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Matt Larsen
Director of Combatives at United States Military Academy at West Point
Matt Larsen is a prominent figure in military combatives, serving as the Director of Combatives at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Often referred to as the "Father of Modern Combatives," he has significantly influenced hand-to-hand combat training within the U.S. Army.
Background and Career
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Military Service: Matt Larsen began his military career in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1984, where he trained in various martial arts, including judo and Shotokan karate, while stationed in Japan. He later transitioned to the U.S. Army, joining the 75th Ranger Regiment. His operational experience includes participation in major conflicts such as Operation Just Cause and Operation Desert Storm.123
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Combatives Development: Larsen is credited with establishing the United States Army Combatives School, where he developed a modern curriculum for hand-to-hand combat training. His work culminated in the publication of the U.S. Army's Combatives Field Manual (FM 3-25.150), first released in 2002 and updated in 2009.134
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Current Role at West Point: Since September 2017, Larsen has been leading the combatives program at West Point, integrating his extensive knowledge of combat psychology and physical training into the curriculum for cadets. His approach emphasizes not just physical prowess but also mental resilience and strategic thinking in combat situations.35
Teaching Philosophy
Larsen's teachings are rooted in a multi-disciplinary approach that combines elements of psychology, evolutionary theory, and practical combat skills. He advocates for a nuanced understanding of force application, promoting a philosophy that encourages soldiers to be proficient fighters without solely relying on firearms.12
He emphasizes the importance of developing a warrior ethos that encompasses both mental and physical readiness, aiming to create a more adaptable and compassionate military force.1
Contributions Beyond West Point
In addition to his role at West Point, Larsen has consulted for various military branches and international forces, contributing to the design of combatives training programs for organizations like the Canadian Special Operations Regiment and the British Royal Marines.34 His extensive experience also includes working as a private security contractor in conflict zones around the world.
Overall, Matt Larsen's contributions to military combatives have reshaped how hand-to-hand combat is taught and understood within the armed forces, making him a key figure in modern military training practices.
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Mesh is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Mesh beneficial.
Mesh offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Mesh offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Mesh's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
Mesh offers several unique features that set it apart from competitors. Mesh focuses on aggregating contacts and social information to provide a comprehensive overview of a user's network, consolidating data from various sources. Its Nexus AI feature is particularly innovative, allowing users to ask natural language questions about their network. Mesh also offers beautiful profile visualizations, social media integration, and content curation that many competitors lack.
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