By Cpl. Benjamin E. Woodle | Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego | September 10, 2013
Recruit Tyler A. Rowe, Platoon 3271, Company M, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, executes a rear choke on his fellow recruit, Carlos Garcia, during the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program test aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Aug. 21. Upon successful completion of the test, recruits will earn the first belt level of MCMAP, the tan belt. (Photo by Cpl. Benjamin E. Woodle)
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Recruits of Company M, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, execute a left-side break fall during the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program test aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Aug. 21. The MCMAP test is a graduation requirement, therefore, it is critical for recruits to be successful come test day. (Photo by Cpl. Benjamin E. Woodle)
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Recruit Thomas Brown, Platoon 3271, Company M, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, executes a reverse wrist-lock during the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program test aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Aug. 21. Most MCMAP techniques require very specific methods of execution to successfully complete. (Photo by Cpl. Benjamin E. Woodle)
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Recruit Cody Carter, Platoon 3271, Company M, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, executes a counter to the muzzle grab during the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program test aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Aug. 21. If a recruit fails to perform a technique properly after two attempts an “X” is marked on his scorecard. (Photo by Cpl. Benjamin E. Woodle)
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Recruit Jesse Arreiiano, Platoon 3271, Company M, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, performs a left block during the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program test aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Aug. 21. The purpose of the MCMAP test is to ensure recruits retain the martial arts training they have received over the course of recruit training. (Photo by Cpl. Benjamin E. Woodle)
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Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego --
Recruits of Company M, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, completed the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program test aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Aug. 21.
The purpose of the MCMAP test is to ensure recruits retain the martial arts training they have received over the course of recruit training.
“The MCMAP test incorporates everything recruits learned, requiring them to demonstrate that they understand the overall knowledge,” said Sgt. James A. Mabe, drill instructor, Platoon 3271, a Miami native. “Recruits will test out on the basic fundamentals of MCMAP, and if successful, will earn the first belt level, the tan belt.”
Recruits begin the test by forming groups of 20 and then go to a designated MCMAP instructor. The instructor will call out a technique and tell the recruits to execute it. Some techniques are done as a group while others are done individually as the instructor walks down the line. Instructors grade each recruit on their ability to successfully perform the technique.
The MCMAP test is a graduation requirement, therefore, it is critical for recruits to be successful come test day. If a recruit fails to perform a technique properly after two attempts an “X” is marked on his scorecard. Too many “X’s” and a recruit fails the test, which will drop him to the next training company.
Both drill instructors and MCMAP instructors communicate with one another to ensure recruits have the knowledge they need to perform and pass the examination, Mabe explained.
Most MCMAP techniques require very specific methods of execution to successfully complete. No shortcuts or exceptions will be allowed during test time, which means recruits must pay close attention when they are being taught.
“Remembering everything was hard for me and the other recruits,” said Christian D. Flowers, Plt. 3269, a San Diego native. “It wasn’t so much remembering the general technique, but the minor details of executing it that got us, like which way a hand should be facing at the end of a technique or where the first step or grab needs to be.”
Successfully passing the MCMAP test is just a small part of the path recruits have taken toward becoming warriors of the Corps. Being able to demonstrate their ability to take on and overcome the challenges of both MCMAP and recruit training prepares recruits for the career ahead of them.
“Discipline and the warrior spirit are embedded in MCMAP,” said Mabe, who has a black belt instructor MCMAP certification. “Instilling these in recruits now with this training will allow them to go out into the Corps, into their Military Occupation Specialty, as a better person and Marine.”
One training day at a time, recruits are learning what it takes to become a Marine. Though modern combat may primarily be with weapons, hand-to-hand combat is just as critical to learn. It allows the Corps to deploy well-rounded warriors that are able to accomplish any mission laid out in front of them.
“Marines are primarily a fighting force so it’s important to learn to fight,” said Flowers. “In order to do so one must start with the basics.”
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