NMCB 74 Seabees Build Leadership and Character through Martial Arts

Photo By Chief Petty Officer Michael Lindsey | Petty Officer 2nd Class Erik Kennerson, native of Dublin, Ireland, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 74, Engineering Dept., instructs a class of Seabees in the proper lead-hand punch technique, according to the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program. Kennerson has achieved a green belt with instructor tab, and has been instructing the MCMAP during deployment while performing his regular duties. Participants who complete all 27 hours and 30 minutes of training will be awarded a tan belt.  

HELMAND PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

03.21.2010

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Lindsey 

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 74

On March 21, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 74 awarded Marine Corps Martial Arts Program tan belts to its second class of graduates while deployed to Afghanistan. The accomplishment was possible due to battalion Seabees who qualified as MCMAP instructors during homeport.

The Marine Corps Martial Arts Program is a combat system developed by the Marine Corps that teaches hand to hand and close quarters combat techniques. The program focuses on mental and character development, the responsible use of force, leadership and teamwork.

Engineering Aide 2nd Class Erik Kennerson, one of two MCMAP instructors assigned to NMCB 74, completed three months of accelerated training to earn his green belt with instructor tab.

"I first got involved in the MCMAP program in last year's homeport because I was interested in anything to do with combat and weapons," said Kennerson. "The command was looking for some motivated Seabees to go to MCMAP instructor training so I threw my name in the hat."

Originally, five Seabees were sent to instructor training during homeport in 2009. Only two met graduation requirements due to physical injuries.

"It wasn't easy," Kennerson explained. "We were at such a fast pace that the only thing on anyone's mind was making through to the next day! For us it is an excellent small leadership training program. It's great for teambuilding and developing a warrior's mentality, physical abilities and character."

Kennerson is currently running the MCMAP program for NMCB 74 at the Main Body site on Camp Krutke. He hopes to award at least 18 tan belts before rotating to his next command this summer.

According to Marine Corp Order 1500.54, which defines the MCMAP, the tan belt is the first level of achievement that signifies the basic understanding of the mental, physical, and character disciplines and a basic understanding of fighting techniques.

"The tan belt is the root of the program which all the other belts stem from," explained Kennerson. "It covers punches, upper body strikes, bayonet techniques, lower body strikes, throws, chokes, weapons of opportunity, and knife and bayonet techniques, all of which will all reappear at higher belt levels."

NMCB 74's MCMAP classes muster at the end of the work day. They begin by stretching and doing various exercises. They train techniques for two hours a day, four days a week for a total of 27.5 hours of instruction.

"We start with some PT (physical training) and then get into some various techniques that are associated with the tan belt syllabus, including the history and the responsibilities that come with being a practitioner of the martial arts," Kennerson explained. "We don't want to just take people in undisciplined and have them leave undisciplined. These techniques, lethal and non-lethal, are reserved for the battlefield."

NMCB 74's Military Advisor Gunnery Sgt. Jason Neale, helps Kennerson with the training as an assistant. Although he isn't an instructor, he has much experience and advice to offer. Neale currently has a brown MCMAP belt at the student level.

"Gunny has been an invaluable resource for me," said Kennerson. "He was a mentor to me in the past, and has helped in the implementation and overall program for our Seabees."

Kennerson likes to refer to Neale as his "dynamic training aide." Neale will help Kennerson set up mats and weights before class, and helps conduct exercises while sharing his techniques.

"I help spot check the techniques he's teaching and serve as a guardian of the program for the Marine Corps," Neale said. "I'm glad we have the MCMAP program here with the Seabees actually teaching each other. I think it is a big bonus for the students to see one of their fellow Seabees out there with that instructor tab."

EA2 Kennerson is scheduled to rotate out of the battalion in July. He hopes to finish at least two more courses by that time and also have identified some good candidates to fill his shoes. The command is already looking for the next few motivated individuals who want to step up as leaders, achieve higher belts, and get their instructor tab qualification to keep the program running.

• Date Taken: 03.21.2010
• Date Posted: 03.26.2010 18:04
• Story ID: 47279
• Location: HELMAND PROVINCE, AF