm to an enemy: failure to shoot the enemy to death, letting the enemy get too close and failure to hold onto the gun until all ammunition in the gun has been expended. When a prisoner in war fails to cooperate--SHOOT! It isn't something a law enforcement officer can do--police are into control.
The chapters on combat shooting, outdoor and indoor ranges (6, 7 and 8) are worthwhile--though Applegate did update his method of combat shooting that E. A. Sykes and W. E. Fairbairn taught to British and American special forces. Their Shooting to Live With the One Hand Gun is the source of Applegate's firearm training in Kill or Get Killed. I corresponded with Rex Applegate two decades ago because I was integrating some of his work (as much as allowed by contract) with commercial security guard training for the force protecting an American Army logistics base in the Middle East during the 1990's.
Speaking of training, when my National Guard company deployed to the Middle East for Operation Iraqi Freedom II I advertised "knife fighting classes" based on the information in Chapter 5. My first words in that class were "I lied--this isn't knife fighting. You will not give your enemy a chance to win by fighting him--you will rapidly inflict lethal injuries on him before he realizes that you have a knife." In this reprint, Applegate's ideal fighting knife was Genuine British Commando Knife W/leg Sheath, but Applegate changed his ideal to Boker Knives AF11 Applegate/Fairbairn Fixed Blade Fighting Knife with Kydex Sheath.
I read a 1943 edition first during 1976 in the base library at Kaneohe Bay Marine Corps Air Station, Hawaii, and I have been using the information since--including passing along some to Soldiers, Marines, and security personnel when appropriate.
I liked being able to trace the evolution of combatives--even when it was one man's viewpoint shifting over a period of 50 years.
If you want practical, get this edition: Kill Or Get Killed
Rex Applegate updated the point shooting portion in these products:
Bullseyes Don't Shoot Back
POINT SHOOTING - Battle-Proven Methods Of Combat Handgunning - with an Introduction by Col. Rex Applegate
Compared to the current US Army combatives field manual, FM 3-25.150, Applegate's "Kill or Get Killed" is simple to learn (because it exploits motions already used in normal activities) and simple to retain. FM 3-25.150 emphasized controlled aggression to CONTROL enemy soldiers and irregular fighter suspects--and is heavy on non-lethal. "Kill or Get Killed" emphasized killing the enemy as rapidly as possible when the soldier had lost his weapons--using bare hands, or improvising weapons from a stick or heavy cord. Chapter 1 is "Unarmed Offense," and the 1942 US Army hand-to-hand combat manual labeled its unarmed fighting "defense." Different mind set.
I found the chapter on disarming quaint, even though the techniques work. The reason for my bemusement is that there are three reasons why someone loses control of their loaded firearm to an enemy: failure to shoot the enemy to death, letting the enemy get too close and failure to hold onto the gun until all ammunition in the gun has been expended. When a prisoner in war fails to cooperate--SHOOT! It isn't something a law enforcement officer can do--police are into control.
The chapters on combat shooting, outdoor and indoor ranges (6, 7 and 8) are worthwhile--though Applegate did update his method of combat shooting that E. A. Sykes and W. E. Fairbairn taught to British and American special forces. Their Shooting to Live With the One Hand Gun is the source of Applegate's firearm training in Kill or Get Killed. I corresponded with Rex Applegate two decades ago because I was integrating some of his work (as much as allowed by contract) with commercial security guard training for the force protecting an American Army logistics base in the Middle East during the 1990's.
Speaking of training, when my National Guard company deployed to the Middle East for Operation Iraqi Freedom II I advertised "knife fighting classes" based on the information in Chapter 5. My first words in that class were "I lied--this isn't knife fighting. You will not give your enemy a chance to win by fighting him--you will rapidly inflict lethal injuries on him before he realizes that you have a knife." In this reprint, Applegate's ideal fighting knife was Genuine British Commando Knife W/leg Sheath, but Applegate changed his ideal to Boker Knives AF11 Applegate/Fairbairn Fixed Blade Fighting Knife with Kydex Sheath.
I read a 1943 edition first during 1976 in the base library at Kaneohe Bay Marine Corps Air Station, Hawaii, and I have been using the information since--including passing along some to Soldiers, Marines, and security personnel when appropriate.
I liked being able to trace the evolution of combatives--even when it was one man's viewpoint shifting over a period of 50 years.
on August 28, 2016
It's a great book. The information presented is probably as valid and useful now as it was when written. Col. Applegate really knew his stuff...his redesign of the F-S knife addressed all of the weaknesses and introduced a number of improvements. Excellent source of material for martial artists, law enforcement or anyone interested in furthering a martial mindset.
on June 9, 2017
Anyone in the military should read this and own a copy.
on February 12, 2014
Excellent information applicable to any modern Martial Art or self defense system.
These old school guys didn't waste time or play around.
These old school guys didn't waste time or play around.
on February 22, 2017
The information presented here can be life saving if you find yourself in a tough situation. It most certainly requires some smart and careful practice sessions to get the effectiveness out of it.
on June 17, 2013
I got this book for professional and academic reasons. COL Applegate has written a superb book that has not been rendered obsolete with age. The format is unchanged from its original presentation, which is actually beneficial. The training, philosophy and methods are as applicable today as they ever were, which means it's not a topic for fools. Still, few topics are improved by fools. Very happy with the purchase.
on June 14, 2014
The first portion of the book on hand to hand fighting is a good review for those who have had a good instructor. A French Legion officer was my first instructor and he covered everything in the hand to hand fighting portion. I think the advice given and strategies are fine. They seem logical. I don't think I could absorb the information as well without previous instruction.
