MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Across the Marine Corps, Marines are preparing for the Combat Fitness Test. The CFT is a method to prepare Marines for the physical demands of operating in a combat environment, according to Marine Corps Order 6100.13. All active-duty and reserve Marines are required to complete an initial CFT by March 31.
After Headquarters Marine Corps analyzes the data from the initial CFT, scoring for the test will be similar to the Physical Fitness Test. Formal scoring for the CFT is scheduled to begin July 1.
“We are moving forward and many Marines said the CFT is a good thing,” Gunnery Sgt. Joces Valerio, company gunnery sergeant, Headquarters and Service Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 1. “We should maintain it along with the PFT.”
The CFT is designed to assess Marines’ abilities in handling the basic physical demands of being in a combat zone, regardless of their military occupational specialty.
The CFT is comprised of three separate events. The first event is a movement-to-contact, which is a 880-yard sprint. For this event, Marines are required to wear boots and utility trousers. This exercise is intended to simulate the energy required to close the distance between a Marine and the enemy in a combat situation. Marines are required to complete the run in two and a half minutes.
Once the movement-to-contact portion is completed, Marines must display upper-body strength and endurance by completing an ammunition lift. An ammunition can is lifted over the head consistently for two minutes. A repetition is properly performed when the ammo can starts at chest level. The ammunition can is pushed into the air until the arms are locked out over the head and then back to chest level. The number of iterations completed translates into a score based on age and gender.
The last event, movement-under-fire, consists of four portions, which are completed in rapid succession. The full movement-under-fire is 300 yards. For the movement-under-fire, Marines must begin in the prone position, get on their feet and sprint for 25 yards, then weave in and out of cones for 25 more yards.
Marines then perform a 10-yard high crawl, where a simulated “casualty” will be waiting for them at the end. The “casualty” will be within 10 pounds, and six inches of the Marine who is performing the carry.
For the second portion, Marines will drag their “casualty” under their arms, weaving between two cones for 10 yards. They will then transition into a fireman’s carry and run 65 yards back to the starting line. Marines will then set down the “casualty” and pick up two 30-pound ammunition cans.
The third portion has the Marines sprinting 50 yards followed by a 25-yard diagonal run. When the Marines reach the simulated-grenade pit, they will ground the ammo cans and engage a 5-yard by 5-yard target zone with a simulated grenade, then take cover.
Marines will then pick up their ammunition cans for the fourth section, and run 25 yards diagonally, finishing with a 50-yard sprint.
With the requirements for the CFT, Marines will be expected to train for more than just pull ups, sit ups and a three-mile run. They will have to be prepared for extended and rigorous physical exertion.
For more information on the CFT, contact your S-3 or training officer.