The United States Marine Corp Basic Training program is 12 weeks long.
In the first portion of the training, you will learn close quarter hand-to-hand combat.
This will be done through what is known as the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (or MCMAP).
In this write up, we’ll give you a full explanation of what MCMAP entails and what you’ll be expecting as you will be taking part in the program.
This is a required program for any trainee who is on the path of becoming a Marine.
You want to be ready to fight in any situation, especially when no weapons are involved.
In fact, it’s you that is the weapon. Using the effective techniques that you’ll learn in MCMAP, you will be more dangerous than the enemy expected.
Let’s dive right into this to discuss what MCMAP is and what you’ll learn throughout the program.
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1. What Is MCMAP?
As mentioned before, MCMAP is short for Marine Corp Martial Arts Program.
The program was installed in 2001 and has since trained countless Marines and Navy trainees (attached to Marine units) on how to utilize hand-to-hand combat skills.
They also learn defensive techniques for hand-to-hand combat as well as defending themselves from enemy attacks.
Hand-to-hand won’t be the only thing they’ll learn.
Trainees will learn how to attack using weapons of opportunity, bayonets, rifles, and other weapons that could be used in combat.
This will allow trainees to develop the skills they need and also sharpen themselves mentally while in combat mode.
They will learn how to use force responsibly, lead and work with a team.
Even though a related program focused on hand-to-hand combat existed prior to 2001, MCMAP has been more effective than ever before.
And compared to the Marines of the past, the newer generation is learning more effective techniques that will put them one step ahead of their enemy combatants.
2. What sort of martial arts are taught at MCMAP?
There are a wide variety of martial art disciplines that are taught at MCMAP.
We’ll be taking a look at some of the more popular ones so you get a good idea of what you’ll know during the MCMAP program.
Let’s go over some of these disciplines and what you can learn from them:
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
This form of martial arts teaches basic submission moves and holds. There will come a time when a fight will end up on the ground.
Using the moves you’ll learn from Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, you’ll be able to end combat quickly with a perfectly well executed hold.
Of course, you’ll be learning escape techniques so you can gain the upper hand by easily escaping an enemy’s choke hold and countering their attacks.
You will learn basic takedowns to ensure that you bring the fight to the ground and put an end to it sooner rather than never.
Krav Maga
A form of martial arts that is standard of the Israeli Defense Forces, Krav Maga is actually a combination of some of the other disciplines taught by MCMAP (including boxing, aikido, judo, wrestling, and karate).
This discipline is among one of the most punishing to an enemy and rightfully so.
You’ll learn different devastating strikes that can cause serious damage.
The strikes will focus on the most vulnerable points of an attacker’s body including the eyes, neck, throat, groin, knees, and fingers.
This is just a sample of the many strike points that you can engage in.
Judo
Judo or “the gentle way” might not be as gentle as you think. But it requires you to take down or throw your opponent, effectively redirecting their attack.
This also includes some submission moves such as a joint lock or a choke.
Kickboxing
To better explain this discipline, it’s boxing mixed with kicks (hence the name).
This will allow you to use more than just your hands when you are in close quarters combat.
You will learn basic punches and kicks, allowing you to deliver multiple combinations that will end a fight quickly (and not too well for the enemy dumb enough to fight you).
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3. What Are The Different Levels Of Belts At MCMAP?
When Marine trainees are going through MCMAP, they will be issued a tan belt.
This is the equivalent of a white belt in any normal martial arts discipline.
They will receive this after going through the initial training which includes 27 hours of training with no prerequisites.
Here are the rest of the level belts and what is required to attain them:
Gray Belt
This is issued after 25 hours of training. Gray belts will have an intermediate level of understanding MCMAP basics.
Other requirements include the completion of the “Leading Marines” program via the Marine Corps Institute or MCI.
Depending on the instructor, practitioners will need to do a report on the famous Marine Raiders.
Green Belt
You will retain this level after 25 hours of training as a gray belt.
