4-16. The Army is currently fielding two types of riot batons, wooden and expandable. The most common riot baton is the 36-inch hickory riot baton with thong. There is also the 24- to 36-inch expandable riot baton, which has been added to the nonlethal capabilities set (NLCS). Regardless of which riot baton the soldiers are equipped with, all techniques for blocking and striking are identical. Similar to the riot shield, the riot baton offers soldiers both offensive and defensive capabilities.
4-17. Soldiers must be properly trained in all blocking and striking techniques. Improper use of the riot baton by an untrained soldier has the potential for creating a greater problem than what already exists.
NOMENCLATURE OF THE RIOT BATON
4-18. The riot baton is divided into four basic parts: the long end, long portion, grip portion, and grip end (see Figure 4-5). Although the expandable and wooden riot batons differ, their nomenclature is quite similar.
TYPES OF RIOT BATON CARRIES AND POSITIONS
4-19. As with any other weapon that the soldier will use, there are certain carries and positions from which the riot baton may be used offensively or 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°.
Figure 4-5. The Riot Baton
Grip portion
Grip end
Long portion Long end
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.
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.
Figure 4-6. Two-Hand Carry
CAUTION
The expandable and 36-inch wooden riot batons provide a greater risk of injury to the soldier’s wrist.
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
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