SEMPER FU: Lemoore Sailor rumbles with Marines, earns respect, martial arts belts
Written by Melinda Larson, Naval Air Station Lemoore Public Affairs
Friday, 05 December 2008


When Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 2nd Class Ernest Latimore took leave to attend the U.S. Marine Corps’ Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) at Naval Air Station Lemoore, he earned more than the privilege of wearing a tan belt.

“The course was so much more than a martial arts class,” said Latimore, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 125. “We learned about overall physical fitness, nutrition, morale, morals and weapons techniques.”

The Marine Corps Martial Arts Program is based on five colored-belt levels - tan, gray, green, brown, with six different degrees of black belt. The belt levels range from beginner to expert. All Marines attending boot camp graduate as tan belt Marines. All officers graduating at the basic school graduate, at a minimum, as a tan belt Marine.

“This program is about the entire Marine – not just about knowing the moves but having the mental discipline of when to turn it off and on; the physical discipline of knowing the techniques; and the most important aspect is your character because it determines the person you are,” said Sgt. Jeremy Meadows, Latimore’s martial arts instructor who has earned his green belt.

Besides the mentally, physically and character-challenging syllabus, Latimore and his classmates also learned about building alliances.

“You have to work together to get through the course. It’s inspiring to have everyone else motivating you and rooting you on. We built camaraderie as a team, as a family,” said Latimore who joined the Navy in 2003.

Latimore said it was awkward at first being the only Sailor in a class of 13 Marines.

“Even though we wore different uniforms we clicked and pulled together. Every day you hear about how close-knit Marines are. I only got a little insight but I see how they watch out for their brothers and sisters because when you’re out on the front lines, they’re all you’ve got,” Latimore said about the week-long class.

While the Sailor was impressed by his Marine Corps brethren, according to Meadows, the feeling was mutual.

“Petty Officer Latimore was entirely motivated and he motivated the other Marines. It’s always good when the Navy and Marine Corps work together. He did really well in a very challenging course. I don’t just give away martial arts belts. He earned his tan belt,” said Meadows who became a Marine Corps martial arts instructor in April.

Shortly after achieving the required hours of training and techniques for a tan belt, Latimore completed the requirements for the next level, gray belt.

“It is a great accomplishment for Marines to obtain proficiency and sustainment with regards to this training,” said Sgt. Maj. Chermaine Harrell, the sergeant major of Marine Aviation Support Group 23 based at NAS Lemoore, who is qualified to the level of brown belt.

Sailors can earn up to a green belt in the Marine Corps program.

“The program is indeed physically and mentally challenging and it is rare to have a Sailor join the course. Petty Officer Latimore did extremely well,” Harrell said.

Ellie