At this level, you will have an intermediate level of understanding some of the multiple disciplines taught by MCMAP.
At this level, you can be able to instruct recruits if you so choose.
However, the trainees must be at the lower belt levels in order to receive instructions from you.
Brown Belt
After attaining the green belt, you can train for a total of 33 hours in order to receive a brown belt.
This will signify an advanced understanding and knowledge of several disciplines.
Like green belts, they can also become instructors but must report to their senior level instructors and abide by their recommendations.
Black Belt
There are six degrees of black belts. But as the highest level belt, you have an understanding of various disciplines that are taught by MCMAP.
You will also become a senior level instructor that teaches trainees and Marines who want to reach a higher belt level.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
4. Are all Marines required to go to MCMAP training?
Yes. In fact, all Marines are required to undergo 27.5 hours of MCMAP training.
This will usually occur during the first four weeks of basic training.
The final week of MCMAP will occur on Week 4. At this point, they will test their martial arts skills and earn a tan belt.
Beyond that, they can choose to elevate to another belt level.
5. How long does it take to get a black belt in MCMAP?
The short answer: it depends. It may depend on whether or not you want to attain one.
When you do, you’ll be required to go through many hours of total training.
This also includes 20 hours of sustainment training, almost 13 hours of advanced black belt techniques, and eight hours of additional training focusing on character, mental training, and “warrior culture”.
6. How effective is MCMAP?
It can be effective when executed properly.
Since you will be focused on various disciplines, you’ll be able to end a hand-to-hand combat situation fairly quickly.
Even at a tan belt level, the basic moves might just be enough to neutralize an attacker.
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Conclusion
MCMAP is required for all Marines going through basic training.
But it’s one of the most effective martial arts trainings in the world. As a Marine, you must train yourself to be a weapon yourself.
Not every combat situation will require a bayonet or a rifle.
Once you have an understanding of the disciplines that will be effective in combat situations, you will be ready for the times when you have no choice but to fight.
References
https://www.fitness.marines.mil/Portals/211/documents/MCO%201500.59A.pdf
- Author
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Levi D.
Levi served in the Marine Corps as a heavy equipment operator from 2007-2011. He deployed to Iraq in 2008 where he convoyed heavily around the Anbar province with a myriad of units. Following the Iraq deployment, Levi was assigned to various detachments who travelled and worked around Southeast Asia. He is now a freelance writer and outdoor enthusiast who spends much of his year traveling between campsites around the country.
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FAQs
Are Marines tougher than Navy SEALs? ›
Yes. Navy SEAL training is more difficult than Marine training. There is quite a difference in the Navy SEAL completion rate from the Marines. Marines complete their 13-week boot camp training at a success rate of 85%, roughly three times higher than the success rate of seals.
How do you pass MCMAP? ›In order to pass the MCMAP test and graduate recruits must demonstrate proficiency in tan-belt techniques and possess the maturity, judgement, and moral character of a Marine during the third phase of recruit training.
What is MCMAP explained? ›Physical Discipline. MCMAP is a weapons-based Martial Art that utilizes physical discipline to improve mental resiliency and confidence.
How long does it take to get black belt in MCMAP? ›There are five belt levels in MCMAP, beginning with an entry-level tan belt that requires 27.5 hours of training time. The next level up is gray (25 additional hours), followed by green (25 hours), brown (33 hours), and black (40 hours).
What is the most elite Marine unit? ›First, the Marine Corps has two primary special operations forces: The Marine Raiders and the Force RECON units. As part of the Special Operations Command, the Marine Raiders run small lethal teams to eliminate targets.
Can Marines try out for Navy SEALs? ›No, a Marine can not become a Navy SEAL.
Active duty Marines are not able to become Navy SEALs. For an individual to become a Navy SEAL, they must first be an enlisted member of the Navy.
WSA is the highest swim qualification that Marines can obtain before becoming Marine Corps Instructors of Water Survival. Throughout the course, students endured aquatic conditioning, endurance swimming, and underwater rescue training.
