Though many parts of the "Old Army" are gone, it is fortunate that at least some traditions live on in the 82nd Airborne Division, America's "Guard of Honor."
American Paratroopers have been known for hand-to-hand skills since the inception of the force, in the 1940s. An integral part of being a paratrooper is being physically confident enough to sustain themselves in unarmed combat.
Things and times may change, but the need for hand-to-hand is something that should not, in my opinion. It is the basic skills of the Infantry soldier, not technology and 'soft skills' upon which the Army builds its foundation.
