Marine Corps Combat Fitness

Working Group15 November 2007

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Agenda

• BLUF• History• Way Ahead• Service Comparisons• Body Composition• Military Appearance• Combat Fitness• Due Outs• Key References

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• CMC Decisions– Retain Circumference Method– De-link PFT from Body Composition Evaluation– Incorporate Commander’s Assessment– Develop Military Appearance Program

• CMC Guidance– “Body composition is not about fitness, it’s about appearance.”– Streamline Body Composition Assignment Process– 60 day moratorium period– “Associate Combat Fitness Test with combat functions.”– “Pick the best for the test.”

• Recommending– Program development way ahead– Body composition standards– Combat Fitness Test Methodology

BLUF

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No evidence of Physical Readiness Test (PRT) policy

Pres. Roosevelt Exec Ord

Walk/Ride suspended due to WWI. No evidence of PRT policy during this period

MalesLtCol or belowor <40 yrs

1960-1968 Males<40 yrs(regardless of rank)

1969-1971

Males <46 yrs: Tested on 5 of 9 events (1 from each group, no advance notice on test events)Grp I- Pullups, Pushups or 20’ Rope Climb, Grp II-Situps or Leg Lifts, Grp III-Squat Thrusts, Grp IV-Broad Jump or Vertical Jump, Grp V-3M Run Uniform: Boots/Utes

1972-1974

*Ref: USMC Historical Division

1956-1959

1975-1996

1918-1955

1909-1917

1775-1908

Line Officers - 50 mi walk / Staff Officers - 90 mi horseback ride Conducted over 3 consecutive days

Chin ups, Pushups, Situps, 1 min squat thrusts, Broad jump, 50 yd Duck Waddle, 880 yd run for 30-40 yrs (no time limit), 440 yd run for <30 yrs (Sat-<75 sec)

UniformShorts, shirt, athletic shoes

Step Test, 20’ Rope Climb, Fireman’s Carry, Fire/Maneuver, 3M Forced March

UniformBoots/ Utes, Weapon,Light marching pack

Females <35 yrs: 120’ shuttle run, Vertical Jump, Knee pushups, 600 yd run/walk, SitupsUniform-Shorts, shirt, athletic shoes

Males <46 yrs: Pullups, Situps, 3M Run Females no change

Males <46 yrs: No change Females <46 yrs: Flexed Arm Hang, Situps, 1.5M Run

1996 Males- “No Kip” Females- 1.5M to 3M Run

1997

2007 MCMAP Tan Belt min reqt for All Marines

All Marines (regardless of age) take PFT, Situp to Crunch, Altitude waiver

History

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Way Ahead

• CG, TECOM decision brief Nov 07• MCCF Integrated Process Team IPC Nov 07

– HQMC & OpFor stakeholders• Publish POA&M Nov 07• Publish CMC White Letter Nov 07• MCCF Integrated Process Team Workshop Dec 07• Combat Fitness Test Experiment & Evaluation Group IPC Dec 07• MCCF Integrated Process Team MPC Jan 08• Combat Fitness Test Experiment Jan – May 08• Interim implementation Mar 08

– Promulgate MCO 6100.XX• Body Composition Program• Military Appearance Program

• MCCF Integrated Process Team FPC April 08• Comprehensive program implementation Jun 08

– Promulgate MCO 1500.XX• Physical Fitness Test• Combat Fitness Test

– Revise MCRP 3-02A• Marine Corps Combat Fitness

CMC Decision Concur_X_ Non-concur____

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Service Comparisons

• DoD Standard (DoDInst 1308.3)– Height/weight

• Established tables

– Body fat• Male (18-26%)• Female (26-36%)

– Body fat measurement• Circumference method is the only accepted

DoD standard

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Service Comparisons

• U.S. Marine Corps– DoD height/weight tables– Measure body fat using circumference method

• Male (18%/PPE 22% w/1st class PFT)• Female (26%/PPE30% w/1st class PFT)

– Marines exceeding body fat standards are assigned to the Body Composition Program (6 months)

• U.S. Navy– DoD height/weight tables– Measure body fat using circumference method

• Male (17-39): 22%• Male (40+): 23%• Female (17-39): 33%• Female (40+): 34%

– Sailors exceeding body fat percentages are assigned to a weight loss program

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Service Comparisons

• U.S. Army– Male

• 17-20 (20%)• 21-27 (22%)• 28-39 (24%)• 40+ (26%)

– Female• 17-20 (30%)• 21-27 (32%)• 28-39 (34%)• 40+ (36%)

• U.S. Air Force– Air Force Fitness Program, by age (Weight is not utilized)

• 1.5 mile run • Push Ups• Crunches• Body Composition (Points awarded relative to abdomen circumference)

– Body fat percentages are not utilized. Abdomen girth produces a relative score which contributes to composite score. An Airman could be over fat, but achieve an AFFP passing score and not be placed on a weight loss program. The overall score is the determining factor.

• For accessions, the Air Force established a BMI score utilizing the DoD height/weight table.