Is MCMAP actually effective? ›MCMAP is required for all Marines going through basic training. But it's one of the most effective martial arts trainings in the world. As a Marine, you must train yourself to be a weapon yourself.
Does MCMAP use Krav Maga? ›Although MCMAP is seen as a singular discipline, it actually borrows heavily from a number of existing martial arts. There are techniques within the MCMAP syllabus from Krav Maga, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Eskima, and good old wrestling just to name a few.
Can other branches wear Mcmap belts? ›//Any service that is attached to a Marine Corps unit may become qualified and advance in the MCMAP. Once they are not longer attached to a Marine unit, they are not authorized to wear MCMAP belts. Only Navy (Greenside Only) may become MCMAP instructors.
How long does it take to get a GREY belt in MCMAP? ›
It also promotes character development and teamwork through the three MCMAP disciplines: mental, physical and character. To get to gray belt, a Marine is required to about six hours of sustainment from the previous belt.
How long can a MCMAP belt be? ›Marine Corps Uniform Regulations state that belt should extend 4-8 inches beyond the buckle. These belts can be cut to desired length if needed.
What fighting style do Marines use? ›It's comprised of several different fighting styles.
It includes techniques borrowed from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Taekwondo, and Krav Maga to name a few. Keep in mind, however, specific techniques were pulled from each and then adapted to be applicable for Marines in combat.
A lance corporal can only advance up to the green belt. You must be a corporal or above to earn a brown belt and a sergeant or above to earn a black belt.
Do they teach you how do you fight in the Marines? ›Yes, the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP), which draws influences from such disciplines as Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, kickboxing, wrestling, and boxing, does teach Marines how to utilize hand to hand combat, but it goes well beyond that.
What is the most feared marine division? ›2nd Battalion, 5th Marines is the most highly decorated battalion in the United States Marine Corps. Its motto comes from its actions at Belleau Wood during WW I.
Are Marines tougher than Army? ›The Marine Corps members are called marines, not soldiers, and they typically have to go through much more intense basic training than those in the Army do, creating a reputation for being some of the toughest and most highly trained fighters.
Are there any Tier 1 Marines? ›Typically, only members of a special missions unit such as DEVGRU, 1st SFOD-D, and 24th STS are considered Tier 1.
Can Marines join Delta Force? ›In a unique battlefield commendation, a Marine Corps member of Delta Force has been awarded the nation's second highest military honor for coming to the defense of Americans last year at a CIA annex in Benghazi, Libya.
Can a retired Marine wear his uniform? ›Retired officers and enlisted personnel, who are not on active duty, may wear the uniform, insignia, and qualifications corresponding to the rank or rating indicated on the retired list. a. Retired personnel may wear uniforms at ceremonies or official functions when the dignity of the occasion and good taste dictate.
What disqualifies from Marines? ›
Marine Corps enlistment requirements state that if you have been convicted of a felony, you are ineligible to serve in the United States Marine Corps. Full stop. If you have a misdemeanor conviction, it can often be waivered. However, multiple misdemeanors are usually a disqualification.
What is the fail rate for Marines? ›Reconnaissance Marines
The dropout rate is high—over 50 percent of candidates who attempt Recon selection drop out. Of those that don't pass selection, half are failed due for medical reasons. The other half, nearly a quarter of all candidates, voluntarily choose to quit, or “Drop on Request.”
U.S. Navy SEALs are an elite unit, more exclusive and harder to be admitted to than the U.S. Marines. The United States Marine Corps (also known as USMC or Marines) is one of the 5 branches of the U.S. military under the Department of Defense. It was created in 1775 as a special service.
What is the fittest military branch? ›Marines. The maximum score for the USMC PFT is 300, and this branch of the military arguably has the most rigorous PFT. You can find more detailed information here.
Are Marines really tougher? ›Marine Corps training is considered one of the toughest to scale through because they are an offensive force. Marines go through a grueling 13-week boot camp training that tests physical stamina, mental toughness and moral integrity.
