During this trip to Lima Kocom focused on training the National Police Special Operations Unit better known as DINOES. This unit’s specialty is to combat Narco-Terrorism both in the jungle and in urban environments.
The focus of this training was extreme close combat with a handgun and a blade. Over the last year over 200 Peruvian Police Officers had been murdered in the jungles by various drug cartels and indigenous guerillas trying to over throw the government. Some of these incidents started as riots and escalated to full blown assaults while others were initiated by ambushes. Reports indicate that most Officers were dying within a range of 5 feet, normally after a sniper had shot the drivers of the vehicles and caused vehicular shutdown. There is no doubt that Peruvians have heart, they have always fought for their country with great honor and pride. However, the lack of training is evident and has caused way too many lives. Our goal was to introduce them to techniques and tactics that they could apply efficiently during close range combat incidents in any environment.
The DINOES training facility is a rare one, I have been to numerous special operations training sites all around the world and I must say this is one of the best. There is nothing fancy about this site, no high tech firing ranges here, just simple openness and the essentials required for hardcore training, tucked away in the mountains.
Day one consisted of Aiki-Con Knife Fighting techniques. The techniques shown here were specific to their needs. The class consisted techniques that would quickly stop an attack using very efficient movement. Most importantly the techniques were simple to learn. The energy was great and the officers were thrilled with the techniques. They were a sponge, absorbing all the information given to them. Even though my Spanish was not as fluent as I would have liked it to be, I felt like the information was disseminated in an accurate manner. As usual the class was structured in progressive elements. As the class progressed and Officers started to apply the fundamentals we were able to pick up the pace. We continuously emphasized the need to be aware of your surroundings, even after you have neutralized the threat. In a jungle environment an enemy can almost appear from anywhere! 
Day two and three were dedicated to the pistol. During these two days we continued focusing on violent, efficient, and simple techniques. The pistol is a secondary weapon for the DINOES operator, so we paid careful attention to violence of action and keen awareness. We covered attacks from every angle in close proximity. Being timid was not acceptable; we pushed the students hard yet gave them an opportunity to correct themselves. The techniques were practiced hard and often, no room for games here.
The spirit and dedication that the DINOES Officers showed is to be commended. I thank the DINOES for bringing in Kocom and opening not just their doors but their minds to learning new techniques and tactics.
For me, this was a very enriching experience. No matter where in the world, I respect my brothers in blue. There is a bond that ties us all together. To say the least they have the work cut out for them. Peru is one of the highest Narco-Trafficking and Narco -Manufacturing countries in the world. I truly look forward to returning to train with these warriors in the near future.
TRAINING PICTURES
