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Seasoned Vet
 
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http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/lookupstoryref/200342320111
Tan belt qualification deadline draws near
Marines required to 'belt' skills
Submitted by: MCB Camp Butler
Story Identification Number: 200342320111
Story by Cpl. Trevor M. Carlee
CAMP KINSER, Okinawa, Japan(April 24, 2003) -- For years, Marines have earned the title of America's number one fighting force. Marines ensure success on the battlefield by rigorous physical training, combat training exercises and annual marksmanship training.
The Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, which began in October 2000 under former commandant, Gen. James L. Jones, is now another tool to prepare Marines and ensure combat readiness. By Sept. 30, all Marines will be required to be at least tan belt qualified in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program.
MCMAP instructors are urging everyone not qualified to sign up for a tan belt class as soon as they can, in order to meet the deadline.
The class is approximately 27 hours long and usually takes about two weeks to complete.
Currently, Marines come from recruit training tan belt qualification, so this year's deadline does not affect new Marines, said Gunnery Sgt. Darrell S. Pinson, Marine Corps Martial Arts Instructor trainer, Marine Corps Martial Arts School Far East Coast, III Marine Expeditionary Force.
However, by the deadline next year, all infantrymen will be required to be brown-belt qualified according to rank since lance corporals cannot rate a brown belt. Also, all combat-arms Marines will be required to be green belt qualified and all other non-combat arms Marines will be required to be gray belt qualified. These deadlines apply to all Marines, regardless of when they came into the Marine Corps.
Pinson said these deadlines are the only ones that have been set so far, but he added there might be new ones in the future.
He added that the deadline has been put into effect so Marines are continuously trained in the martial arts program.
"The (Commandant of the Marine Corps) wants Marines to possess a quality that other services don't have," the Columbia, S.C., native, said.
After the deadline arrives, Pinson said the belt that the individual rates will factor into the Marine composite scores, for corporals and below, and fitness reports, for sergeants and above.
"It holds the individual Marine to a higher standard," Pinson said. "MCMAP should be like everything else (such as the rifle range, swimming qualifications and the gas chamber). No one is left out - it goes from private all the way to the commandant."
Pinson added that the commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Michael W. Hagee, has continued his support of the martial arts program.
"(MCMAP) helps build confidence in Marines as far as close combat is concerned," said Lance Cpl. Abraham Thompson, data switch repair technician, Electronics Maintenance Company, Materiel Readiness Battalion, 3rd Force Service Support Group, and Chicago native.
The program also offers instructor training, so Marines can train others in their unit up to their current belt. However, instructors can only test to the belt below them, according to Pinson.
With instructors working within the units, Pinson believes it will help the qualification process.
"MCMAP gives something that (Marines) can call their own," Pinson said. "We're not trying to piggy back on someone else. It's the Marine Corps' martial arts."
Go with God, but make Him walk the point.
If you load a mudfoot down with a lot of gadgets he has to watch somebody a lot more simply equipped - say with a stone axe - will sneak up and bash his head in while he is trying to read a Vernier. - Robert Heinlein
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Hard Charger
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I've also heard this referred to as "Semper Fu" by Marine friends.
"EBO isn't a strategy. It's a sales pitch." - Ralph Peters
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Detachment Sergeant
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CQB and hand-to-hand combat training will make better Marines. Semper Fi, dude![8D]
 ALWAYS OUT FRONT
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Trooper
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All services and combat arms especially should have this kind of training daily as a cool down after PT, or something. Weapons quals count for promotion, etc., so should hand-to-hand, IMO. What good is a trooper who can't fight?
"You knew the job was dangerous when you took it, Fred." --Superchicken
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Seasoned Vet
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Last Login: 10/2/2005 10:13 PM
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Semper Fu
Yeah that's right. I knew it was kinda funny looking.
Making it count for promotion is the sign of taking it seriously. I am all for it. There has been talk of making third phase marksmanship (unknown distance, limited exposures, movers) count for promotion too. I am in favor of that also.
Go with God, but make Him walk the point.
If you load a mudfoot down with a lot of gadgets he has to watch somebody a lot more simply equipped - say with a stone axe - will sneak up and bash his head in while he is trying to read a Vernier. - Robert Heinlein
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Hard Charger
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About time this is here. Every troop needs this.
 "Veritas Omnia Vincula Vincit"......."Send Me"......"Sua Sponte" When life sucks....make it swallow! "Modify the wedge! First squad! Bound!....."
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