Okinawa Marines fight to become MCMAP instructors

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Story by Lance Cpl. Kevan Dunlop
III MEF Information Group

The MAI Course is a three week program that trains Marines to be Marine Corps Martial Arts Program instructors. MCMAP is a integral part of the Marine Corps, as it strengthens combat readiness and promotes physical fitness, thus allowing the Marine Corps to more easily complete any mission or challenge set before it.
Marines from all across Okinawa have been training to earn a tan tab for their belt, signifying that they are MCMAP instructors.
Marines who went through the course endured rigorous physical training and were required to be proficient in all MCMAP skills up to their belt level.
Sgt. Duane Levy Jr, an electrician with III Marine Expeditionary Force Support Battalion, III MEF Information Group, set up the culminating event to evaluate the Marines and determine if they were ready to become MCMAP instructors.
“Even though this [physical training] sucks, [you’re] out here getting slayed, your body’s hurting and you’re just tired, remember what you came here for,” said Levy, a native of Washington, D.C., to the Marines. “You all came here to get that tab. Don’t let that be taken from you.”
The Marines first went through a gauntlet of exercises, including burpees, sit-ups, buddy squats, backwards lunging, and sparring matches.
“No matter how hard you train eventually your legs will want to give out on you, but you just [have to] keep pushing,” said Cpl. Colten Savage, a native of Chicago, Illinois, a radio field operator with Headquarters Company, Combat Logistic Regiment 35. “It's all in your head. I know some say that’s bull, but it really is just in your head. You just [have to] suck it up and keep going.”
The Marines ran in a two-squad formation from one area to the next, where they went through another set of physically challenging events. The class ground fought in squads, conducted planks and flipped tires. After that, the Marines ran to the beach to spar against one another in waist deep water as ocean waves crashed against them.
Lastly, the Marines ran to a designated point. Their final task was an individual challenge - fight their instructors for as long as possible.
When the Marines could not fight any longer, the instructors called the match and helped them to their feet. Upon standing, the Marines were congratulated with a handshake and given their tan tab.
They had finally become MCMAP instructors.
“It was a very long three weeks. Honestly, I [wouldn’t have been] able to make it without my fellow Marines pushing me,” said Carmona, a supply chain and material management specialist with Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, “It really is a team effort. If people try to get through it by themselves, it’s just not going to happen.”

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