HER MAJESTY’S SHIP OCEAN -- Marines here are teaching old dogs, new tricks.
The Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, which was incorporated into the Marine Corps within the past decade, is being introduced to current members of the military unit the U.S. Marine Corps was modeled after…the Royal Marines of the United Kingdom.
“We are introducing their forces to basic techniques, and other aspects the program has to offer,” said Staff Sgt. Justino Vasquez, 32, a MCMAP black belt instructor-trainer and training chief with Headquarters and Service Company, 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment.
U.S. Marines are aboard the HMS Ocean participating in Cold Response 2010, a Norway-based multinational military exercise focused on cold weather amphibious operations, interoperability of expeditionary forces, and special and conventional ground operations.
During Cold Response 2010, U.S. Marines will participate in tactical exercises at various unit levels, ultimately culminating in a bilateral, brigade-sized beach assault. However, during down time aboard ship, U.S. Marines have invited Royal Marines from 45 Commando Battalion to participate in their daily martial arts training.
The sessions, usually held in the afternoons, last for two hours and involve combat conditioning along with presentation of MCMAP techniques.
“It was a good, basic introduction to unarmed combat,” said Capt. Tony J. Purvis, 26, executive officer of Whiskey Company, 45 Commando Battalion, after his first day of MCMAP training.
“I like the way it’s presented and that it’s adaptable to different circumstances,” added Purvis, who is currently participating in an officer exchange program between 45 Commando and his parent unit, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.
Royal Marines learn basic unarmed fighting techniques during initial training, and the 45 Commando Battalion places a heavy emphasis on personal physical fitness, but the unit does not currently participate in a formalized unarmed fighting training program.
“They are more into boxing, but they are interested in the program,” said Vasquez. “The first day we had two Royal Marines, but their numbers have at least doubled every day since.”
Word about the MCMAP training quickly spread among the embarked troops aboard the ship. More than 20 Royal Marines from 45 Commando’s mortar troop showed up on the fourth day.
“The program was well delivered, and easy to understand,” said Capt. Ross Drinkwater, 29, commander of mortar troop. “It seemed to be based around large, basic moves, which can be achieved wearing fighting order.”
Fighting order is the equivalent to a U.S. Marine’s basic combat load, including the personal protective equipment, gear and ammunition that an individual wears into combat.
The sessions are held in the HMS Ocean’s cavernous hanger deck, the largest ship borne hanger in service with the Royal Navy. Foam mats are laid out wherever space can be found among tied-down helicopters and crates of spare aviation parts.
“That’s the good thing about this program, it has the flexibility to be taught anywhere,” said Vasquez.
As long as they are embarked aboard the HMS Ocean, the U.S. Marines plan to keep their invitation for MCMAP training open to the Royal Marines.
“If I have time, I will come back again,” said Purvis.
More than 14,000 personnel from 15 countries are scheduled to participate in Cold Response 2010, including forces from United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Germany and Austria. This exercise, previously known as Battle Griffin, will occur entirely north of the Arctic Circle and will emphasize individual and unit cold weather capabilities.
U.S. Marine Corps units have not participated in this exercise since 2005.