defensively.
Two-Hand Carry
4-20. The two-hand carry is the most common carry for the riot baton. It is
intended for executing all blocks and returning with strikes. When the
expandable riot baton is in the collapsed position (at 24 inches), the long end of the riot baton is angled downward approximately 45°. When it is extended
to 36 inches the long end is angled upward approximately 45°.
18 April 2005
FM 3-19.15
4-7
Riot Shield and Riot Baton Techniques
4-21. The wooden riot baton is secured with the soldier’s hand by means of a
leather thong. He hooks the thumb of his strong hand (palm down) in the
thong, pulls the thong across the back of his hand, and grips the riot baton.
This provides him with a very secure grip (see Figure 4-6).
4-22. The two-hand carry is intended for executing all blocks and returning
with strikes. The soldier grips the riot baton with both hands. His strong hand grips the short end of the riot baton, and his weak hand grips the long portion of the riot baton, 2 to 4 inches from the end. His palm is down with his strong hand pulled in close against his strong side hip.
4-23. Wherever the long portion of the riot baton is pointed is where the
soldier will strike or jab. The riot baton should be kept at a 45° angle to the ground. All blocks and two-hand jabs and strikes are executed from the
two-hand carry.
Figure 4-6. Two-Hand Carry
Outside-Arm Carry (Expandable Riot Baton Only)
4-24. The outside-arm carry (see Figure 4-7) is used with the expandable riot baton in the collapsed (24-inch) position only. Assuming a wide-based
defensive stance (knees slightly bent and feet shoulder width apart), a soldier draws the grip portion of the riot baton with his strong hand. Without striking out or widely swinging the riot baton, he brings the long portion up against
the outer part of his strong arm (the tricep area). The soldier’s weak hand
should be raised in a position to protect and block strikes from an aggressor. It is from this carrying position that a soldier can effectively use both the front and rear strikes. Front and rear strikes should never be performed with an
expandable riot baton in the expanded position or with a 36-inch wooden riot
baton.
CAUTION
The expandable and 36-inch wooden riot batons provide a
greater risk of injury to the soldier’s wrist.
4-8
FM 3-19.15
18 April 2005
Riot Shield and Riot Baton Techniques
Figure 4-7. Outside-Arm Carry
Vertical High-Profile Carry
4-25. Assuming a wide-based defensive stance, the soldier draws the riot
baton with his strong hand by the grip portion. Once the riot baton has been
drawn from the carrier, the soldier swings the riot baton in a downward
motion, fully extending the arm and holding the riot baton down and parallel
to the strong side leg. The soldier’s weak hand is raised in a position to protect and block strikes from an aggressor (see Figure 4-8, page 4-10). Although this carry can be used with both riot baton systems, it is best suited for the
expandable riot baton collapsed to 24 inches. The vertical high-profile carry
clearly shows the soldier with a drawn riot baton in an effective defensive
posture and ready for attack. A drawn riot baton in the hands of a trained
soldier may offer just the kind of deterrence needed to stop the activity of an aggressor.
Vertical Low-Profile Carry
4-26. Assuming a wide-based defensive stance, the soldier draws the riot
baton with his strong hand by the grip portion. Once the riot baton has been
drawn from the carrier, the soldier swings the riot baton in a downward
motion, fully extending his arm and holding the riot baton down and parallel
to his strong side leg. His weak side hand is raised in a position to protect and block strikes from an aggressor (see Figure 4-9, page 4-10). Although this carry can be used with both types of riot batons, it is best suited for the
expandable riot baton collapsed to 24 inches. This position portrays the soldier in an effective defensive position ready for an attack, but with a possible
hidden weapon. The major difference between the vertical low-profile and
high-profile carry is that in the low-profile carry the soldier hides the riot 18 April 2005
FM 3-19.15
4-9
Riot Shield and Riot Baton Techniques
baton behind his strong side leg, allowing for some element of surprise to a
potential aggressor. A drawn riot baton in the hands of a trained soldier may
offer the deterrence needed to stop the activity of an aggressor.
Figure 4-8. Vertical High-Profile Carry
Figure 4-9. Vertical Low-Profile Carry
4-10
FM 3-19.15
18 April 2005
Riot Shield and Riot Baton Techniques
RIOT BATON BLOCKING TECHNIQUES
4-27. There are five basic types of riot baton blocking techniques that are
executed from the two-hand carry position.
