1 PPCLI conducts Close Quarter Combat training

March 17, 2025 - Capt Kyle Ho, Real Property Operations Unit (West) Program Officer

In recent years, operational demands meant changes were needed within the DP1 Infanteer course to expedite getting recruits to their battalions faster.

One of those changes was the removal of the Close Quarter Combat Basic (CQCB) course. Despite being a crucial skill for all combat arms soldiers, infantry soldiers were still eligible to deploy up to the rank of Master Corporal without having the CQCB qualification.

This decision has left over 100 unqualified personnel at 1^st Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (1 PPCLI) and 3 PPCLI, making it the units’ responsibility to ensure their soldiers receive this critical training. To make it more accessible, 3 CDTC allowed the infantry battalions to run their own in‑house CQCB programs to qualify all soldiers.

Warrant Officer Benjamin Halloran, a qualified Close Quarter Combat (CQC) instructor, currently leads the 1 PPCLI CQCB program in‑house and striking continuation training.

"The qualification standard is currently under review as many [videos] from Ukraine have been released showing hand‑to‑hand combat," said WO Halloran. "The course is designed to build aggression and teach our soldiers that the one with the most heart is going to win under those undesirable circumstances. The course now focuses more on the tactical aspect, where soldiers must learn how to fight in their Full Fighting Orders for their survival and also for those around them."

The qualification is also being reviewed to include flex cuffing, teaching soldiers how to handle and control non‑compliant subjects during operations, explained Sergeant Collin Macdonald, a CQC instructor.

"All soldiers need to learn how they react when they are punched in the face,” he said. “The outcome of this course is often positive, as all students become more confident in their ability to deal with confrontations."

One of the youngest students in this CQCB serial is 19‑year‑old Private John Jimenez from 1 PPCLI’s Bravo Company, who completed his Rank Qualification Infanteer Private in December 2024 and has no background in martial arts.

"I believe this training is essential for all soldiers,” he said. “It's incredibly challenging and pushes us to our limits, but it also helps us maintain a high level of fitness and readiness. Even without a background in martial arts, I've gained a lot of confidence in my ability to handle confrontations.”

The eight‑day CQCB course provides only the fundamentals in striking and grappling. It does not make one a master in hand‑to‑hand fighting. To improve and maintain their skillsets, 1 PPCLI routinely organizes continuation training. These include workshops and seminars with civilian instructors teaching knife fighting, as well as striking and grappling programs offered during morning and noon physical training sessions from experienced members in the battalion.

Major Chris Tymchuk, a black belt with 15 years of training in Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu and five years of training in boxing and kickboxing, also holds a brown belt in Jeet Kune Do. He shared his experience conducting routine grappling trainings at 1 PPCLI.

"Warriors master their weapons, their training and themselves,” he said. “As an infantry, we need to first learn how to weaponize our body and mind. Martial arts helped me to be close to people, and I can learn all about them by sparring with them for a few minutes. You can’t hide who you are on the mat."

CQC training is crucial for infantry and all combat arms soldiers. It equips them with the necessary skills to handle confrontations and enhances their confidence in their abilities. CQC training ensures soldiers are better prepared for the realities of combat, making them more effective and resilient in the field. Continuous training and skill development are essential to maintaining high standards and readiness, ultimately contributing to the overall effectiveness and success of military operations.