Martial Arts
During recruit training every Marine receives basic instruction in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP). MCMAP teaches Marines to act instinctively and decisively in hand-to-hand combat situations, dominating opponents quickly, but it is more than just self-defense. It's a system designed to synergize mental, character, and combative disciplines with the primary emphasis on mental and character development.
MCMAP is a skill progression program. Colored belts are used to mark a Marine's progress, from Tan through six degrees of Black belts. Successful completion of MCMAP confers something else to Marines: improved self-esteem, more mental discipline, and the knowledge that no one can get in your way.
Next to their M-16 rifles, martial arts skills are the best combat weapon Marines have at their disposal. That's why every Marine now participates in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP).
