The LINE (Linear Infighting Neurological Override Engagement) Combat System was a martial arts program used by the United States Marine Corps between 1980 and 2002.

Designed to be performed even while wearing full combat gear (including flak vest and pack), LINE focuses on causing the most painful damage possible with the least amount of movement.

The accurate use of pressure points and efficient breaking of bones and hard tissue (especially the elbows, wrists, knees, and nose) are among the first steps of every move. This is intended to cause a "neurological override": such extreme pain that the opponent's brain can not sufficiently focus to allow him to fight back and may even cause the opponent to lose consciousness.

The initial attack is followed by a takedown, with the attacker generally staying in contact with the broken limb to maintain leverage on the target.

The takedown is immediately followed by a straight-legged downward stomp of the opponent's head with the heel. As LINE is used while wearing combat boots and full gear, the impact is intended to render the opponent unconscious.

Advanced LINE training teaches the most anatomically economical uses of knives, bayonets, and improvised weapons such as e-tools and helmets.

Due to the extremely painful and deadly focus of LINE, it was replaced in 2002 by the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP), which has more humane, non-lethal applications.

Today it is still taught in US Army Special Forces during phase II and III of its Special Forces Qualification Course, taught in Ft. Bragg, NC. The main school is also located in Faytteville, NC.

American martial arts | United States Marine Corps