Marine Corps Combat Fitness Test (CFT)

The Marine Corps' combat fitness test (CFT), taken every six months, is intended to keep Marines ready for the physical rigors of contemporary combat operations. Individual readiness will be measured by requiring Marines to do the following:

• Run 880 yards (two laps around a track), simulating movement to contact in battle dress uniform, fast.
• Lift a 30-pound ammunitions can overhead from shoulder height for max reps for two minutes.
• Perform a maneuver-under-fire simulated event, a timed 300-yard shuttle run in which Marines are paired up by size and perform the following tasks: sprints, agility course, high crawl, low crawl, body drag, fireman carry, ammo can carry, push-ups and grenade throw.

See Official Scoring Charts link for total points

Here are the maximum and minimum scores with new age groups for the CFT's three events:

Male/female movement to contact (MTC) standards (max/min)

Male/female ammo can lift standards (max/min)

CFT changes

The changes are in the rest periods. Instead of five minutes to rest, you now have three minutes between events.

You also have to score higher, as of 2019. The minimum passing score for the physical fitness test (PFT) and CFT has changed. Marines cannot score the minimum standards and still pass, enforcing the mantra, "Exceeding the standard is the standard."

Male/female maneuver under fire (MUF) standards (max/min)

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. Visit his Fitness eBook store if you’re looking to start a workout program to create a healthy lifestyle. Send your fitness questions to stew@stewsmith.com.

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