SAN DIEGO -- Recruit training encompasses preparing the body and mind to become a basically-trained Marine. Some of these areas of training include close-order drill, core values classes, physical training and basic combat-related martial arts. The Marine Corps Martial Arts Program requires recruits to learn the basics of hand-to-hand combat and is a fundamental step in becoming Marine Corps warriors.
During MCMAP training, recruits learn various techniques under the guidance of MCMAP instructors. Recruits of Company H, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, learned basic chokes, counters and knife techniques aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego March 25.
The purpose of MCMAP is for recruits to learn hand-to-hand combat and develop confidence, leadership and basic warrior ethos. These skills are necessary to learn in order to graduate recruit training.
“MCMAP lets recruits see the basics of hand-to-hand combat. It is also the first insight to provide discipline, basic warrior studies and leadership classes,” said Staff Sgt. Sean R. Blue, chief drill instructor, follow series, Co. H, 2nd RTBn. “A lot of kids have never been in a fight and don’t know how to defend themselves. MCMAP builds confidence and it transfers to all events during recruit training.”
Recruits are set up with partners to practice their choke techniques. As a safety precaution, they are told to use only 60 percent of their strength and to immediately stop once their partner taps out. Afterward, they learn ways to counter the choking techniques.
“MCMAP involves leg sweeps, kicks, knife techniques and pugil sticks. It is the Marine Corps mixture of various martial arts,” said Staff Sgt. Andrew Cordero, martial arts instructor, ITC, Support Bn. “It is one of many stepping stones to apply later in their careers. This is where they learn how to be war fighters.”
MCMAP has different levels of belts similar to those in other traditional martial arts programs in the civilian world. Belt colors include, tan, gray, green, brown, black, and change with higher levels of knowledge and experience.
MCMAP is a graduation requirement and recruits are tested during week nine of training. During the test, they are expected to perform all techniques learned during recruit training with confidence and discipline in order to earn their tan belt.
During recruit training recruits increase their confidence, strength, discipline, leadership skills and learn about basic warrior ethos. These are all traits needed in order to successfully graduate. MCMAP is one of many training events designed to assist recruits in the growth of these traits.