High Block
4-28. The high block is very effective in blocking a downward, vertical strike directed at the top of the head and shoulders. This type of downward, vertical strike may be from a club, pipe, or similar object. The high block is a two-step movement. To perform a high block the soldier performs the following steps:
Step 1. Raises the riot baton straight across his body until it is parallel to the ground (see Figure 4-10).
Step 2. Brings the riot baton straight-up in front of his body until the long portion of the riot baton is in front of his forehead (approximately 2
inches from his head). The riot baton should be in a horizontal position
above his head and slightly angled down toward his weak hand, as it
absorbs the shock from the strike (see Figure 4-10). The fingers of his weak hand should be open and behind the long portion of the riot baton
when blocking the object to protect his fingers from being smashed by the
strike.
Figure 4-10. High Block (Steps 1 and 2)
Low Block
4-29. A low block is very effective in blocking an upward vertical strike
directed at the groin, lower abdomen, chest, or chin. This upward vertical
strike may be from an individual's foot, knee, or fist (for example, an upper cut to the chin). To perform a low block, the soldier performs the following steps:
Step 1. Raises the riot baton straight across his body until it is parallel to the ground (see Figure 4-11, page 4-12).
Step 2. Brings the riot baton straight down in front of his body, bending at his knees and keeping his body upright until the long portion of the riot
baton is just below his knees (see Figure 4-11). The riot baton should be horizontal and parallel to the ground as it absorbs the shock from an
18 April 2005
FM 3-19.15
4-11
Riot Shield and Riot Baton Techniques
upward strike. His weak hand fingers should be open and behind the long
portion of the riot baton when blocking the object to protect his fingers
from being smashed by the strike.
Figure 4-11. Low Block (Steps 1 and 2)
Strong Side Block
4-30. A strong side block is very effective in blocking a horizontal strike
directed at the strong side of the head, neck, chest (or flank), or hip area. The horizontal strike may be from an individual’s foot, fist, elbow, knee, or
weapon. To perform a strong side block, the soldier performs the following
steps:
Step 1. Raises the riot baton straight across his body in a vertical position where the grip portion is in his strong hand and the long portion is in his
weak hand with the fingers straight up (see Figure 4-12).
Step 2. Turns his body laterally by rotating his hips toward his strong side and moving the riot baton across his body, keeping the riot baton
vertical (see Figure 4-12).
4-31. The strong side block provides protection for a soldier from the front to the rear of his body. A riot baton held in the vertical position absorbs the
shock of a strike coming from the strong side. The fingers of his weak hand
should be open and behind the long portion of the riot baton, when blocking
the object to protect his fingers from being smashed by the strike.
Weak Side Block
4-32. A weak side block is very effective in blocking a horizontal strike
directed at the weak side of the head, neck, chest, or hip area. The horizontal strike may be from an individual's foot, fist, elbow, or knee. To perform a weak side block, the soldier performs the following steps:
Step 1. Moves the riot baton in a vertical position toward his weak side, ensuring that the grip portion is pointing straight down and the long
portion is pointing straight up.
4-12
FM 3-19.15
18 April 2005
Riot Shield and Riot Baton Techniques
Figure 4-12. Strong Side Block (Steps 1 and 2)
Step 2. Keeps the fingers of his weak hand open and behind the long portion of the riot baton when blocking the object to protect his fingers
from being smashed by the strike. At the moment of contact with the
opposing strike, the blocking surface of the long portion should be at a
right angle to the opposing object.
Step 3. Assess the situation following a weak side block, and take appropriate follow-up action, as needed.
Middle Block
4-33. A middle block is very effective in blocking a front horizontal strike
directed at the face, throat, chest, abdomen, or hip. The horizontal strike may be from an individual trying to tackle near the waist or shove or punch at the face. To perform a middle block, the soldier performs the following steps:
Step 1. Moves the riot baton toward the middle of his body at a 45° angle, keeping the long portion pointed up and slightly forward of the grip
portion (see Figure 4-13, page 4-14).
Step 2. Keeps the fingers of his weak hand open and behind the long portion of the riot baton when blocking the object to protect his fingers
from being smashed by the strike. However, his weak hand may have to
grip the long portion when pushing an individual away or forcing an
individual down on the ground if the individual is trying to tackle.
RIOT BATON STRIKING TECHNIQUES
4-34. Seven strikes can be executed using the riot baton. Two of these strikes come from the outside-arm or vertical carry. The other five strikes come from
the two-hand carry.
