MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- With the sun beating down upon them, Marines, still new to the Corps, braved the scorching sun and continued with Marine Combat Training Sept. 20-24 at Camp Day in the Quebec Impact Area here.Approximately 370 Marines from all types of military occupational specialties learned skills theyÕll need when they join the Fleet Marine Force after occupational specialty school.For many, it will be their only in-depth training in squad tactics and weapons,and that's too bad, says one of the trainers."I think the fleet has to implement a program where a Marine can familiarize himself with the field," said Sgt. Frantisek Dvorak, a squad instructor with I Company, Marine Combat Training Battalion, School of Infantry. Students at MCT learn about patrolling, mines and pyrotechnics, enemy weapons systems, handling of prisoners of war and urban warfare tactics. They also take sustainment classes as part of the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program.After one week of MCT, Company I Marines started their first of three two-hour blocks of MCMAP, held at the end of every week.Most of the company's Marines are already tan-belt-certified, so the classes are mainly refreshers. But they're vital nonetheless, trainers say."I think the training is important because it takes a simple Marine and makes him strive to be better," said Sgt. Joal P. Norton Sr., a MCMAP instructor. "MCMAP takes mental, physical and character discipline and intertwines them to make someone a better person and Marine."The Marines also got acquainted with the M240G machinegun during their first week. Each Marine fired off a belt of about 50 rounds apiece."Nice, steady long bursts, that is what I want to hear," shouted one instructor."It's important training because it lets noninfantry Marines somewhat function as a grunt," Dvorak said.Early this year, the course was extended from 17 to 22 days - a "good idea," according to instructors."The students are getting more out of today's training than they were before," Dvorak said.