Phase 1 Training Day One ... finally!

Sara spent her day Tuesday in Phase One Training Day 1. Phase One platoons are identified by their unit flag which is yellow with red lettering. Already a week has passed since she set foot on Parris Island.

Today she started with classes on the Intro to Marine Corp Values learning thta to be a Marine is to do what is right in the face of overwhelming adversity. To understand how to do what is right she is being taught about ethics and the core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment--the very center of a Marine's character.

It was a long awaited day for Sara as she, now has finally been introduced to the Marine Corp Martial Arts Program. She talked about this frequently and learning these skills will certainly boost her confidence.

The Marine Corps Martial Arts Program or MCMAP is a martial art that was designed to be, and is the “synergy of mental, character, and physical disciplines.” MCMAP is based on five, colored-belt levels with six different degrees of Black.

Each belt level is broken down into three disciplines, each of which aMarine must become proficient in before attaining the next belt level.

The mental, character, and physical disciplines of the warrior are the foundation of the Martial Arts Program. The mental discipline consists of warrior studies, martial culture studies, combative behavior studies, and other professional military education.

Boy, was I right a few posts ago when I said Sara will be reciprocating as far as protecting me now. I certainly would not want to tangle with her. Poor bigger younger brother is going to have to have therapy if she gets hold of him, ha! "Be gentle Sara! You take care of him too and let him think he can take care of you."

Sara will progress from her introduction today towards the final test to earn her Tan Belt as a recruit which forms the basis for all further MCMAP instruction.

The first core value Sara began studying in depth today is commitment. She is learning that it is a spirit of determination and dedication within herself that will lead to her success during recruit training; it is the ingredient that enables 24-hour a day dedication to Corps and Country; pride; concern for others; and an unrelenting determination to achieve a standard of excellence in every endeavor. Commitment is the value that establishes the Marine as the warrior and citizen others strive to emulate.

And finally, at least on the schedule, Sara began to learn the basics of the skills to perform as a sentry when assigned duty as a member of the interior guard. The eleven general orders she memorized were introduced today as well as the procedures for reporting to a post, posting and relieving a post. Lastly, she was introduced formally to the chain of command and the conditions that justify the use of deadly force.

Good night Sara... I hope you are sleeping well, even now.