Story and photos by Scott Pauley

Marines from the Marine Corps Barracks at 8th & I motor pool completed the final training exercise in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program gray belt course on Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Nov. 1.

The Marines performed several drills during a grueling physical test and showcased their training in hand-to-hand combat, ground grappling and close quarter combat with pugil sticks.

Marine Sgt. Kenneth Eaton, martial arts program instructor for the 2nd Civil Affairs Group on JBAB, said that learning these skills aides Marines in professional development in the same way that job training works for a Marine.

“In the Marine Corps, we advance in the Martial Arts Program in the same way that we advance anywhere else, and this course helps them advance to the next belt,” he said. “Today was the culminating event, which consisted of body sparring, pugil sticks, and ground grappling. On top of that, we had circuit courses as well.”

The Marines Eaton trained don’t work with him, but he said that isn’t important, since they have to learn to fight with anyone at any time.

“They have instructors at the Marine Corps Barracks, but since I’m so close here at the 2nd Civil Affairs Group, I trained them instead,” said Eaton. “Any Marine can learn from any instructor, whether it be active duty or reserve.”

Driven by the philosophy of “one mind, any weapon,” MCMAP combines some of the most effective unarmed techniques from various martial arts with armed techniques designed for combat.

Eaton said the training went well, and that these Marines are on their way to fulfilling the newest directive to get all Marines qualified as green belts in the MCMAP.