The US Marine Corps is adding a Combat Fitness Test (CFT) that will measure a Marine’s ability to execute more combat-like exercises. The CFT is currently being tested, and is scheduled to be implemented in June. The CFT comes as part of a change to the way the Corps measures a Marine’s fitness, according to Marine Corps Times. Other sources say the CFT has come about as a result of lessons learned in Iraq and Afghanistan, where many trigger-pullers couldn’t hoist themselves over walls. It is still undecided whether the CFT will be scored or pass/fail, or whether the test will be conducted annually or semiannually. The CFT is not meant to replace the current PFT, which will remain unchanged, but will augment it.

The Corps is considering seven possibilities for CFT events, including a grenade throw, dynamic entry, maneuver under fire with diagonal running, maneuver under fire with straight ahead running, casualty carry, casualty drag, and ammo resupply. It will likely be administered in three parts: the 880 yard sprint, the ammo can drill, and the maneuver under fire drill, which will be a four-part obstacle course that will include sprinting, throwing a grenade, running with two ammo cans and moving a mock casualty.

Commandant Gen. James Conway, who introduced the concept, says the CFT is “Designed to augment our current PFT, the CFT under development will consist of events that more closely replicate the physical demands of combat." The CFT will become mandatory about the same time as the Corps’ new body fat program, and will likely affect promotions, assignments and re-enlistment prospects.

(Photo by Lance Cpl. David Rogers)