MCMAP part of HMH-464 deployment

Photo By Master Sgt. Jennifer Redente | Marine Staff Sgt. Jody G. Armentrout shows a Marine how to correctly execute a basic wristlock come-long. Armentrout is conducting a sustainment course for green belts. In order for Marines to receive their green belt, they will train and practice more than 128 hours. Armentrout, a Cedar Park, Texas, native, is Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 26 staff non-commissioned officer in charge.  

CAMP LEMONNIER, DJIBOUTI

12.30.2007

Story by Staff Sgt. Jennifer Redente 

Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa

By Air Force Staff Sgt. Jennifer Redente
Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa Public Affairs

CAMP LEMONIER, Djibouti – More than 30 members of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464 are currently in sustainment training for their green belt in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, which concentrates on building character and developing leadership skills.

MCMAP encompasses mental, character and physical disciplines with applications to encounter a wide range of hostilities.

"The hardest part of MCMAP is for me to stand as a model for Marines to practice these techniques," said Marine Staff Sgt. Michael R. Gloyd, HMH-464 CH-53 crew chief and MCMAP sustainment assistant. "You have to stand there and repetitively get swept off your feet or your arm twisted until they get it right, but it's awesome when they accomplish the task."


Marines are required to train and sustain these techniques even while supporting missions such as Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.

"It is very normal to have classes while in a deployed environment," said Marine Staff Sgt. Jody G. Armentrout, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 26 staff non-commissioned officer-in-charge and MCMAP sustainment instructor. "MCMAP gives Marines something to look forward to on deployment besides working 12-15 hours a day."

Currently, Marines are required to be certified and sustain the level of tan belt. The level of tan belt requires more than 27 hours of training and seven hours of sustainment. The fundamentals of tan belt include mental, character and physical disciplines, which are conducted during entry-level training, according to Marine Corps Order 1500.54A.

In order for Marines to receive their green belt, they will receive more than 128 hours of training and sustainment.

"Thanks to Staff Sgt. Armentrout's hard work, we have qualified 27 Marines from tan to grey belt, and 20 Marines from grey to green belt," said Marine Maj. Gregory T. Wright, HMH-464 Det. B aircraft maintenance officer. "This training was accomplished while simultaneously supporting CJTF-HOA missions and detachment flight training."

HMH-464 and other units support CJTF-HOA's mission in preventing conflict, promoting regional stability and protecting coalition interest in order to prevail against extremism.

• Date Taken: 12.30.2007
• Date Posted: 01.03.2008 02:46
• Story ID: 15142
• Location: CAMP LEMONNIER, DJ