1. Purpose. To promulgate policy and implementing instructions
concerning physical fitness in the Marine Corps.
2. Cancellation. MCO 6100.3H.
3. Policy
a. As stated in paragraph 2406 of reference (a), every
Marine must be physically fit, regardless of age, grade, or duty
assignment. Such fitness is essential to the day-to-day
effectiveness and combat readiness of the Marine Corps. Further,
physical fitness is an indispensable aspect of leadership. The
habits of self-discipline required to gain and maintain a high
level of physical fitness are inherent in the Marine Corps way of
life and must be a part of the character of every Marine.
Accordingly, every Marine, regardless of age, sex, grade, or duty
assignment, will engage in an effective physical conditioning
program (PCP) on a continuing and progressive basis. Senior
Marines have a special responsibility to provide an example to
all Marines who look to them for leadership. The basic policy
concerning command responsibility for physical fitness is set
forth in reference (a). Marines who are not physically fit area
detriment to the readiness and combat efficiency of their unit
and detract from the overall performance of the Marine Corps.
b. Accordingly, the PCP, as outlined in this Order, will
require each Marine to participate in a minimum of 3 hours of
physical fitness training per week, to be tested semiannually,
and to obtain a minimum level of third class on the physical
fitness tent (PFT). The attainment of a higher level score is a
laudable individual goal, which should be encouraged, but which
should not become a unit objective. Overemphasis on achieving
exemplary scores on the PFT can be detrimental to the training
required to develop the "total Marine." All commanders will
PCN 102 093100 00
exercise sound judgment as well as positive, aggressive
leadership in continuing to strive toward our total training
objective.
c. The proper goal of the Marine Corps' physical fitness
training program is the success of Marines in combat. To this
end, physical fitness must continue to be an integral part of our
Marine Corps culture and way of life.
d. Historically, the purpose of many PCP's has been to
prepare Marines for fitness testing rather than training them for
the physical rigors of combat. The focus, therefore, of our
programs must change. Each commander must emphasize unit and
combat fitness training, vice physical fitness testing, and
reflect this distinction in training plans and schedules.
4. The Commander's Physical Conditioning Program (PCP)
a. The unit commander's directed PCP provides for individual
development through supervised individual effort, maintained by
judicious leadership at all levels of command. In order to
develop the desired level of physical fitness, unit commanders
are advised that a minimum program of 3 hours per week is
mandatory. The program must encompass at least three exercise
periods weekly; the minimum desirable length for each exercise
period is 60 minutes. Shorter periods may be authorized by the
unit commander if dictated by the local training situation.
b. Unit commanders are encouraged to use the normal working
day to satisfy this training requirement. However, commanders
are authorized to conduct the required physical fitness training
during off-duty hours when the mission requirements, workload,
personnel status, or other significant factors preclude
fulfilling this requirement during duty hours. This
authorization can be granted for either individual or unit
training.
c. Although a precise definition is elusive, physical
fitness is generally considered to be the capacity of an
individual to perforir given physical tasks involving muscular
effort. Implied in this definition is the presence of such
components as agility, power, balance, kinesthetic perception,
flexibility, speed, reaction time, endurance, and strength. Some
of these components are innate and can be developed only to a
limited degree, but others respond quite well to training
efforts. A successful PCP, therefore, will include the following
types of exercises:
(1) Anaerobic Conditioning. This category includes
exercises to increase speed, flexibility, and agility, all of
which are essential to total fitness.
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(2) Progressive Resistance Training. Although this type
of conditioning is technically anaerobic, the correlation of
muscular strength and endurance to success in combat operations
demands that progressive resistance training be considered
separately. Generally equated with weight training, resistance
training can also be accomplished by means of isometric
exercises, partner resistance exercises, and other similar
activities and can be conducted. concurrently with some types of
cardiovascular conditioning activities. The use of base/station
fitness centers should be considered as a resource for
progressive resistance training.
(3) Aerobic Conditioning. The key to sustained maximum
performance over protracted periods, exercises which enhance
cardiovascular endurance must occupy a prominent position in any
military fitness regimen.
d. Using innovative combinations of the types of exercises
discussed above, commanders will foster viable conditioning
programs in the following areas:
(1) Physical Readiness Training. Physical readiness
training is comprised of general physical conditioning exercises
which develop and maintain the strength, endurance, and physical
skills needed to sustain individuals during combat.
