The Marine Corps considers physical fitness an indispensable aspect of leadership. Fitness is essential to the day-to-day effectiveness and combat readiness of the service. Marines who are not physically fit can be a detriment to the readiness and combat efficiency of their units.

Therefore, the habits of self-discipline required to gain and maintain a high level of physical fitness are inherent to the Marine Corps way of life and must be a part of the character of every Marine. 

Accordingly, every Marine will engage in an effective physical conditioning program on a continuing and progressive basis.

Marines will perform "dead-hang" pull-ups or push-ups, abdominal crunches or plank pose, and a three-mile run. Marines can opt out of pull-ups and perform push-ups, but you cannot max the PFT if push-ups are performed. If you max the pull-ups, you can score 100 points for that event. If you max the push-ups, you only get 70 points for that event, so your max possible PFT score will be 270.

Focus on building your strength to max the PFT. Don't even concern yourself with the minimum standards because you have to score even higher now, as of 2019. The minimum passing score for both the physical fitness test (PFT) and combat fitness test (CFT) has changed. Marines cannot score the old minimum standards and still pass, enforcing the mantra, "Exceeding the standard is the standard." Male and female Marines also have to perform a greater amount of pull-ups to max the pull-up test now.

Male/female pull-up standards (max/min)

The maximum score is 100 points, with the minimum 40 for each age group.

If you don't want to do pull-ups, push-ups are now an acceptable alternative:

Male/female push-up standards (max/min)

The maximum score is 70 points; the minimum is 40 for each age group.

Male/female crunch standards/age

*Note: As of Jan. 1, 2020, Marines will be able to replace crunches with the plank pose. Practice getting a five-minute plank post to max the test.

Male/female 3-mile run standards/age

The Marine Corps PCP has two main components -- the physical fitness test and the body composition program.

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

• Pull-ups
• Push-ups and Sit-ups
• Running

Other Marine Corps fitness-related links:

• The USMC Recruit Training PFT Standards
• The Marine Corps Body Composition Program
• The Marine Corps Fitness Score Charts
• The RECON Marine PFT
• The Marine Corps Weight Charts

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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