18 April 2005
FM 3-19.15
4-13
Riot Shield and Riot Baton Techniques
Figure 4-13. Middle Block
One-Hand Forward Strike
4-35. The one-hand forward strike is a very quick and effective offensive
strike. It is usually employed as a countermeasure to an attack from the front that has been blocked effectively.
4-36. Target areas can be as high as the outside upper arm, down to the outer thigh region. An effective one-hand forward strike must be aggressively quick, with the purpose of distracting, disabling, or altering behavior. Therefore,
those employing this technique must be sensitive to what part of the riot
baton they use to strike the individual. Strike the target with the last 2 to 4
inches of the long end for optimal results.
4-37. A one-hand forward strike may be employed in one of the following
three ways. When selecting available targets, use the principles in Figure 4-4, page 4-5.
z
A horizontal manner.
z
A downward diagonal manner to destabilize an individual.
z
A vertical manner in front of the body to clear an aggressor’s hands.
NOTE: When the one-hand forward strike is used in a vertical
manner, keep the long portion straight up, not angled forward. By
keeping the long portion up rather than angled forward, the chance
of striking the individual in the face or head is significantly reduced.
For the counterstrike to be effective, follow through with the
technique when the baton makes contact with the aggressor and/or
his object to destabilize the him. A pattern of movement such as a
4-14
FM 3-19.15
18 April 2005
Riot Shield and Riot Baton Techniques
forward shuffle, forward pivot, strong side step, or rear pivot may
enhance this technique.
WARNING
Do not execute the one-hand forward strike with the
wooden or expandable riot baton in the extended position.
It has been shown to cause injury to the wrist of the user.
4-38. When using the vertical or outside-arm carry position (see Figures 4-7, page 4-9 and 4-8, page 4-10), the soldier quickly moves the riot baton across his body using the strength and power of his hips, moving from his strong side to his weak side (see Figure 4-14, page 4-16). Ending this strike leaves the riot baton positioned under the weak side armpit in preparation for the one-hand
reverse strike (see Figure 4-14). When delivering this strong side strike technique (in a horizontal or downward diagonal manner), ensure that the
palm is facing up. In a vertical delivery, the palm will be toward the chest
rather than up. Pause following the one-hand forward strike and assess the
situation. Take appropriate follow-up action, as needed. If the situation does not call for additional strikes, avoid striking again.
One-Hand Reverse Strike
4-39. The starting position for the one-hand reverse strike is under the weak side armpit (see Figure 4-14). The one-hand reverse strike is used as a follow-up strike and is quick and effective.
4-40. Target areas can be as high as the outside upper arm, down to the outer thigh region. An effective one-hand reverse strike must be aggressively quick, with the purpose of distracting, disabling, or altering behavior. Therefore,
those employing this technique must be sensitive to what part of the riot
baton they use to strike the individual. Strike the target with the last 2 to 4
inches of the riot baton for optimal results.
4-41. A soldier may employee a reverse strike in one of the following three
ways:
z
A horizontal manner.
z
A downward diagonal manner to destabilize an individual.
z
A vertical manner.
4-42. In front of the body to clear an individual’s hands. When the one-hand
reverse strike is used in a vertical manner, keep the long portion straight up, not angled forward. By keeping the long portion up rather than angled
forward, the chance of striking the individual in the face or head is
significantly reduced. When selecting available targets, use the principles in Figure 4-4, page 4-5.
4-43. The one-hand reverse strike is considered a follow-up strike to the one-hand forward strike. As a follow-up strike, it is important that soldiers are
taught the discipline of assessing the target. An aggressor may not require
another strike, based on his condition and actions after enduring the one-hand forward strike.
18 April 2005
FM 3-19.15
4-15
Riot Shield and Riot Baton Techniques
Forward Strike
Target Assessment
Reverse Strike
Figure 4-14. One-Hand Forward and Reverse Strikes
4-44. When using the one-hand reverse strike, the solder quickly moves the
straight baton across his body, using the strength and power of his hips (from weak side to strong side). When the strike is completed, the soldier’s arm will be back in the outside-arm carry position (see Figure 4-7, page 4-9). The soldier ensures that his palm is facing down when delivering the counterstrike in a horizontal or diagonal manner. This will prevent injury to the user’s
wrist. In a vertical delivery, the palm will be toward the chest rather than up.