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BCP Actions

Exceeds BCPstandards and

ineligible for PPE

CO ltr to MO

(Encl 1)

Medical Evaluation

Receives treatment

Medical separation

NoMedical

Condition

MO ltrto CO

(Encl 2)6105

CO ltrto SNM(Encl 3)

SNM ltrto CO

(Encl 4)Month 4 Command Actions(1) Unit diary/MCTFS Entry(2) MCI 3316 “Basic Nutrition”(3) Remedial PT participation(4) Diet & exercise guidance(5) Bi-weekly BCE(6) Progress report/counseling

CO ltrto MO

(Encl 5)

Medical Evaluation

MO ltrto CO

(Encl 6)

Medical separationMonth 6

CO ltr to SNM (Encl 7)Remove from BCP

Granted 6 month extension(Satisfactory progress)

6105 Counseling EntryProcess for AdSep

Meets Standards

Making progress

BCP failure

Assignedto BCP

Medical conditions, combat and

pregnancy create inactive status

(Current)

12-24 Months

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BCP Consequences

• 6105 Counseling Entry– Notification of deficiencies– Corrective action– Consequences of failure– Defined timeline

• Standards of Conduct– Failure to make satisfactory progress while assigned to BCP– 3.0-3.9

• Adverse Fitness Report– Item 8.b (Code F or RDNT)– Item 8.f (Exceeds body fat standards)– Section I Comment (Assignment to BCP during reporting period)– Section I Comment (Failure to maintain acceptable military

appearance)– Section I Comment (PFT failure not reflected in MCTFS)

• Process for Administrative Separation– Par. 6215 MarCorSepMan

• Honorable or General (Under Honorable Conditions)• When BCP failure is sole basis for separation

(Current)

6206?

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Body Composition

• De-link PFT and tie BCP to military appearance• Simplify assignment process and paperwork

– Single medical evaluation/determination– Single form vice multiple endorsements

• Semi-annual requirement– Marine Corps height/weight standards– Body composition standards– Circumference method (2 testers/3 tests (average of 6 tests)– Commander’s assessment considerations

• Appearance• Performance• Individual or photo evaluation

– PT uniform– Service “C”

– BCP assignment• 6 months (w/potential 6 month extension)• Meets standard or administratively separated

• Waiver for the exceptional Marine who exceeds standards, “rare”– CG, M&RA waiver authority

• Eliminate “Combat Zone” BCP assignment automatic suspension– CG, TECOM waiver authority

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• COA 1– Males: 18-22%

• < 18% (Evaluated for Military Appearance Program)• 18 - 22% (BCP or Military Appearance or Neither)• > 22% (BCP only)

– Females: 26-30%• < 26% (Evaluated for Military Appearance Program)• 26 - 30% (BCP or Military Appearance or Neither)• > 30% (BCP only)

• COA 2: Single point, adjusted by ageAge Body Fat (M/F)17-26 18/26%27-39 19/27%40-45 20/28%46+ 21/29%

– < BC standard (Evaluated for Military Appearance Program)– > BC standard (BCP)

Body Composition

CMC Decision COA 1___ COA 2_X_

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• Identified PFT/BCP deficiencies– BCP remediation period– BCP assignment initiation– BCP early termination procedures– BCP failure AdSep policy (EAS/retirement)– Underlying medical condition or disease criteria– Medical condition inactive status code– PFT exemption for PLD– RPCP requirement following BCP failure– Clarify post-partum criteria and PES reporting requirements– Post-combat PFT exemption– Activated IRR/SMCR PFT/BCP AC application – ACHCP/MO applicability to MFR– AIRS Checklist– Standardized training for BCE Evaluators

Body Composition

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Yes

MeetsStandards

MAP Actions

Conductheight/weight

evaluation

MeetsStandards

NoConductbody fat

evaluation

MeetsStandards

120-dayevaluation

Remedial PTP(Caution)

60-dayevaluation/

Remedial PTP(Warning)

BCPor

MAP

MAP

AdministrativeAction

(Derogatory)Remedial PT

Wellness Program

MAP Components CO assessment SgtMaj oversight (Enlisted) XO oversight (Officers) Involved leadership Mentorship Remedial PT Diet/Nutrition Tobacco/Alcohol Cessation Healthy Lifestyle

Commander conducts

MAPassessment

No

No

Yes

(Proposed)

BCP

Assign to BCP

(Derogatory)Remedial PT

Performance Fitness Appearance Evaluation

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• 60-day Letter of Notification• 60-day Letter of Caution• 6105 Counseling Entry (120-day)

– Notification of deficiencies– Corrective action– Consequences of failure– Defined timeline

• Standards of Conduct– Failure to make satisfactory progress while assigned to MAP– 3.0-3.9

• Adverse Fitness Report– Section I Comment (Assignment to MAP during reporting period)– Section I Comment (Failure to maintain acceptable military appearance)

• Competency Review Board• MAP assignment affects

– Promotion– Assignment– Retention

MAP Consequences(Proposed)

CMC Decision Concur_X_ Non-concur____

Subjective Repeatable Quantifiable Understandable

Combat Fitness Test Overview

15 Nov 2007

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Terms of Reference• Physical Fitness

– The Marine Corps considers physical fitness to be the ability of a Marine to meet the physical demands of any combat or duty situation without undue fatigue.

