Accession Number:

AD1175805

Title:

The Intangible Benefits of the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program

Descriptive Note:

[Technical Report, Research Paper]

Corporate Author:

MARINE CORPS COMMAND AND STAFF COLL QUANTICO VA

Personal Author(s):

• Brian, Adams A.

Report Date:

2015-04-14

Pagination or Media Count:

38

Abstract:

There is a fairly low probability that Marines, especially those with a non-combat arms Military Occupational Specialty MOS, will ever engage in hand-to-hand combat. A growing belief, particularly among non-combat arms communities, asserts that MCMAP is a hazard to readiness as it puts Marines at-risk for injury with little to no return on investment. This paper examines MCMAPs contributions to the overall betterment of the Marine that may not be readily evident to the casual observer. In addition to teaching hand-to-hand fighting techniques and promoting physical fitness, martial arts training cultivates intangible attributes such as positive personality and behavioral traits while simultaneously providing the individual with tools to strengthen resiliency in preparation for meeting the high demands of the Corps. Recommendations to commanders on how best to leverage the benefits of MCMAP while mitigating risk include commitment to ongoing training, increase emphasis on values training, increase emphasis on cooperative training, and maximize use of time through the concurrent completion of mandatory annual requirements.

Descriptors:

Subject Categories:

• Military Operations, Strategy and Tactics
• Personnel Management and Labor Relations

Distribution Statement:

[A, Approved For Public Release]