Following the one-hand reverse strike, assess the situation and take
appropriate follow-up action, as needed. If the situation does not call for
additional strikes, the soldier should avoid striking again.
4-45. When the one-hand reverse strike is used in a vertical manner, keep the long portion straight up, not angled forward. By keeping the long portion up
rather than angled forward, the chance of striking an individual in the face or head is significantly reduced. For the counterstrike to be effective, follow
through with the technique when the baton makes contact with the aggressor
and/or his object to destabilize him. A pattern of movement such as the
forward shuffle, forward pivot, strong side step, or rear pivot may enhance
this technique.
WARNING
This strike will not be executed with a 36-inch wooden or
expandable riot baton in the extended position. It has
been shown to cause injury to the wrist of the user.
Two-Hand Strong Side Horizontal Strike
4-46. Starting from the two-hand carry position, the two-hand strong side
horizontal strike can be aggressively quick. The purpose of this strike is to
create distance, distract, disable, or alter behavior. Strong side horizontal
strikes are quick and effective offensive strikes, usually employed as a
4-16
FM 3-19.15
18 April 2005
Riot Shield and Riot Baton Techniques
countermeasure to close frontal attacks that have been effectively blocked.
When selecting available targets, use the principles in Figure 4-4, page 4-5.
4-47. The two-hand carry position enables soldiers to use riot batons at the
24- or 36-inch length. To effectively employ this strike, use the strength and power of the hips to thrust the riot baton in a horizontal manner.
Simultaneously, pull back with the weak hand as the strong hand drives the
grip end toward the target, striking a rib or the abdominal region of the
aggressor (see Figure 4-15, page 4-18). Following the two-hand strong side horizontal strike, assess the target before following up with another strike. An aggressor may not require another strike, based on his condition and actions
after enduring the one-hand forward strike.
NOTE: A pattern of movement such as a forward shuffle or forward
pivot may enhance this technique.
Two-Hand Weak Side Horizontal Strike
4-48. An effective two-hand weak side horizontal strike must be aggressively
quick to create distance, distract, disable, or alter behavior. The weak side
horizontal strike is a quick and effective offensive strike usually employed as a follow-up strike to the strong side horizontal strike. It is a countermeasure designed to close frontal attacks that have been effectively blocked. When
selecting available targets, use the principles in Figure 4-4. Maintaining a strong defensive stance after employing a strong side horizontal strike puts
the soldier in position to execute a two-hand weak side horizontal strike.
4-49. Use of the two-hand carry position enables soldiers to use riot batons at 24 or 36 inches. To effectively employ this strike, use the strength and power of the hips to thrust the riot baton in a horizontal manner. Simultaneously,
pull back with the strong hand as the weak hand drives the grip forward
toward the aggressor, striking a rib or the abdominal region of the target (see Figure 4-15). Following the two-hand weak side horizontal strike, it is important to assess the aggressor. An aggressor may not require another
strike, based on his condition and actions after enduring the one-hand forward strike.
NOTE: A pattern of movement such as a forward shuffle or forward
pivot may enhance this technique.
Two-Hand Front Jab
4-50. The two-hand front jab starts from the two-hand carry position (see
Figure 4-16, page 4-18). It is aggressively quick and creates distance, distracts, disables, and/or alters behavior. Front jabs are effective offensive strikes, usually employed as a countermeasure to charging and overpowering
frontal attacks. When selecting available targets, use the principles in
Figure 4-4.
18 April 2005
FM 3-19.15
4-17
Riot Shield and Riot Baton Techniques
Figure 4-15. Two-Hand, Strong Side, and Weak Side Horizontal Strikes
4-51. Use of the two-hand carry position enables soldiers to use riot batons at 24 or 36 inches. Use the strength and power of the hips to effectively employ
this strike in a slightly downward or horizontal manner. Simultaneously, use
both arms to shoot the long end of the riot baton straight out from the body to the target area. Immediately, pull back the riot baton to the two-hand carry
position (see Figure 4-16).
Figure 4-16. Front Jab
4-52. Forward jabs drive the long end of the riot baton toward the aggressor, striking a rib, a hip flexor, or the abdominal region (see Figure 4-4, page 4-5).
Following the two-hand front jab, it is important that soldiers assess the
aggressor before following through with another strike, as the aggressor may
not require another strike.
NOTE: A pattern of movement such as a forward shuffle will enhance