Originally published in 1954, the U.S. Army Hand-to-Hand Combat guide was the official field manual for soldiers. It covers hand-to-hand combat in all areas, with and without short-range weaponry, and includes training methods, defending and disarming methods, throws, holds, chokes, escapes, knife combat, dominant positions, and vulnerable body parts. This handbook is a useful and authoritative guide relevant for those interested in learning self-defense and close-range fighting techniques. The U.S. ARMY is one of three military departments in the United States (Army, Navy, and Air Force) which reports to the Department of Defense. It is comprised of two distinct and equally important components, active and reserve. The reserve components are the United States Army Reserve and the Army National Guard. The U.S. Army frequently releases publications and training manuals intended to instruct both soldiers and civilians.