Shaffer
12-07-05, 07:00 AM
The dust flies as a Marine’s body hits the sandy sparring pit. He slowly stands up and braces for each following execution of the move. He patiently awaits his chance to return the favor when it is his turn to practice.
This is a typical scene during a day of Marine Corps Martial Arts Program training for Combat Logistics Battalion 8, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) and the Marines look forward to earning their next belt.
“It’s awesome to get the adrenaline pumping,” said Lance Cpl. Stephen S. Carol, a field radio operator and Hammond, Ind., native. “It’s great to get out here and improve your skills.”
These Marines are training to enhance their MCMAP skill levels, which range from the lowest, being the basic tan belt earned at recruit training, to the highest being the black belt. They are taught by their Marine Corps Martial Arts Program Instructor/Trainer.
“I love training the Marines when they love it,” said Staff Sgt. Antonio W. Wilson, MCMAP Instructor/Trainer for Headquarters Company, CLB-8. “As long as the Marines are out here willing to train, I will train them all day.”
The training these Marines receive also acts as an outlet to relinquish some of the stresses of working daily in a combat environment. It also helps Marines change up their daily routine and stay physically fit, said Cpl. Russel J. Thompson, a field radio operator and assistant instructor.
“It’s the one time during the day when they are not thinking about radios or the stresses of work,” Thompson explained. “They get to get out here and also [physically train] at the same time.”
The MCMAP training is especially important in a combat zone, noted Carol.
“It’s important training because you never know when you might arrive in a hand to hand situation,” Carol said. “It’s great to know what to do.”
Keeping up the training also keeps it fresh in their head for the next time they have to train, Wilson said.
“Martial arts training isn’t like riding a bike,” he said. “If you don’t keep practicing you will forget it and execute it wrong.”
Teamwork is another essential skill that is taught when the Marines of CLB-8 train in MCMAP, Thompson said.
“It gets the Marines out here working together,” he said. “They are working together to accomplish a goal, which is important in a combat zone.”
As the sun goes down, the Marines are covered in sweat and sand. The sweat dripping from their brows is a reminder of the skills they have learned to help them fight for a free Iraq, and protect themselves if the situation ever arises. Today’s training is complete but the instructor informs them that tomorrow will be more of the same.
This is a typical scene during a day of Marine Corps Martial Arts Program training for Combat Logistics Battalion 8, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) and the Marines look forward to earning their next belt.
“It’s awesome to get the adrenaline pumping,” said Lance Cpl. Stephen S. Carol, a field radio operator and Hammond, Ind., native. “It’s great to get out here and improve your skills.”
These Marines are training to enhance their MCMAP skill levels, which range from the lowest, being the basic tan belt earned at recruit training, to the highest being the black belt. They are taught by their Marine Corps Martial Arts Program Instructor/Trainer.
“I love training the Marines when they love it,” said Staff Sgt. Antonio W. Wilson, MCMAP Instructor/Trainer for Headquarters Company, CLB-8. “As long as the Marines are out here willing to train, I will train them all day.”
The training these Marines receive also acts as an outlet to relinquish some of the stresses of working daily in a combat environment. It also helps Marines change up their daily routine and stay physically fit, said Cpl. Russel J. Thompson, a field radio operator and assistant instructor.
“It’s the one time during the day when they are not thinking about radios or the stresses of work,” Thompson explained. “They get to get out here and also [physically train] at the same time.”
The MCMAP training is especially important in a combat zone, noted Carol.
“It’s important training because you never know when you might arrive in a hand to hand situation,” Carol said. “It’s great to know what to do.”
Keeping up the training also keeps it fresh in their head for the next time they have to train, Wilson said.
“Martial arts training isn’t like riding a bike,” he said. “If you don’t keep practicing you will forget it and execute it wrong.”
Teamwork is another essential skill that is taught when the Marines of CLB-8 train in MCMAP, Thompson said.
“It gets the Marines out here working together,” he said. “They are working together to accomplish a goal, which is important in a combat zone.”
As the sun goes down, the Marines are covered in sweat and sand. The sweat dripping from their brows is a reminder of the skills they have learned to help them fight for a free Iraq, and protect themselves if the situation ever arises. Today’s training is complete but the instructor informs them that tomorrow will be more of the same.