Marine Corps Combat Fitness Test

Regardless of age, rank or MOS (military occupational specialty), Marines must keep themselves fit and ready to perform their mission. If you want to become a member of the United States Marine Corps, you will need to be able to master several fitness tests.

For instance, in order to join the Marine Corps, you will first take the Initial Strength Test (IST) as a recruit before boot camp which is a test consisting of pull-ups, crunches, and a 1.5 mile timed run.

Annual Physical Fitness Tests in the Marine Corps

Every year, Marines have to take two physical fitness tests: the USMC PFT (pull-ups, crunches, three-mile run) and the Combat Fitness Test (CFT) which is broken down into three categories of testing: An 880 yard run in boots and pants, ammo can lifts, and a maneuver under fire. 

This job-related test is designed to simulate many of the tasks that a Marine in a combat zone should be able to perform. Along with USMC obstacle courses, the combat fitness test is considered a functional training and testing program.

Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test Requirements

All Marines have to perform a predetermined number of pull-ups, push-ups, crunches, and a three-mile run. The specific numbers and times depend on the Marine's age.

Marine Corps Body Fat Standards

Like other branches of the U.S. military, the Marines factor not just weight but body fat percentage when assessing physical fitness. The numbers are based on height and age, and measurements of neck and waist circumference.

Marine Corps Combat Fitness Test

The CFT consists of three events: an 880-yard run, ammo can lifts, and maneuver under fire:

880-yard run: Run for 880 yards while wearing boots and camouflage uniform (pants and t-shirt).

Ammo can lifts: Lift a 30-pound ammo can from the ground, over their heads as many times as they can in two minutes.

Maneuver under fire: Move through a 300-yard course, and perform designated tasks, in the time limit authorized. The tasks include:

• Move in a quick scurry for 10 yards, then a high crawl for another 15 yards.
• Drag a casualty for 10 yards, while zigzagging through several cones. Then lift the casualty and carry him/her at a run for 65 yards. (drag and fireman carry)
• Carry two 30-pound ammo cans for 75 yards, while zigzagging through a series of cones.
• Toss a dummy grenade 22 1/2 yards and land it in a marked target circle.
• Perform five push-ups, pick up the two 30-pound cans and sprint to the finish line.

The Marines have made it more difficult to maximize the points throughout all the age groups. For instance, the number of reps needed to achieve max points in the ammo can lifts have doubled in the latest iteration of the test. 

Marines have to score over 100-120+ to get max points depending on age in the eight age groups.

The current Maximum requirements to pass the Marines combat fitness test are:

Combat Fitness Test Requirements

Males

Age	880 Yard Run	Ammo Can Lifts	Maneuver Under Fire
17-20	3:48	45	3:29
21-25
26-30	4:00	45	3:55
31-35
36-40
41-45	4:19	44	3:57
46-50	4:30	43	4:28
51+

Females

Age	880 Yard	Ammo Can Lifts	Maneuver Under Fire
17-20	4:34	20	4:57
21-25
26-30
31-35	4:40	21	5:27
36-40
41-45	5:09	17	6:07
46-50
51+	5:20	15	6:30