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Martial Arts Program Instills Confidence and Discipline In NMCB 3 Seabees
Story Number: NNS090415-16
4/15/2009

By Constructionman Mechanic Martina Goad, 30th Naval Construction Regiment Public Affairs

NAVAL BASE VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. (NNS) -- Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3 took the initiative to enroll in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) and as a result presented their first belt Feb. 12.

The martial arts program was founded by Gen. James L. Jones, 32nd commandant of the Marine Corps, to provide the tools needed to conduct military operations in urban terrain. The program is a commitment to train in close-quarters hand-to-hand combat as well as build morale, teamwork and the Marine "Warrior Ethos."

"MCMAP is not required by the Naval Construction Force, and it's definitely not a factor in contingency construction," said Gunnery Sgt. Jose Jaquez, NMCB 3's Marine advisor. "However, the discipline and confidence it instills helps these Seabees in the long run."

Jaquez not only manages NMCB 3 Seabees in unarmed combat but also helps develop his students' character, responsibility and teamwork.

"Seabees face many of the same challenges Marines face," said Jaquez. "They go to many of the same locations and go through many of the same experiences. They are our brothers in arms in Iraq and Afghanistan, and you can say with confidence that if Marine troops are there the Seabee troops are right behind them."

From the beginning of the class, Jaquez let his students know that there are "no shortcuts" in MCMAP. It would take dedication and hard work.

"I am proud to be a participant in this program. What I have learned has gone beyond my expectations," said Equipment Operator Constructionman Kenyon Clark, who was the first NMCB 3 Seabee to earn the MCMAP tan belt.

The tan belt is the first level of achievement in this martial art. It signifies the basic understanding of the mental, physical, character disciplines and a basic understanding of fighting techniques, according to Marine Corp Orders 1500.54 which defines MCMAP.

"I choose to attend this training for practical knowledge," said Builder Constructionman Justin Lieder. "Sometimes the biggest danger we face is not on the battlefield but off-duty or on liberty. Knowing that I have an added skill to help keep a situation under control while protecting both myself and my fellow Seabees, gives me confidence that I can help protect my team."

NMCB 3 is one of four battalions homeported in Naval Base Ventura County, Port Hueneme, Calif. The battalion provides host-nation construction operations and security.

For more news from 30th Naval Construction Regiment, visit www.navy.mil/local/30NCR/.