RedMan—Train like you fight, fight like you train

Mention “RedMan” to a police officer, and you’ll usually get a strong reaction. Some remember it as a highlight of their academy training, while others recall it with, let’s say, less enthusiasm. RedMan experiences vary, but one thing is for sure—It’s not the big red suit that determines the quality of the training, it’s the trainer or instructor inside it.

Over time, training philosophies have shifted. While RedMan was once viewed strictly as a rite of passage, many modern programs have moved toward a more structured and skill-based application.

RedMan as a training tool

In ASP training programs, the RedMan drill is used to reinforce specific defensive tactics, rather than to test toughness or endurance (though it definitely does that too). Instructors focus on integrating multiple fundamentals in a short training window, including:

•    Clear verbal direction
•    Safe separation and distance management
•    Maintaining balance and movement
•    Generating proper power
•    Transitioning into restraints

The drill allows students to progress from minimally kinetic skills—like baton strikes practiced on pads—to a realistic, moving aggressor target. It is designed to simulate practical impact weapon use under stress, without turning into uncontrolled contact.

Safety protocols and instructor control

Safety is always a priority in well-run RedMan training. Only techniques taught in the course are permitted in the drills. High-risk actions such as tackles or takedowns are prohibited due to the limitations and bulk of the protective suit. If safety protocols are ignored, the RedMan “actor” and/or the trainee can easily be injured.

RedMan drills are not intended to resemble mixed martial arts sparring. They are impact-weapon drills, conducted at controlled intensity, with instructors trained to manage the pace and ensure participants stay within safe boundaries.

Skill building vs. chaos

One of the benefits of controlled RedMan training is immediate feedback. If a student has poor balance, incorrect baton positioning, or isn’t generating power correctly, the RedMan instructor can coach and correct those elements in real time.

While some instructors prefer a more chaotic drill, structure generally leads to better learning outcomes. A controlled environment allows officers to develop skill progressively rather than simply enduring a stressful exercise that increases injury risk.

Can you fail a RedMan drill?

In most agencies and instructor courses, RedMan is evaluated as pass/fail. The goal is to ensure the student understands appropriate use of force, follows safety protocols, and targets only approved strike zones. Deliberate or dangerous strikes—such as full-power head strikes—can and should result in course failure. Baton use is taught with clearly defined non-target zones (head, neck, spine, sternum, and groin), as full strikes to these areas can cause serious or even lethal injury.

What RedMan is designed to achieve

Ultimately, RedMan training is not about testing toughness. The objective is to help officers deliver effective strikes, use impact for control, and apply defensive tools with precision. Even through the suit, solid baton strikes can be felt—and when proper form is applied, the results demonstrate just how effective an impact-weapon technique can be in a real-world encounter.

RedMan training continues to evolve, but its purpose remains the same: building officer competence, confidence, and control—with realism and stress added to the mix—in a safe and structured environment.