AL ASAD, Iraq -- The unspoken motto of the Marine Corps is to improvise, adapt and overcome in order to complete the mission.
Marines deployed here exercise this motto by bettering their training in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program March 10, during down time in the combat environment.
"MCMAP gives Marines something to look forward to and helps them focus on their careers," said Sgt. Stephen W. Littlewood, brown belt martial arts instructor.
The training is implemented by the Marine Corps to better prepare the Marines for all challenges they face throughout their lives. MCMAP also teaches Marines moral, character and physical disciplines.
"As an armorer, I am authorized to use deadly force to protect Marine Corps weapons," said Lance Cpl. Clayton D. Smith, small arms repairer/technician, Marine Electronic Warfare Squadron 2, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. "This training gives me more tools at my disposal to do my job without the use of deadly force."
According to Littlewood, who is an imagery analysis specialist for Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533, MAG-16, there is a lot of interest in the training program at this point and with an entire deployment left, there will be a lot more.
With the help of fellow Marines, Littlewood, a native of Lejune, N.C., has been working diligently in his spare time to create a training area for the MCMAP class. This area is fully equipped with a padded tumbling section, a bayonet training course and a sparring arena.
"With the limited supplies that we have for MCMAP, we must adapt and overcome the odds," said Littlewood. "Marines have scoured the base looking for ideas and equipment to use so that I am able to make the training more effective for the students."
Although the training tools may be rather primitive, safety is always taken seriously so that the Marines can advance without being injured.
"I look at every aspect of the training, from the weather to the size comparison of the Marines in the class," said Littlewood. "This is why martial arts instructors hold a separate Military Occupational Specialty. We are trained to ensure the safety of the Marines in the class."
"Regardless of rank, jobs or friendship, there is never any favoritism in the classes taught out here, and safety is always Littlewood's biggest concern," said Sgt. Robert T. Criblear, logistics embarkation and combat service support specialist, VMFA(AW)-533.
Marines are faced with many challenges throughout deployment and finding time for training isn't always at the top of the list, but for the motivators here, it becomes a necessity.