(2) Occupational Conditioning. Closely related to
physical readiness training, occupational conditioning prepares
Marines to successfully handle the demands of their billets.
Examples are progressive load bearing marches for infantry MOS's
(although marching long distances should not be overlooked for
the benefits it would provide to all Marines), dry net training,
swimming, obstacle courses, confidence courses, etc.
(3) Competitive Conditioning Activities. Competitive
conditioning activities consist of teams or individuals competing
against an opponent (not necessarily a human opponent) to win.
This involves a combination of sports and military skills
designed to foster competitive attitudes and develop unit pride
and esprit-de-corps. This should not be construed as an
unqualified endorsement of varsity or intramural sports. Marines
must never forget the primacy of combat readiness; the stark
truth of the saying "No enemy has ever been killed by a
basketball, volleyball, etc.," must remain foremost in every
mind. In this vein, activities such as speed march reaction
courses and orienteering provide both conditioning and military
benefits, and should not be overlooked.
(4) Remedial Physical Conditioning. Remedial physical
conditioning is a process by which physically substandard Marines
are conditioned to meet prescribed standards.
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e. Reference (b) provides-comprehensive guidance for the
establishment of a PCP and describes the types of training which
must be conducted. Obstacle, confidence, and endurance courses,
and progressive, load-bearing marches must be a part of unit
training regimens.
5. Objectives. The objectives of the PCP are:
a. To contribute to the health and well-being of every
Marine through regular exercise and health education.
b. To develop Marines who are physically capable of
performing their duties in garrison and in combat.
c. To develop in Marines a reserve.level of physical fitness
that will enhance their chances of winning in a combat situation.
d. To provide a medium for developing the self-confidence of
the individual Marine and thereby enhance overall discipline,
morale, esprit-de-corps, unit efficiency, and the desire to excel
within the Marine Corps.
6. Action. Commanding officers will:
a. Establish and maintain an effective PCP per this Order
and reference (b) which ensures that all Marines maintain an
acceptable level of physical fitness.
b. Ensure that all individuals are medically qualified prior
to participating in the PCP.
c. Establish a PCP of at least 3 hours per week at a
minimum. Conduct of the PCP may be authorized on an individual
basis at the discretion of the unit commander. Unit PCP's will
specifically not be constructed to prepare for fitness testing.
Each commander must emphasize unit and combat fitness tr.ining
vice physical fitness testing and reflect this distinction In
training plans and schedules.
d. Ensure that all Marines participate in physical fitness
conditioning activities commensurate with their medical
qualifications/limitations.
e. Conduct physical fitness testing (PFT) for all Marines
per the instructions contained in enclosure (1).
f. Place all Marines who fail to pass the PFT on a daily
command-supervised remedial PCP until they pass the test.
g. Ensure the results of physical fitness testing are
entered on section A of the fitness report per reference (c).
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Comments are placed in section C of the fitness report in
connection with the following situations:
(1) Attainment of superior physical performance (i.e., a
score of 285 or above on the PFT);
(2) Medical excusals from the PFT; or,
(3) Failure of the PFT.
h. Report the results of fitness testing per reference (d).
7. Reserve Applicability. This Order is applicable to the
Marine Corps Reserve.
F. E. SISLEY
Deputy Chief of Staff
for Training
DISTRIBUTION: A
Copy to: 7000045 (100)
8145001
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PHYSICAL FITNESS TESTING
1. Purpose. To provide an instrument to measure the level of
physical fitness of all Marines. The minimum acceptable level of
individual physical fitness is the ability to complete the
minimum repetitions or time listed for each of the three events
of the PFT in the appropriate age category.
2. Personnel to be Tested. Unit commanders will administer the
physical fitness test at least semiannually (on a calendar year
basis) to all Marines under 46 years of age, regardless of grade,
except for personnel on duty in a combat zone, and annually for
members of the Selected Marine Corps Reserve (SMCR).
3. Uniform. Appropriate gym attire or seasonally modified
utility uniform may be worn. Gym shoes are recommended.
4. Special Equipment and Area. The PFT employs a minimum of
special-type equipment in order to permit its use by all types of
commands. The following are required:
a. Pullup/chinup bar. The diameter of the bar may range
from 1 to 1 3/4 inches. The bar must be high enough to allow the
tallest Marine's legs to hang straight. A bench or stool may be
used for shorter Marines to reach the bar.
b. For men, a measured 3-mile course over reasonably level
ground; for women, a 1 1/2-mile course.
c. A stopwatch or watch with a sweep second hand.
