Photo By Sgt. Christopher Zahn | Four Marines from Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron embraced the challenge of...... read more read more
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Since its inception in 2000, the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program has helped produce “a Marine warrior who is a combination of the best of mind, body and spirit,” according to the Marine Corps’ Martial Arts Center of Excellence in Quantico, Va.
That philosophy helps define the Corps’ warrior ethos, and that’s why the Marine Corps has made professional development through MCMAP a high priority for all Marines.
“The Marine Corps Martial Arts Program is integral to the development and sustainment of our warrior’s ethos and it continues to be updated based on lessons learned to better prepare Marines for the challenges of current and future battlefields,” said Gen. James Conway, the commandant of the Marine Corps, in ALMAR 034/07.
All Marines, active and reserve, are required by ALMAR 034/07 to earn a tan belt. It also requires all infantry Marines to complete green belt training and all other combat arms Marines to be at minimum a grey belt.
“It’s all about the promotions,” said Staff Sgt. Chad Batchelder, the training chief for Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron and head instructor of the course. “When Marines go in front of the board, they’re judged by their (Marine Corps Institute Courses), off duty education, swim qualification, rifle qualification and by their MCMAP level. You get points for everything. If you walk out there with one point higher because you are one belt higher than the next Marine, it looks good to a promotion board.”
Four Marines from H&HS embraced the challenge of advancing their skill level, by attending green belt MCMAP course aboard the Air Station.
The three-week course begins with remediation of techniques the students learned in their tan and grey belt courses. Each belt consists of a different syllabus. For example, the tan belt covers the basics of MCMAP; the grey belt teaches primarily ground fighting techniques, and the green belt typically consists of free sparring techniques. However, the training is more than just fighting techniques. It focuses as much time on mental training in classes such as discipline, domestic violence, dangers of driving under the influence, and others, as it does on physical techniques.
“They are not only learning physically, but they’re learning mentally as well,” said Batchelder, who is also the staff noncommissioned officer in charge of all Marine Corps Martial Arts Program Instructors aboard the Air Station. “One thing I try to do is tell one Marine ‘Hey tomorrow you’re coming in and teaching this class.’ Next day, have a different Marine teach the next class. That way the Marines are not just learning what they read, they are also teaching it as well.”
This course, because of the time of year it’s being conducted, will also require its Marines to pass a Combat Fitness Test and swim qualification, fulfilling those annual requirements as well, Batchelder added.
The four Marines who volunteered for this course know they are separating themselves from the pack by volunteering to advance their belts. However, for some, the desire for advancement won’t rest there.
“I want to get as high as I can, as quick as I can, to set myself apart from my peers,” said Lance Cpl. Joshua Mitchell, a rescueman for Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting aboard the Air Station. “I want to gain knowledge, fighting skills and stuff that if I get deployed and go outside the wire, will better prepare me.”
Any Marine interested in advancing their skill level or becoming an instructor can contact Batchhelder at 228-6589.
| Date Taken: | 07.29.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 07.29.2010 14:12 |
| Story ID: | 53645 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, SOUTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 151 |
| Downloads: | 70 |
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