Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego -- Recruits of Company E, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, sparred their way through the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program test at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Oct. 8.
The MCMAP test was given to ensure they retained all of the techniques they learned during recruit training.
“Recruits begin the process of learning MCMAP techniques during the first training week,” said Staff Sgt. Richard V. Newberry, MCMAP instructor. “It teaches recruits how to act as a gentleman as well as to be disciplined.”
Each platoon was broken up in to groups of 20. The recruits were assigned a martial arts instructor who ensured they were executing each technique correctly. Some techniques were done as a group while some were done individually.
Recruits received a list of all the techniques. If they executed a technique incorrectly, they received an “X.” Too many marks on their score card meant they needed to remediate and likely dropped into the next training company.
Drill instructors and MCMAP instructors made sure recruits were all on the same page and there was no confusion during the test.
A majority of MCMAP techniques have specific movements to complete correctly. The pressure to remember each detail caused some to make an error.
“It’s challenging to remember all of the different techniques we’ve learned at each MCMAP session, while the pressure is on and it is time to take the test,” said recruit Ronald Q. Nater, Platoon 2113. “Attention to detail is important. The smallest thing of each technique will determine if you pass or fail.”
Getting through the MCMAP test successfully was just one obstacle they needed to overcome in their journey to become Marines. Passing these tests and obstacles sets Marines up for further success in their careers.
“MCMAP teaches us warrior ethos and trains us to be better Marines,” said Nater, an 18-year-old Sacramento, Calif., native.
Nearing the end of recruit training, Company M has faced a majority of the challenges that recruit training had to offer. Soon they will leave recruit training and continue on with their Marine Corps careers where they can work on their MCMAP skills work toward the opportunity of earning higher degree belts.
“You could have a weapon failure or run out of ammunition, and then you have to rely on your MCMAP skills,” said Newberry, a 27-year-old San Diego, native. “Each belt requires a new level of discipline.”