R 122131Z Dec 16
MARADMIN 647/16
MSGID/GENADMIN/CG MCCDC QUANTICO VA//
SUBJ/FORCE FITNESS INSTRUCTOR COURSE 2-17//
REF/A/MSGID: DOC/CMC WASHINGTON DC/YMD:  20160119//
REF/B/MSGID: DOC/CMC WASHINGTON DC/YMD:  20160901//
REF/C/MSGID: DOC/CMC WASHINGTON DC/YMD:  20160630//
NARR/REF A IS FRAGO 01/2016, ADVANCE TO CONTACT, CMC GUIDANCE TO THE FUTURE OF THE MARINE CORPS.  REF B IS CMC WHITE LETTER 2-16 WITH CMC FORCE FITNESS INSTRUCTOR GUIDANCE TO ALL UNIT COMMANDERS.  REF C IS ALMAR 022/26 WHICH ANNOUNCED CHANGES TO THE PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST AND COMBAT FITNESS TEST.  PRIMARY POC/GYSGT DIMYAS.C.PURDUE/ FORCE FITNESS READINESS CENTER /TEL:  703-432-8202/EMAIL:  DIMYAS.PERDUE (AT) USMC.MIL.  ALTERNATE POC IS MSGT JUSTIN KINNER/FORCE FITNESS READINESS CENTER/TEL: 703-432-6604 EMAIL:  JUSTIN.KINNER(AT)USMC.MIL.
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  In order to ensure common understanding of the policies supporting the Force Fitness Instructor (FFI) Course, this MARADMIN reiterates and promulgates guidance, intent, and solicits nominations for FFI course 2-17.  References A, B, and C are background information supporting FFI course.
2.  Training and Education Command (TECOM) is designing a service wide physical fitness program that incorporates a positive and holistic approach to physical training.  Utilizing the latest in scientifically-based techniques, modern technology, and the sports medicine field, the Marine Corps Physical Fitness Program (MCPFP) will first and foremost seek to establish a Corps-wide culture of total Fitness.  Toward this end, the program will strive to optimize our Marines health and physical fitness, contributing to increased unit readiness throughout the operating forces.
3.  The centerpiece of the MCPFP and key to its success is the creation of a cadre of FFI’s who will be apportioned throughout the operating forces down to the company/squadron level.  An FFI will serve as the Commander’s Subject Matter Expert on physical fitness and sports-related injury prevention.  This selected Marine will advise the commander on the design and implementation of a structured, progressive mission essential task list-based Physical Fitness Training Program (PFTP) that is uniquely tailored to the Unit’s training and exercise employment plan.  An FFI will also be capable of integrating available resources to support the Commanders PFTP.
4.  FFI course intent.  The FFI course is designed to train and certify Marines to serve as unit FFI’s capable of designing individual and unit level programs.  The course will produce FFI’s that will leverage total fitness enablers and integrate with existing resources for nutrition, injury prevention, and sports medicine in addition to managing the daily physical fitness regimen of the unit.  The FFI course targets leaders who exhibit motivation, leadership, maturity, and natural talent at the small unit level.
5.  FFI course overview.
5.A.  All active component staff sergeants and above with any primary Military Occupational Specialty  (MOS) are eligible to apply for FFI course 2-17.
5.B.  The FFI course is currently a six week program of instruction, but may be subject to change after final review of pilot course data. 
5.C.  A minimum of six FFI courses will be conducted per year at the Quantico Force Fitness Readiness Center (FFRC) and, ultimately will be conducted by mobile training team visits to bases and stations across the Marine Corps.
5.D.  Each course will consist of 50 students with seat allocations provided across the operating forces and supporting establishment.
6.  FFI course.
6.A.  FFI course 2-17 will be conducted beginning on 11 January 2017 at the FFRC aboard Marine Corps base, Quantico.  Graduation is tentatively scheduled for 21 February 2017, but may be subject to change.
6.B.  This course will be made up of active duty Staff Sergeants and above.
