Sustaining the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program
Abstract
Close combat is vital to the Marine Corps, a service that prides itself on being able to "locate, close with, and destroy the enemy..." The Marine Corps has adopted many programs designed to dispatch the enemy at close range. Unfortunately, programs like Close Combat Instruction (CCI) and the Linear In-fighting Neurological-override Engagement (LINE) system did not completely satisfy the Marine Corps' needs and were virtually incompatible with other Marine Corps training programs due to their limited focus on unarmed combat only. Therefore, the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) was implemented in the summer of 2000 under the direction of General James L. Jones, 32nd Commandant of the Marine Corps. MCMAP is an integrated, synergistic fighting system incorporating mental, character, and physical disciplines that apply across the entire spectrum of violence. MCMAP is a program that offers added value to the Marine Corps both on and off the battlefield. It mirrors the Marine Corps ethos and arms Marines with skills, knowledge, and values that will continue to be useful to them throughout their careers and lives. The Martial Arts Center of Excellence should constantly sell the program, whether it is to the potential recruit, the gunnery sergeant with 15 years of service, or the Commandant himself. The leaders of the Corps at all levels must be the primary target audience and recognize the value that MCMAP brings to the table. Moreover, they must require MCMAP participation of themselves and all their Marines. Ultimately, the Marine Corps needs to reinforce its commitment to this program by implementing requirements that place the program on equal footing as other established programs, such as professional military education, rifle range, and the PFT. MCMAP may be short lived unless the Marine Corps does a better job of selling the program to all Marines, establishes and enforces overdue requirements, and receives the support of senior leadership.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 08, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA505502
Entities
People
- G. S. Rooker
Organizations
- Marine Corps University