Are Marines good at hand-to-hand combat? ›Marine Corps Martial Arts Program
They say “every Marine is a rifleman,” but every Marine is also trained in hand-to-hand combat, in case it's ever needed.
You could go through the trouble of leaving your home, job, family and friends and come back a failure. In fact, this happens to about 15% of recruits who join the military every year. Too many recruits I speak to think that it is impossible to fail basic training.
Does the CIA use Krav Maga? ›Combat and Basic Training
Extensive hand-to-hand combat skills are learned, including martial arts like krav maga, jeet kune do and Brazilian jiu jitsu, and you must learn to fight with improvised weapons.
Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) is a Navy Marine Corps combatives program which allows participants to train for, earn, and wear MCMAP belts.
Can MMA beat Krav Maga? ›Does Krav Maga work against MMA fighters? No. No classroom-based system will beat actual fight experience. There's a misconception that, since MMA is a sport, MMA fighters will be vulnerable to techniques that are forbidden in the octagon.
Can Marines walk on grass? ›
Military members may not walk on grass. The ONLY time it's allowed is when they're mowing it or training on it.
What rank do you need for green belt in USMC? ›Green Belt is the minimum training goal of all non- infantry ground combat arms Marines. (a) Prerequisites – Recommendation of Reporting Senior; complete Gray Belt Sustainment and Integration Training; Lance Corporal or above; appropriate level PME complete.
Will the Marines ever allow sleeves? ›“After speaking to a theater full of corporals and sergeants yesterday at Quantico, he decided it was time to announce the change.” The Marine Corps Uniform Board changed the utility uniform policy from sleeves rolled up to sleeves rolled down on Oct.
What does the red stripe on Marines pants mean? ›BLOOD STRIPE
Traditionally, Officers, Staff Noncommissioned Officers, and Noncommissioned Officers of the Marine Corps have worn this scarlet red stripe on their dress blue trousers to commemorate the courage and tenacious fighting of the men who fought in the Battle of Chapultepec in September of 1847.
"A rank requirement of Corporal is required for advancement to brown belt, and a rank requirement of Sergeant is required for advancement to black belt.
How long should the alpha belt be USMC? ›Worn at the natural waistline, the belt covers the bottom button of the Service coat, and when the tipped end is passed through the buckle it should extend between 2.75” to 3.75” past the buckle and be secured by the keeper.
Can a Marine serve for 6 years? ›Today, Marines are stationed around the world at all times, ready to deploy quickly whenever and wherever needed. Total service commitment ranges from four to six years.
How many miles should a Marine be able to run? ›Males must complete the three-mile run in 28 minutes or less. Females must complete the three-mile run in 31 minutes or less. This is a modal window.
How long is a USMC sword? ›The blade is etched with United States Marine Corps pattern. The acid-etch is so deep one can feel it with a fingernail. Length ca. 76 cm / 30 inch.
Why are Marines so aggressive? ›The aggressive culture of the Marine Corps was born out of the Spanish-American war in 1898 as a way to differentiate the Corps from the Navy, said Heather Venable, an associate professor at the Air Command and Staff College and author of “How the Few Became the Proud,” an early history of the Marine Corps' mystique.
What do Marines do differently to Army? ›
The United States Army is only responsible for land-based operations, meaning they only occupy military duties that take place on solid ground, whereas the Marines are considered to handle amphibious operations. This means that they can take control of military operations, whether those be land, air, or water.
What is Navy SEAL fighting style? ›Muay thai is ideal for close combat situations and makes it a natural choice for Navy SEALs to incorporate into their training. Boxing Skills. While many people don't consider boxing a martial art, its application in a close quarters fight is just as effective as it is in the boxing ring.
Are there any 10th degree black belts? ›“It is so difficult to actually reflect how distinct this is.” He said there are about 20 to 30 10th-degree black belts in the world, and earning one is an amazing achievement that comes after years of dedication. Turnbull doesn't know of any other such traditional belts in B.C. or on Vancouver Island.
