US Marines Fitness Standards

The true test of a United States Marine Corps is not limited to only fulfilling the physical retirements, but also staying true to your cause even when you're exhausted.

The US Marine takes you through grueling training that will put you in a situation to decide if you still want to continue or quit. The reason is the country cannot be entrusted into the hands of people who are not dependable.

So to be called a Marine, you must undergo these trainings and pass these physical requirements. Let's learn about them below.

Initial Strength Test (IST)

The initial strength test is a necessity for aspiring Marines. As an applicant, you must meet the standard requirement of the IST before you proceed to get the basic training.

The IST consists of:

●???? Pull-ups / Push-ups

Males are expected to meet the standards of 3 pull-ups or 34 push-ups (2:00 time limit)

Females are expected to meet a standard of 1 pull-up or 15 push-ups (2:00 time limit)

●???? Run

For males: 1.5 mile run in 13:30

For female: 1.5 mile run in 15:00

●???? Plank pose

40 seconds plank (1.03 minimum)

The IST happens at one of two United States Marine Corps Recruit Depots (MCRD). One MCRD is located on Parris Island in South Carolina, while the other is in San Diego, California.

Usually, MCRD is a place where the initial training takes place. Aspiring Marines are trained by the recruit station commanders who also prepare their minds for the tasks ahead of them as US Marines.

Physical Fitness Test

With this test, aspiring Marines' physical strength and conditioning are evaluated. It consists of 3 parts

●???? Pull-ups / Push-ups - This will help build the upper part of their body strength to help them stay fit not only in battles but also at all times.

●???? Plank pose - This physical conditioning helps aspiring Marines maintain a strong core and stay battle-ready even on short notice.

●???? Run - Males must complete a 3-mile run in 28 minutes or less. Females must complete the 3-mile run in 31 minutes or less.

Combat Fitness Test (CFT)

Here, aspiring Marines are taken through the grueling training of combat to become battle-ready. It involves the Marines putting on the full combat kit/uniforms and mimicking the actions or challenges on a battleground.

This test consists of 3 parts, which are

●???? Movement to Contact - This is a drill of 880 yards that mimics what it means to run while stressed in a battle.

●???? Ammunition Lift - Here, Marines must lift a 30-pound ammunition can over their heads until their elbows lock out. The goal is the lift this can as many times as possible in a stipulated period.

●???? Maneuver Under Fire - This is a 300-yard drill where Marines are being set up for battle challenges which they must overcome by completing the challenges such as crawls, ammunition supply, grenade throwing, agility running, and the dragging and carrying of another Marine around the shoulders.

Conclusion

The Marines Fitness Standards are not mere requirements to meet. It is a culture held high in the Marine Corps. All Marines regardless of their age, rank, or Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) must continually maintain the highest level of physical fitness both on and off the battleground.