by Stew Smith

If you are thinking about joining the USMC, you will have to pass the IST - Initial Strength Test. The IST is a shortened version of the USMC PFT; a recruit only has to do pull-ups, sit-ups, and a 1.5 mile run. You must pass this test prior to shipping out to boot camp.

The following are the minimum standards for passing the Initial Strength Test are as follows:

Male	Female
2 Pull Ups	Flexed Arm Hang - 12 seconds
35 Sit Ups (2 minutes)	35 Sit Ups (2 Minutes)
1.5 Mile Run - 13:30	1 Mile Run - 10:30

The Final PFT

The above enlistment requirements are not the end of the Marine Corps fitness program. In fact to graduate from USMC Recruit Training you must be able to complete the USMC Recruit Training Final PFT, which is normally held during either week ten or eleven.

The Final PFT is conducted in green-on-green T-shirt and shorts, socks, and running shoes. The green-on-green sweat suit may be used in winter climates. Gloves may also be worn.

The PFT has three events - pull-ups (Flexed-Arm Hang for females), abdominal crunches, and a 3-mile run. All PFT events are conducted in a single session, not to exceed 2 hours in duration. Movement of Marines from one event to the next should allow adequate time to recover, stretch, and drink water.

Pull-ups

This event is not timed, your score is determined by how many pull-ups you can complete before dropping off the bar. This event is male Marines only.

Flexed-Arm Hang

This event is timed, your score is based on how long you can hang maintaining elbow flexion. This event is for female Marines.

Abdominal Crunches

Your score is determined by the number of crunches you can do in the 2-minute time limit.

3-Mile Run

This event is timed, and your score is determined by how long it takes to complete the run.

In order to pass the semi-annual fitness test, you must perform the minimum acceptable performance requirements shown in the chart below. Additionally, you must have enough overall points to meet the 3rd class fitness requirements.

Fitness Requirements for Each PFT Event (Males)
Age	Pull-Ups	Crunches	3-Mile Run
17-26	3	50	28:00
27-39	3	45	29:00
40-45	3	45	30:00
46+	3	40	33:00

Fitness Requirements for Each PFT Event  (Females)
Age	Flexed-Arm Hang	Crunches	3-Mile Run
17-26	15 Seconds	50	31:00
27-39	15 Seconds	45	32:00
40-45	15 Seconds	45	33:00
46+	15 Seconds	40	36:00

Marine Corps PFT Classification Scores  (Both Male and Female)
Class	Age 17-26	Age 27-39	Age 40-45	Age 46+
1st	225	200	175	150
2nd	175	150	125	100
3rd	135	110	88	65

View the complete Marine Corps fitness score table.

Many PT programs to train for the Marine Corps PFT can be found in the following Military.com links:

- Pullups / Flexed Arm Hang
- Pushups and Sit-ups
- Running

Other Marine Corps Fitness Related Links:

- The Marine Corps Body Composition Program
- The Marine Corps Fitness Score Charts
- The RECON Marine PFT
- The Marine Corps Weight Charts
- The Marine Corps PFT

Stew Smith is a former Navy SEAL and fitness author certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association. If you are interested in starting a workout program to create a healthy lifestyle - check out the Military.com Fitness eBook store and the Stew Smith article archive at Military.com. To contact Stew with your comments and questions, e-mail him at stew@stewsmith.com.

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