ALMARS
All Marine Corps ALMARS listed here by year, number, and status.
Filter

CHANGES TO THE PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST (PFT), COMBAT FITNESS TEST (CFT), AND BODY COMPOSITION PROGRAM (BCP)
Date Signed: 7/1/2016 | ALMARS Number: 022/16
ALMARS : 022/16
R 011230Z JUL 16
ALMAR 022/16
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC DMCS//
SUBJ/CHANGES TO THE PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST (PFT), COMBAT FITNESS TEST (CFT), AND BODY COMPOSITION PROGRAM (BCP)//
REF/A/ALMAR 030/15 REVIEW OF PHYSICAL FITNESS AND BODY COMPOSITION STANDARDS//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  Last November we began a comprehensive review of physical fitness and body composition standards.  Subsequent efforts focused on developing a physical fitness program that incentivizes behavior toward an end state of a healthy and fit force able to better answer the call in any clime and place.  The review was a collaborative effort that drew from fitness experts and Marines, and provided wide-ranging options for consideration.
2.  As a result, a number of PFT and CFT changes are being implemented that ensure standards are relevant, challenging, and also allow for greater distinction between Marines of different fitness levels and age groups.  There are significant adjustments to the PFT and CFT scoring tables, requiring most Marines to demonstrate greater performance to meet the new minimum and maximum standards.  A major change to the PFT is the elimination of the Flexed Arm Hang for females and incorporation of a push-up / pull-up hybrid event for all Marines, recruits, and officer candidates.  Push-ups become an option on the PFT, but Marines are incentivized toward pull-ups, as these are a better test of functional, dynamic upper body strength and correlate stronger to physically demanding tasks.  Push-ups are also a valid exercise and good test; however maximum points can only be earned by executing pull-ups.  These changes go into effect 1 Jan 2017.
3.  Performance on the PFT and CFT will also be a consideration in BCP decisions.  Marines scoring 285 and higher on both the PFT and CFT will be exempt from weight and body fat (BF) limits.  Marines scoring 250 and higher on both the PFT and CFT will be afforded an additional 1 percent BF.  However, all Marines are still subject to the requirements of the Military Appearance Program.  These changes also go into effect 1 Jan 2017.
4.  Other changes to BCP include modifying the maximum allowable weight limits for female Marines, use of more precise tape measuring devices and de-centralizing BCP waiver granting authority from Manpower and Reserve Affairs (Manpower Management) to the first General Officer in a Marine’s chain of command.  These BCP changes go into effect immediately.
5.  Additional details, including the new PFT/CFT scoring tables, physical fitness training recommendations, and BCP adjustments are available at:  https:(slash)(slash)fitness.usmc.mil.  Follow-on MARADMINS will further address administrative details and the associated Marine Corps Orders will be updated accordingly.
6.  America expects its Marine Corps to be the most ready when the Nation is least ready.  Collectively, these are the biggest changes to the PFT since 1972 and CFT since 2009.  We will monitor the effects of these adjustments for two years and then adjust if required to ensure our standards continue to contribute to the effectiveness of our force and enhance our ability to respond when our Nation calls.
7.  Robert B. Neller, General, U.S. Marine Corps, Commandant of the Marine Corps.//