Target indexing is a most important component of effective threat neutralisation in military armed and unarmed combat and military self-defence.
In my early days under Harry Baldock as a exponent of his World War II unarmed combat training package, the importance of target indexing and target orientation were clearly briefed/detailed in all our armed and unarmed combat training.
From bayonet training and sword combat to unarmed offensive assault and unarmed counter offensive engagement, the importance of target orientation and indexing was an obvious major execution/employment component that enhanced objective achievement.
My dear friend, the late Bill Hall served in bomber command and underwent commando unarmed combat training in Scotland prior to deployment.
He was introduced to the importance of target indexing not only in unarmed combat but also in dagger combat and point shooting.
He was instructed in pointing with this index finger and squeezing the trigger with his second finger as depicted in the above photograph.
Military close combat and MSD military self-defence being progressive living packages equates to tactics and skills changes to stay at the forefront of enemy threats including skill at arms in CQB/CQC and as such some previous methods may well become obsolete or dormant over time but when they were primary practices they best armed combatants of the era with the most current capabilities.
Many important principles of unarmed combat include tradecraft practices such as target alignment and close range indexing from external body line to target centreline.
Hard/fast boots indexing is another important component of closing range that not only emphasises direct lines but also enhances commitment and momentum.
Some hard/fast boots footwork requires minor adjustments immediately prior to expedient action execution and re-adjustment post skills employment.
In unarmed combat close range actions on target alignment and indexing is very important in regards to effective objective achievement.
European military close combat utilises indexing skills that not only provide accurate targeting but also have commonality with hard cover guard protective and deflective self-protection capabilities.
Such combined skills share commonality and economy of movement.
Indexing applies not only to direct line unarmed offensive assault engagement but also to the use of diagonal line momentum in enemy decentralisation and fast boots evasive clearing of the kill zone combined with post evasive enemy orientation and direct line indexed threat neutralisation.
In armed combat indexing weapon retention and the protection of your fingers and thumbs are important considerations.
Indexing with your head, boots and torso promotes expedient entry action and high velocity momentum.
Indexing applies to all flanks skills employments and to all roles including close protection related close combat.
Every aspect of military close combat and military self- defence training must include target alignment and target indexing to maximise accuracy and contact velocity/momentum.
Such trade-craft training primary practices are included in all mil CQC/MSD training and will be covered by your mil close combat instructor.
