Published: February 21, 2011
Marines Do MCMAP Aboard The USS Enterprise
By Lance Cpl. Courtney White
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, S.C. - Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251, also known as the Thunderbolts, are focused on using the extra time aboard the USS Enterprise to increase their Marine Corps Martial Arts Program qualification in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
The VMFA-251 commanding officer's goal for each Thunderbolt is to have them upgrade at least one belt level while on this deployment.
"I decided to teach the Marines MCMAP because of the commander's intent, to build morale and motivation and to give the Marines a chance to get active and improve their MCMAP belt," said Sgt. Jason White-Pavlas, a VMFA-251 avionics technician. "My goal for this class is for the Marines to become stronger fighters and motivated to learn more about this program."
With limited space and materials on the boat, the Marines have to do different combat conditioning instead of the usual running in full combat gear and doing the obstacle course multiple times.
Lance Cpl. Bradley Green, a Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251 ordnance technician, does the front choke during the grey belt sustainment aboard the USS Enterprise. The VMFA-251 commanding officer's goal for each Thunderbolt is to have each Marine promote on Marine Corps Martial Arts Program belt level. |
"Instead of having the Marines go on runs for combat conditioning I have to get creative and think of combat conditioning that they can do in place or in our limited amount of space," White-Pavlas said.
While on deployment Marines work 12 hours and have 12 hours off for rest and relaxation. Although for many of the Marines who are day crew they have to get up two to three hours early for MCMAP training. The Marines who are on night crew miss work and have to make up for it by staying late or working harder.
"Earning the next MCMAP belt is worth waking up early," said Lance Cpl. Mitchell Thomason, a VMFA-251 avionics technician. "The only down side is that your body doesn't have as much time to recover with less sleep. I am glad to be able to earn my belt while on deployment and it gives me something to do to make time pass."
The Marines with VMFA-251 force themselves to keep training through all of the necessary qualifications while working long hours on the flight deck.
"I enjoy seeing Marines trying hard even though they are tired from the long work day, their motivation motivates me," White-Pavlas said. "When the Marines hurt as a group it helps them to form a bond." The MCMAP is a force multiplier, according to White-Pavlas. It enhances combat readiness so Marines are ready if they ever have to put their boots in the dirt.
"Marines should train whenever the opportunity is afforded to them," said Sgt. Patrick Webb, a powerline division night crew noncommissioned officer in charge. "I take time to help Marines upgrade because I don't see it as just an upgrade in a belt, [it] builds a better Marine [and] a better person."
On air, land and sea, Marines continue training through the most difficult scenarios. The Thunderbolts won't allow down time to go by without improving themselves and those around them.
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