Is there a 12th degree black belt? ›There are three levels of Brown Belt and twelve degrees of Black Belt. The 12th degree Black Belt represents the system's Great Grand Master, Frederick J. Villari.
Is there a 15th degree black belt? ›Is there a 15th-degree black belt? Great Grandmaster Villari is a 15th-degree black belt, the highest rank one can attain in a martial art, and is the founder of the Shaolin Kempo Karate system – an innovative approach that combined Japanese martial arts with Chinese martial arts and Western boxing.
How strict is the Marines? ›Marines are required to undergo severe physical training that uses sleep deprivation, starvation, exposure to chemical weapons and live firearms training. New Marines are required to stay on base and are only allowed contact with their families through letters until graduation.
How are Marines taught to shoot? ›During grass week, recruits spend hundreds of hours snapping in on targets and getting used to the different firing positions. They practicing their breathing, trigger control, and learn how to zero their rifles. When they shoot their weapons the following week, they're ready.
Who is tougher than Navy SEALs? ›Army Green Berets — "Special Forces"
They have about as much street-cred as numbered SEALs and Force Recon, depending on who's doing the talking. Notably, Green Berets have some of the toughest initial training in the entire military (at the risk of drawing the ire of SEALs and Marine Recon).
U.S. Marines
Of course, when you reach the top, you can find them becoming SEALs or a part of the Marine Raider Regiment (MRR), but the training of any Marine is some of the hardest military training in the world.
The hardest military branch to get into in terms of education requirements is the Air Force. The military branch with the toughest basic training is the Marine Corps. The hardest military branch for non-males because of exclusivity and male dominance is the Marine Corps. What is the smallest military branch?
What is the most elite unit in the U.S. military? ›
Say it again: American Special Operations Forces. There's a lot that's not known about this group and that's intentional. But everyone knows that these forces are among the most elite and best trained in the world.
Is SEALs harder than Delta Force? ›In the end, there's no real definitive answer to who is tougher between Navy SEALs and Delta Force - they're both badasses in my opinion - and if you favor either one over the other in terms of being tougher, that's pretty much like taking sides in an evenly matched Army vs. Navy football game.
Which SEAL team is most badass? ›SEAL Team 6, officially known as United States Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU), and Delta Force, officially known as 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (1st SFOD-D), are the most highly trained elite forces in the U.S. military.
What is the hardest boot camp? ›The Coast Guard has eight weeks designated for boot camp, which is conducted in Cape May, NJ. Many recruits count the first week at Coast Guard training the most challenging. The first week is when physical conditioning begins, and recruits begin rigorous classroom work.
Are Marines more elite than Army? ›The Marine Corps members are called marines, not soldiers, and they typically have to go through much more intense basic training than those in the Army do, creating a reputation for being some of the toughest and most highly trained fighters.
What is the easiest boot camp? ›Easiest Boot Camp / Basic Training
Though boot camp / basic training is considered challenging, yet mandatory, for every branch of the military, the easiest among them would most likely be the Air Force.
Air Assault School teaches several courses annually. The rigorous, fast-paced training is known as the 10 (or 11) toughest days in the United States Army. About 15 percent of the class does not make it through the first day, dubbed Zero day, which includes a demanding obstacle course.
Which military branch has the most females? ›Similar shares of men and women currently serve in the Army, which is the largest active-duty branch of the military, and in the Navy. But women are more likely than men to be in the Air Force; nearly one-third (31%) of military women are in the Air Force compared with 22% of men.
What US Army unit sees the most combat? ›Since 2002, the 10th Mountain Division has been the most deployed regular Army unit.
What military unit sees the most combat? ›The Army is known as the largest military branch. Therefore, they are more likely to be present in a lot of combat operations. Because of this, Army infantry will see a lot of combat. That said, there are a significant amount of Army military jobs that have little to do with combat.
What is higher than Delta Force? ›
Size matters. Army Special Forces is a much larger organization than Delta Force, which is a small subset of Army Special Operations Command.