Bayonet training at Parris Island with pugil sticks was as close as I got to close combat fighting. Those bouts were usually 3-5 seconds and despite the padding could inflict some pain. One guy was actually knocked out cold.
That training convinced me that medieval weapons were a good thing to have when and if the fighying gets up close and personal.
Some Vietnam infantry troops carried tomahawks. Saw that a guy was attempting to market an updated version to the military recently. Brutal weapon.
Even today, in this high tech world, ANY type of weapon is a good thing when it's up close and personal. Reading accounts of SpecOps operations in Afghanistan, I found a recounting where an SF guy actually bludgeoned a Jihadi in to submission with his helmet, after turning a corner and literally bumping into him.
Kind of like a maul, without a handle, or maybe a high tech brick?
Old recurve and longbows are as silent and medevil as I get these days....:o)
Still have old WWII to VN era E-Tools in each vehicle and at home. Fixed em and restored em to fit my lifes needs for a Dirt, Pick and People mover in a compact tool.
Current issue is crap, Glock E-Tool comes close serving my needs for such in retirement as a garden and camping tool.
Some things were just made good and solid, multi-purpose, GI proof. E-Tool is a politically correct skull crusher and disembowelment gadget for our times.
Enjoy Life Marine......:o)
Stay safe !