The USMC UBBC

Vash · Post by **Vash** » Wed Mar 31, 2004 11:07 pm

Mad Props.

M. Keller · Post by **M. Keller** » Wed Mar 31, 2004 11:43 pm

Congratulations rich! You are a true inspiration. So you're now a regular on the training staff?

Heal up quick, and best wishes!

Mike

RACastanet · Post by **RACastanet** » Thu Apr 01, 2004 12:22 am

Good to hear from you Mike.

Am I on the regular staff? Kinda. If you go the the USMC Martial Arts Center of Excellence website and click on the tab 'Subject Matter Experts' and scroll down you will see me listed.

I have a weekly class here in Richmond for regular and reservist Marines in need of training for the program. All Marines must have the entry training (tan belt) completed this year. All ground related forces - infantry, artillary etc - must have the third level (green belt) completed as well.

In small cities such as Richmond the recruiters and reservists have difficulty getting the required training, hence they use me. About 20 are currently visiting the gym on Friday mornings.

Also, the Basic Officer Course at Quantico produces 1,500 to 2,000 2nd Lts and Warrant Officers every year and they all spend a week training for the first level. Last month 250 took the course at the same time so extra hands on deck to help out are appreciated. I've seen over 500 in a class! It makes for a thundering herd.

The Discovery Channel was doing some filming for a special on the subject at the last class at Quantico. When it hits the airwaves you can see what MCMAP is all about. You might also see me wandering around fault checking the Lts.

No pay, as I am a volunteer. However, lots of fun and I get to wear the USMC's great new cammie uniform.

Rich

Bill Glasheen · Post by **Bill Glasheen** » Thu Apr 01, 2004 3:17 am

I get to wear the USMC's great new cammie uniform.

And play with toys that would make Panther jealous!

- Bill

RACastanet · Post by **RACastanet** » Thu Apr 01, 2004 4:16 am

Yep, MCMAP is a weapons based system and has some neat toys. The USMC 'force continuum' has a serious high end. To that point, every Marine is a rifleman. Personally, I'm fond of the belt fed weapons:

For instance, the squad automatic weapon...

And the good old 50 cal Ma Deuce from where I was sitting...

Any questions?

Rich

chef · Post by **chef** » Thu Apr 01, 2004 2:07 pm

Hey Rich,
I am so very proud of your accomplishment! You have given us something to shoot for. I have been had the honor to train with both Rich and Bill, and have seen wonderful things produced by both. Absolutely great job!

I talked to Sean late Tuesday night, Rich, and he was beaming. He looked like a proud papa when talking about your marine black belt. A lot of blood, sweat, and tears....and then some, I am sure. You are a bright and shining star, buddy.

I asked Sean, what was next for you. He said they haven't come up with curriculum for the next level for you. I suggested you implement the criteria for it. You could do it too.

My hat is off to you and as soon as Easter is here, I plan on toasting one to you (I gave up all achohol for lent but Easter is almost here).

Once again, a huge congrats to you, Rich. You deserve every laud.

God bless,
Vicki

chef · Post by **chef** » Thu Apr 01, 2004 2:12 pm

Sorry for all of the typos on that last post.....terrible spelling.

Question, Rich. what time do you guys meet at AmFam on Friday mornings? I would love to come in one Friday morning and watch you guys at work.

Vicki

RACastanet · Post by **RACastanet** » Thu Apr 01, 2004 2:36 pm

Thank you Vicki! I'm equally proud of Sean and his brown belt. He went from nada to brown in about 10 months. We really poured it on.

As for the next level for me, I'm going to enjoy where I am for a while. The current feeling for me to get to 2nd degree is a minimum of another year of training, successfully bringing the Richmond group up at least one belt level, and contributing something else that is new to the program and officially adopted.

They have incorporated my pellet gun disarm drills and Sean's Trainer class will be the first one to use them.

I really do not know if the old bod can deal with another year of training at the next level. The USMC is a young man's/women's branch of the service and there are very few over 50 Marines. As such, the training is meant to push kids (under 40 set) to the limit... We shall see.

Rich

Jackie Olsen · Post by **Jackie Olsen** » Fri Apr 02, 2004 6:02 pm

May I add my congrats to you, Rich! What an accomplishment. Guts, determination, physical ability & Spirit, I am sure played a big role in your achievement. You are an inspiration to all of us!

Frank DiMeo · Post by **Frank DiMeo** » Mon Apr 05, 2004 6:23 pm

Congratulations!
That is quite an honor and accomplishment!
Respectfully,
Frank
Gulf Coast

RACastanet · Post by **RACastanet** » Wed Apr 07, 2004 11:44 pm

A few more thanks for the kind words are in order... Thank you.

One benefit of my new status as an 'SME' is that I get to drop in on what truly is the Marine Corps' Ultimate Black Belt Challenge, the Martial Arts Instructor Trainer course. This is where the Marines that train the first line instructors in the program are produced. This seven week course, referred to as 'boot camp X 10', is one of the elite programs in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Only the best need apply here. The physical requirements are daunting. Only 80 or so are selected for the course and I'd say at least 15% will not make it through. In fact, there were a few out of the course after the first day, and a few more after the second.

Yesterday I was on deck @ Quantico much of the day for the classroom portion of the course. I was amazed at the level of expert training that is incorporated into the program. Classroom work is interspersed in the day to allow for recovery from the severe physical training.

As I have a close friend taking the course I'll be following his progress regularly. Also, I will 'drop in' regularly to learn the science behind all of the training, and there is science behind all of it. What would appear as hazing to an outsider is actually well thought out.

I'll post whenever I am allowed to share training methods that are unique and that may be helpful to us civilian martial artists.

And no, when they are running the obstacle course five times without pause, in boots, cammies, flak jacket and helmet, I will not be joining in. That is for younger men and women.

Regards, Rich

Bill Glasheen · Post by **Bill Glasheen** » Thu Apr 08, 2004 1:09 pm

What would appear as hazing to an outsider is actually well thought out.

Rich

This is a very interesting and important topic worthy of a thread of its own. I'd like to see a discussion started on this. Of interest would be the objectives as well as the proper process for achieving those objectives. Some do this right; others just get into hazing. It's tricky business.

- Bill

Dana Sheets · Post by **Dana Sheets** » Thu Apr 08, 2004 5:38 pm

Rich - are there women in the instructor's course?

RACastanet · Post by **RACastanet** » Thu Apr 08, 2004 5:55 pm

Hello Dana. Yes, but only a few. I really did not make a count but probably 3 or 4 females are in this class. And, they must meet the same standards as the men.

I do not know how many women have completed the course but I did meet one who did in the summer of 2002. Very impressive Marine.

Regards, Rich

The USMC UBBC

Way to go, Rich!!!!!!!!!!!

To Rich!