R 172042Z OCT 19
MARADMIN 580/19
MSGID/GENADMIN/CG TECOM QUANTICO VA//
SUBJ/RELEASE OF MARINE CORPS ORDER 1500.59A MARINE CORPS MARTIAL ARTS PROGRAM//
REF/A/MCO 1500.59A/23 SEP 2019//
NARR/REF A IS MARINE CORPS ORDER 1500.59A THE MARINE CORPS MARTIAL
ARTS PROGRAM//POC/ADAM S. UNKLE/MAJ/UNIT: TECOM FORCE FITNESS
DIVISION/EMAIL: ADAM.S.UNKLE@USMC.MIL//COMM: 703-784-2231//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  Situation.  This MARADMIN announces a revision to the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) Order.
2.  Marine Corps Order (MCO) 1500.59A cancels MCO 1500.59.  This is the first revision the MCMAP order since 2010.  The new order optimizes MCMAP and provides clarity to the program's intent, recommended training for Marines with correlating timelines, and exemption for Martial Arts Instructor (MAI)/ Martial Arts Instructor Trainer (MAIT) recertification requirements.  A list of the most substantial changes is below.
2.a.  It is recommended that within two years from date of completion of primary military occupational specialty (MOS) training all active duty component Marines earn a gray belt, and green belt within four years.
2.a.1.  It is recommended that within four years from date of completion of primary MOS training all reserve duty component Marines earn a gray belt, and green belt within eight years.
2.b.  The Order establishes rank requirements for brown belt and above, but does not preclude Marines of the rank of Corporal and below from receiving training in black and brown belt syllabus.
2.c.  All Marines who attained a belt level prior to the publishing of the order are grandfathered in and can maintain their current belt level.
2.d.  Pre-requisites for belt advancement are better clarified and broken down into amount of time spent training and sustaining.
2.e.  Marines are required to complete non-resident professional military education prior to belt rank advancement.
2.f.  Recruits must pass belt test at 80 percent like all other users versus the previous 70 percent standard.
2.g.  All MCMAP waivers will be sent to the first general officer (GO) in the chain of command for consideration and approval.  Waivers and exemptions will be granted on a case by case basis and are only granted by the first GO in the chain of command, and forwarded to the Commanding General of Training and Education Command (C469) for the purposes of maintaining program records and inspections.
2.h.  Equipment waivers can be requested through the first GO in the chain of command.  If MCMAP equipment is not available through the supply chain or equipment cannot be attained, then training can be modified or exempt.  The latter will only be approved in rare scenarios.
2.i.  Commanders should maintain at least one MAI per 50 Marines and at least one MAIT per 500 Marines.
3.  If you have questions about this revision please contact the Force Fitness Division at tecom.forcefitness@usmc.mil or (703) 784 2231.
4.  This MARADMIN is applicable to the Marine Corps Total Force.
5.  Release authorized by Major General William F. Mullen III, Commanding General, Training and Education Command.//