San Diego -- During recruit training, recruits are exposed to many mental and physical challenges that will prepare them for future experiences they will encounter in their Marine Corps career, such as deployments.
The Marine Corps Martial Arts Program is an integral part of molding recruits into combat ready Marines and is a graduation requirement.
Recruits of Company I, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, spent the afternoon learning how to execute break falls and leg sweeps aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego June 10.
“Today they’re learning how to execute a front break fall, back break fall, left break fall, right break fall and a forward shoulder roll. They’re also learning how to take down an opponent with a leg sweep,” said Staff Sgt. Hector Jimenez, senior drill instructor, Platoon 3209, Co. I, 3rd RTBn.
Although MCMAP is well know and practiced by Marines, not all recruits arrive at the depot knowing what it is or the importance of it.
“I’ve never been in a fight before,” said Recruit Adam Kendall, Plt. 3210, Co. I, 3rd RTBn. “This is the first time I’ve heard about MCMAP and although it can be challenging, I’m learning a lot and I find it really interesting.”
Recruits are introduced to MCMAP during Phase One and it is reinforced throughout training.
Although this is the third time Co. I participated in MCMAP, this session is just as important.
“This course is part of the foundation needed in order to advance in MCMAP,” said Jimenez. “You have to teach them how to properly fall not only for when they are in a combat situation, but so they can safely execute advanced techniques and move up to higher belt levels.”
There are five belts in MCMAP; tan, grey, green, brown, and black. With every belt comes new complex techniques and greater challenges.
While a big part of MCMAP is learning the proper fighting and self-defense techniques, there is more to it than that.
“In order to be a proficient war fighter you must exemplify the mental, physical and character disciplines,” said Sgt. Erik Covington, Chief Martial Arts Instructor Trainer, Instructional Training Company, Support Battalion. “We teach them the mental and character disciplines through tie-ins. Tie-ins are guided discussions on various subjects that help recruits understand that in order to win a fight, you have to be prepared mentally as well as physically.”
Along with the techniques and tie-ins, ITC instructors incorporate Warrior Studies to instill pride and motivation.
Warrior Studies are important because it teaches recruits history and shows them that their situation is not unique. There are Marines that have been through the same circumstances, if not worse, and have prevailed. Warrior Studies prove to recruits that they can overcome adversity, according to Covington.
For the recruits of Co. I, this is only the beginning of their MCMAP training. They will continue to learn new tan belt syllabus techniques and will be tested individually by instructors of ITC on Training Day 50. They must pass the test in order to earn their tan belt and continue on with training.