Kill or Get Killed: Riot Control Techniques, Manhandling, and Close Combat for Police and the Military is a comprehensive training manual written by Lieutenant Colonel Rex Applegate, one of the most influential close-combat instructors of the 20th century. Originally developed during World War II and later expanded for law enforcement use, the book serves as a detailed reference on close combat, self-defense, prisoner handling, crowd control, weapons employment, combat psychology, and riot control operations. The U.S. Marine Corps later republished it as FMFRP 12-80 because of its historical and training value.
The book was originally created to prepare military personnel for the realities of close-quarters combat during World War II. Applegate and his instructors developed practical methods designed for stressful, life-threatening situations where traditional sporting or martial arts approaches were often ineffective. Throughout the manual, the emphasis is placed on simplicity, speed, aggression, situational awareness, and techniques that can be learned quickly by military and law-enforcement personnel.
A significant portion of the publication focuses on personal defense and control techniques. Topics include unarmed combat fundamentals, defensive tactics, prisoner handling, weapon retention, use of batons, close-range firearms employment, and methods of controlling violent individuals. Additional chapters examine the psychology of combat, survival under stress, tactical movement, and the importance of training that realistically reflects actual conflict conditions.
The later editions also devote extensive attention to riot control and crowd-management operations. The manual discusses organization of riot-control units, formation tactics, arrest procedures, crowd behavior, use of protective equipment, and methods for restoring order during civil disturbances. These sections reflect Applegate’s extensive work with military police, intelligence personnel, and law-enforcement agencies during and after World War II.
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