MCMAP and Grenade Launchers

So....
To continue with our tour of the Nassau...

The guys and I were taken down into this hangar where lots of planes were stored, and lots of Marines were doing some pretty intense training.

It was a crazy feeling to walk into a room and see a whole bunch of Marines lined up and waiting to do demonstrations for us. The first thing we got to see was a demonstration of MCMAP - the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program. The Marine Corps is the only branch of the military that has their own martial arts. And this is not your typical martial arts, either - it is not designed to be graceful or competitive. It is focused on "kill the enemy". So don't mess with the Marines... seriously.

I mean... look at the instructor. Do you see the size of this guy?? I was mesmerized by just how big of a dude he is. And then to see him talking about techniques of MCMAP. Uhhh... whoa.


The demonstration in action...


So then we move on to a line of Marines each standing by their specific weapon... Holy crap.


I get my first lesson in night vision


And then I try on the pack that they each wear... which is about 50 pound less than the one they actually wear - the lead plate in the back wasn't in this one, plus all the supplies weren't there...


But I was SHOCKED at how heavy the guns were. I mean... I knew they would be heavy, but some of the larger guns... good Lord. I can't imagine having to carry that on my back for miles and miles and miles.... not to mention all the other gear and packs that have to be carried.




I hesitate to show the next picture. Only because at this point... I'm looking pretty cool with the grenade launcher I'm holding... however... when I moved to the rocket launcher... it was a different story. Even though I KNEW it was empty and I couldn't hurt anyone, I felt REALLY strange about actually pulling the trigger. But my Marine was going through all the steps with me, and said ok, "do this, this, and this, now pull the trigger"
When I actually tried to pull the trigger, I couldn't with just one finger. That's when the laughter began, and I had to use two.

This picture is probably a much more accurate portrayal of "Natalie With A Gun" than the others.


Here's a little bit of credibility back...


Stovall, The Action Movie


I have so many more, but I'll stop here for now... only because it is nearly 7am and I have yet to see my bed. Lots more stories on the way!

Peace. Love. Fiddle.
~Natalie