Marines hone martial arts skills aboard Al Asad

3/26/2009 By Lance Cpl. Jason Hernandez , Multi National Force - West

AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq —Famed Army Gen. John “Blackjack” Pershing is credited as once saying, “The deadliest weapon in the world is a Marine and his rifle!” In recent years, the Corps has taken that adage one step further by adding another combat skill to the individual Marine’s repertoire, and the Marines of II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) are using their time in Iraq to hone their up close and personal fighting styles.
Since its formal inception in 2001, the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, or MCMAP, has become firmly entrenched in the Marine Corps’ warrior ethos as every Marine has undergone some level of training in the five-stage martial arts program. The introduction of the system came just in time – replacing outdated hand-to-hand combat techniques just as the Corps began extended combat operations in both Afghanistan and Iraq.

“Not every situation is perfect,” said Gunnery Sgt. Sylvester S. Smith, the Al Asad Air Base Joint Reception Center staff non-commissioned officer-in-charge who doubles as a MCMAP instructor. “You need a diverse set of skills and techniques in order to be ready for any situation.”

Between the First and Second World Wars, Marine Col. Anthony J. Biddle created a bayonet and close-quarter combat course based on the tenants of boxing, wrestling and fencing. Since then, improvements to the Marine Corps’ close-combat techniques have given Marines a venue to better themselves mentally and physically in preparation for combat scenarios.

Marines receive their initiation to MCMAP at either recruit training or The Basic School when they receive their tan belt, and once they enter the Operating Forces or Supporting Establishment are given the opportunity to advance through the system, obtaining new skill sets and disciplines with each belt. After tan, Marines can train for their grey, green, brown, and black belts, a progression based on rank and recommendations from the individual’s command.

Since 2001, Smith has worn a black belt with a red tab that signifies his status as an instructor.

“Marines need to know how to defend themselves,” said Smith. “Everyone talks about leadership, but leadership is also training your Marines. This is a good way to show it.”

Smith provides training opportunities to Marines twice a week during the afternoon.

“I love MCMAP,” said Staff Sgt. Richard Powell, an administrative Marine with II MEF (Fwd). “It’s a good conditioning program that builds off of other techniques.”

Marines and civilians are encouraged to take part in a remediation course that is designed to refresh and refine many of the skills Marines learned earlier in their MCMAP progression.

“It is outstanding training,” said Leonard Lewis, a government service employee with Multi National Force - West. “You learn how to handle different situations, it teaches ground fighting, armed and unarmed, which is good because most fights end up on the ground.”

In addition to helping Marines stay physically fit and combat ready, the program also emphasizes a series of warrior ethos, or values, that helps prepare the Marines to deal with not only close combat, but a wide range of difficult life issues such as suicide, leadership, drug abuse, escalation of force, the law of war, and other topics.

“Through sustainment training we’re keeping the Marines here sharp,” said Smith. “Through the lessons they refresh here they can better assess the temper and the intent of any opponent.”

Ellie