Marines stay fit with MCMAP Published Oct. 2, 2012 By 2nd Lt. David J. Murphy Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Marine Aircraft Group 49 members hold their Marine Corps Martial Arts Program training on a daily basis in a picnic area across from their hangar here. The training is designed to instill mental strength, allowing Marines to get through hard times, said Staff Sgt. Lorris Wilson, second degree martial arts instructor trainer. Wilson trains the Marines and Navy personnel attached to MAG-49 in all disciplines of the MCMAP. "It's based on teamwork and helps build cohesion and brings everybody that much closer no matter what your military occupation," said Wilson. "The training is meant to make a well-rounded combat Marine. It's meant to instill discipline and character." The MCMAP began in 2001 to further enhance the trainees' proficiency in unarmed and weapons-based combat techniques. The program replaced all other combat-related programs in the Marine Corps and is a requirement for all recruits. Marines learn a number of fighting techniques during MCMAP training starting from the fundamentals of learning how to take a stance and break a fall to a more complex array of punches, kicks, throws and weapon techniques. "I think it's a way for us to show discipline and control our anger during confrontations," said Sgt. Shree Hughes, MAG-49 legal chief. "Although this isn't something were required to do, I get a sense of pride from the process of earning higher belts. The mental and physical challenges that you have to conquer are what really drive me to progress." The program has five color-coded belt levels progressing from tan to grey, then green, brown and culminating in black. Marines can earn up to six degrees of competency in the black-belt level. Any Marine can become a black belt, but instructor or instructor trainers are rank-specific. Hughes, a Harrisburg, Pa., native, plans to test for her black belt today. She isn't certain she will become an instructor, but she's considering it. Instructor trainers must be a sergeant or above in the enlisted ranks and a captain or above in the officer ranks. Qualifying Marines must attend a seven-week course at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Quantico, Va. "We have a saying 'One mind, any weapon,'" said Wilson. "Which means whatever weapon you have you're still going to be on the same page and get the job done." Marines are expected to participate in five hours of MCMAP training per week to sustain their mental and physical fitness levels. Wilson conducts sustainment training every weekday. MCMAP is open to all service members on base. Call 562-8711 more information.