CAMP HANSEN, Okinawa, Japan – “One mind, any weapon.” The motto of the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) emphasizes the development of both the mental strength and physical capabilities of Marines to dominate an aggressor in any circumstance. U.S. Marines with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO), III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, participated in a MCMAP belt advancement course at Camp Hansen from Feb. 2 to 26, 2026.
The course was taught by Martial Arts Instructor Trainer (MAIT) Staff Sgt. Dylan Vargas, an influence operations specialist with 5th ANGLICO, who shared his expertise, knowledge, and experiences with participating Marines throughout the training.
Although MCMAP may appear to be another form of physical training, the program is designed to be much more. It is built upon three distinct pillars—physical, mental, and character—which collectively shape Marines into more capable and resilient warfighters. It is the responsibility of MAITs like Vargas to ensure Marines are trained across all three pillars.
Throughout the course, Vargas emphasized his commitment to developing Marines through the program, noting that becoming an MAIT is not an easy journey, and it was something that he pursued in order to ensure that Marines were receiving the most benefit from the program.
“I never thought that I’d become an MAIT,” said Vargas. “But I wanted to make sure Marines were being taught MCMAP correctly by their instructors.”
For Vargas, the character pillar is foundational, focusing on the ethical decision-making, warrior ethos and moral discipline that guide Marines both in combat and in their daily lives.
“I love teaching others how to defend themselves because that’s what Martial Arts is allabout and it begins with the thought that you are worth defending,” said Vargas. “If you don’t value yourself and your fellow Marines, the techniques don’t matter. The mindset comes first.”
Marines participating in the course said the training pushed them beyond their physical limits while reinforcing discipline and mental resilience.
“MCMAP isn’t just about learning techniques or earning a belt,” said 2nd Lt. Kyra Norton, the logistics officer with 5th ANGLICO, “It challenges you mentally and forces you to stay disciplined under stress. That mindset carries over into everything we do as Marines.”
By reinforcing the physical, mental, and character pillars of MCMAP, instructors like Vargas help ensure Marines are prepared to face challenges both on and off the battlefield. As the course concluded, Marines left with more than a new belt—they gained confidence, discipline, and a strengthened warfighting mindset, embodying the program’s motto: “One mind, any weapon.”