5. Conduct of the Test
a. Adequate timers and other supervisory personnel are
required.
b. Events will be conducted in a single session of one
morning or afternoon. Movements of individuals from one event to
another should provide adequate rest between events. The
sequence in which the events are taken will be at the option of
the unit commander.
c. Age group performance minimums, by event, are listed in
paragraph 7d of this enclosure. A point system is included
(appendices A and B of this enclosure) and will be used to
compute total scores on a tally sheet (see appendix C to this
enclosure). Tally sheets are to be reproduced locally.
ENCLOSURE (1)
1
d. Scorecards (see appendix D to this enclosure) may be
prepared locally for each individual for inclusion in individual
training records, for commands which use such a system.
e. In administering the PFT, commanders and/or monitors will
impose no restrictions on the performance of any event which are
not explicitly stated in this Order.
f. Participants will be kept advised of their progress while
taking the test events (e.g., by counting out loud the number of
correctly executed pullup repetitions) and by producing time
checks at specified intervals during the 3-mile course.
6. Medical Provisions
a. When Marines are unable to take or pass the PFT as the
result of a physical (medical) defect, they should be granted a
medical excuse from participating in that portion of the PFT or
the commander's PCP which would be detrimental to their health.
If the defect is considered to be permanent in nature, then a
medical determination should be made as to the Marine's medical
qualification for continued active service. In the case of a
permanent defect, appropriate entries will be placed in the
OQR/SRB and in the Marine's health record, thereby eliminating
the need for repeated issuance of medical excuses. The health
record entry will be a medical board finding or a special SF-600,
which includes the date the medical determination was made, the
diagnosis, prognosis, and the restrictions imposed. The OQR/SRB
entry will contain the date the medical determination was made
and the restrictions imposed. Permanent excusals will be
reevaluated each time the Marine is required to have a physical
evaluation (e.g., annually or upon reenlistment).
b. Marines who cannot perform one or two events in the PFT
because of a medical reason which has been certified by a medical
officer will take only those test events for which they are
medically qualified. In the event or events taken, the Marine
will be required to achieve a minimum passing performance in
order to pass the partial PFT. Test records will indicate the
event or events not taken and whether a temporary or a permanent
condition was the reason for the partial PFT.
c. Individuals who have repeated medical excusals from any
or all PFT events for temporary conditions will be referred to a
medical officer to determine their medical qualifications for
continued active service.
ENCLOSURE (1)
2
7. Standards
a. The PFT consists of three events: for males, the events
are the pullup/chinup, the bent-knee situp, and a 3-mile run; for
females, the events are the flexed arm hang, bent-knee situps,
and a 1 1/2-mile run. These events are designed to test the
strength and stamina of the upper body (shoulder girdle),
midsection, and lower body. Additionally, the run measures the
efficiency of the cardiovascular system.
b. To successfully pass the PFT, personnel must complete the
minimum requirements listed below for each of the three events,
plus earn the required additional points listed by age group.
Additional points may be earned in any of the three events of the
test. Failure to meet the requirements in any event constitutes
failure of the entire test regardless of the total number of
points earned.
c. Appendices A and B, respectively, give detailed point
values for male and female performances on the PFT events.
d. The following tables indicate the minimum acceptable
performance for each event, the minimum passing scores for each
age group, and the total number of additional points required:
a. Marines possessing a keen interest in physical fitness
and wishing to excel in the PFT will be given the opportunity to
demonstrate superior performance.
b. Superior physical performance is achieved by scoring 285
or higher on the PFT.
c. Commanders will initiate local programs to recognize
Marines who demonstrate superior physical performance.
Recognition of superior physical performance during formations,
appropriate ceremonies, or through issuance of locally produced
certificates/awards is encouraged and recommended.
d. Commanders will comment in section C of the fitness
report on all Marines who achieve superior physical performance
ENCLOSURE (1)
4
%G 61003J_1.PCX; EVENTS - PULLUPS/CHINUPS
ENCLOSURE (1)
5
%G 61003J_2.PCX; EVENTS - FLEXED ARM HANG/BENT KNEE SITUPS
ENCLOSURE (1)
6
%G 61003J_3.PCX; EVENTS - FLEXED ARM HANG-CONTD/RUN