6.C.  The course seat allocation is as follows:
6.C.1.  Operating Forces (equal distribution to Ground Combat Element, Logistics Combat Element, and Aviation Combat Element)
6.C.1.a.  Marine Forces Pacific:  26 quotas
6.C.1.b.  Marine Forces Command:  14 quotas
6.C.1.c.  Marine Forces Reserve: 2 quotas
6.C.2.  Supporting establishment
6.C.2.a.  Training and Education Command:  8 quotas  (Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island (1), Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego (1), Education Command (2), Training Command (4))
6.D.  Marine Forces and supporting establishment must register students in Marine Corps Training Information Management System under course identification number M02MN1T no later than three weeks prior to the course convene date.
7.  Commander responsibilities.
7.A.  In order to sustain physical fitness readiness and enhance small unit leadership in the operational forces, commanders should select FFI candidates who exhibit superior attributes to serve as the units FFI.  Specific qualifications and attributes are contained in paragraph eight and nine below.
7.B.  Upon completion of the FFI course, an additional MOS 0919 will be awarded to FFI graduates.  Commanders will ensure proper secondary MOS reporting into Marine Corps Total Force System and verify the appropriate administrative actions.
8.  Applicant attributes.
8.A.  Recognized leadership.  FFI applicant motivates subordinates to perform at the highest levels through initiative, enthusiasm, MOS proficiency and personal example.
8.B.  Performance.  FFI applicant produces results that surpass expectations and creates immediate impacts wherever assigned demonstrates ability to think critically and creatively, and operate autonomously.
8.C.  Intellect.  FFI applicant has demonstrated ability to solve complex problems despite friction and anticipate mission requirements to formulate viable solutions.
9.  Student course prerequisites.
9.A.  Must be an Active Duty Staff Sergeant or above at the time of application with at least one year of service remaining at the completion of FFI course.
9.B.  Must have a current Physical Fitness Test (PFT) score of 250 or higher and first class Combat Fitness Test (CFT).  An inventory PFT and CFT will be administered within two days of reporting.  The PFT and CFT will be graded on the new standards that go into effect 1 January 2017 in accordance with reference C.
9.C.  Must be injury free and on full duty status for last six months verified by a military physician. 
9.D.  Previous formal instruction experience, i.e. martial arts Instructor trainer, martial arts trainer, formal learning center instructor is recommended, but is not a pre-requisite.
9.E.  FFI course command screening checklist and gear list can be downloaded from the FFRC public sharepoint: https:(slant)(slant)vcepub.tecom.usmc.mil/sites/trngcmd/tbs/tbsmace.
10.  Coordinating instructions.
10.A.  Funding.  Commanding General, TECOM, Formal Schools Training Support (FSTS), will fund travel and per diem to include lodging, meals, and incidental expenses for active duty marine participants.  All travel orders for Marines selected to participate must be processed via the Defense Travel System (DTS).  All travel authorizations must be routed using the units World Wide Travel routing list and must be approved by an FSTS Approving Official (AO).  All Marines must enter Course Identification Number M02MN1T “attending the Marine Corps Force Fitness Instructor Program" in the trip description.  The DTS Line of Accounting will be applied by an FSTS AO upon approval.  Government quarters and messing are directed.  Attendees must check into Quantico bachelor’s officer quarters (Liversedge Hall) at DSN 278-3148/9 or commercial 703-784-3148/9 for non-availability of government billeting prior to making any commercial lodging reservations.
10.B.  Reporting instructions.  FFI Course 2-17 will convene on 11 January 2017.  Students are required to report in woodland MARPAT uniform no later than 2359, 10 January, to Director, Force Fitness Readiness Center, Raider Hall, 24191 Gilbert Road, Quantico, Virginia, 22134-5019.  During working hours report to building 24180, Ramer Hall, Commercial (703) 432-8202.
10.C.  Marines are encouraged to consult references contained in this MARADMIN for specific questions regarding FFI course.  Additional points of contact are listed at the top of this MARADMIN.
11.  Commanding Officers will ensure widest dissemination of this MARADMIN.
12.  This MARADMIN is cancelled 30 September 2017.
13.  Release authorized by Lieutenant General Robert S. Walsh, Commanding General, Marine Corps Combat Development Command.//