KORAT ROYAL THAI AIR FORCE BASE, Thailand -- For most members of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122, deployed here for Exercise Cope Tiger, finding time to upgrade in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program is a challenge.
Despite the “Crusaders’” busy schedule, some Marines are continuing to train in MCMAP thanks to the efforts of two dedicated instructors.
Sgt.’s Josh B. Albright, ground support equipment representative and Glenwood Springs, Colo., native, and Bradley P. Dunlap, aviation ordnance technician and Golden, Colo., native, keep VMFA-122 Marines combat-ready by providing an opportunity to earn advanced MCMAP belts.
“Since they earned their qualifications last fall, they have trained the squadron, who were mostly tan belts,” said Gunnery Sgt. William E. Hetrick, VMFA-122 maintenance control chief and Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., native. “(MCMAP) has enhanced the squadron’s level of readiness.”
Albright and Dunlap advanced from green belt to black belt together and both say the hardest part was finding an instructor to train them.
“Back when I was training (for MCMAP), it was very difficult to find both an instructor and the time,” said Albright. “I know I wanted to train very badly, and I know they do too.”
Both Albright and Dunlap hold several gray and green belt courses throughout the year for any Marines willing to participate.
“Any Marine who wants to train can train,” said Dunlap. “It doesn’t matter who they work for.”
Currently, during Exercise Cope Tiger, Albright is instructing Marines in a gray belt course. The sergeant’s motivation sets him apart from other MCMAP instructors.
“He gets dirty with the Marines he’s teaching,” said Hetrick. “He doesn’t just do this on the Marine Corps’ time. He does it after work and on the weekends. He’s definitely a team player.”
MCMAP is important because it keeps Marines prepared, said Sgt. Christopher O. McGaugh, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12 technician and Newnan, Ga., native.
“In a forward-deployed situation, there’s an increased possibility Marines will need the skills they learned in MCMAP,” said McGaugh.
MCMAP not only allows Marines to maintain and enhance their warrior skills, but increases morale and unit cohesion as well.
“When Marines do MCMAP training, they’re reminded that they’re Marines first” said Dunlap. “It also provides a break from their daily schedule. Besides essential training, it’s a good moral booster and it fosters unit cohesion.”