• Personal Fitness – The level of personal physical fitness which affords protection from

injury, reduces the risk of hypokinetic diseases (disease resulting from inactivity), psychological stress and maintains Marine Corps ethos.

• Vocational Fitness– The level of physical fitness required performing a specific job

safely and effectively under normal operating conditions. • Combat Fitness

– Combat Fitness can be defined against the following criteria:– Basic Combat Fitness.

• The minimum maintenance level of individual physical fitness linked to the physical demands associated with Marine Corps service requirements.

– Advanced Combat Fitness• The level of physical fitness related to operational readiness, which is

required to support the unit’s operational mission.

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Terms of Reference– Cardiorespiratory endurance

• The ability of body systems to gather, process, and deliver oxygen.– Strength

• The ability of a muscle to apply force.– Speed

• The ability to minimize the time cycle of a repeated movement.– Power

• The ability of a muscle to apply maximum force in minimum time.– Agility

• The ability to minimize transition time from one movement pattern to another.– Flexibility

• The ability to maximize the range of motion at a given joint.– Stamina

• The ability of body systems to process, deliver, store, and utilize energy.– Coordination

• The ability to combine several distinct movement patterns into a singular distinct movement

– Balance

• The ability to control the placement of the center of gravity. – Accuracy

• The ability to control movement in a given direction or at a given intensity.

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Terms of Reference

• Combat Fitness Test:- The purpose of the CFT is to measure the

physical fitness of Marines in a manner which specifically accounts for operational readiness, by using tests which reflect operational demands.

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CMC Guidance

• PFT remains• PFT and CFT on same day• CFT tests broad combat related tasks• CFT counts • Minimal equipment• All hands• Grenade Throw, Dynamic Entry, Maneuver Under

Fire, Casualty Carry, Casualty Drag, Ammo Resupply• 5 events• Pass/Fail

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Lines-Engineer tapeor chalk

Combat Fitness Test Field Layout

50 yds

50 yds

Start

Width of field varies based on how many are being tested. For filming, 50 yards

25 yds

= Marker Cone

75 yds

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50 yds

Start

25 yds

= Marker Cone

75 ydsGrenade Throw Test Procedure:

-Marine assumes startposition-On command of monitor at start line, Marine throws1lb medicine ball as far as possible. On follow-through,the Marine’s body may extend over the start line.-Throw must land within area of range fan to count-Second monitor in landingarea records distance of throw from the indentationof the ball closest to the start line.-Second monitor calls markto monitor at start line who records the mark and rolls medicine ball back to start line.-Marine being tested getsthree attempts.-Furthest throw counts as score.

Uniform:Boots and Utes

Equipment Needed:-1 lb medicine ball->50 yd measuring tape-Engineer tape or chalk-Marker cones

Approx30 Degrees

Engineer tape or chalk marks “Range Fan”

Starting position:R Handed throwers-R Knee back, Left foot forwardL Handed throwers-L Knee back, Right foot forward

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Start

= Marker ConeStarting position:Standing

Dynamic Entry Test Procedure:-Starting position is the Standing position.-On the command “Begin”,Marine sprints and touchesline next toCone 2 with righthand. Then sprints back and touches line next t Cone 1 with right hand.Marine then sprints outsideof Cone 2 and takes aninside path around Cone 3. Marine then proceeds throughCone 2 and bursts toward thefinish.

Uniform:Boots and Utes

Equipment Needed:-Engineer tape or chalk-Marker cones-Stopwatch

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5 yds

5yds

1

2

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50 yds

Start

25 yds

= Marker Cone

75 yds

Starting position:Prone position

High Crawl25 yds

Rise to Zig-Zag run

Zig-Zag run 25 yds

Turn around, Hit the deck

High Crawl25 yds

Rise to straight line sprint

Sprint 25 yds

5 ydIncrements

5 yds

Maneuver Under Fire (with Diagonal running) Test Procedure:-Marine assumes prone position at start line-On command “Begin”, Marine covers a distance of25 yds, using the High Crawl technique (on knees and elbows with head off ground).-At 25 yard mark, Marinerises and runs in zig-zagmanner through cones aspictured: -Cones 5 yds apart in width and length-When 50 yd line isreached, Marine turns around, hits the deck and High Crawlsback to 25 yard line.-At this line, Marine risesand sprints to finish.

Uniform:-Boots and Utes-Elbow/knee pads and glovesoptional

Equipment Needed:-Engineer tape or chalk-Marker cones-Stopwatch

5 yds

25

50 yds

Start

25 yds

= Marker Cone

75 yds

Test Procedure:-Marine assumes prone position at start line-On command “Begin”, Marine covers a distance of25 yds, using the High Crawl technique (on knees and elbows with head off ground).-At 25 yard mark, Marinerises and sprints to 50yard line.-Marine turns around, hitsthe deck and High Crawlsback to 25 yard line.-At this line, Marine risesand sprints to finish.

Uniform:-Boots and Utes-Elbow/knee pads and glovesoptional

Equipment Needed:-Engineer tape or chalk-Marker cones-Stopwatch

Maneuver Under Fire (w/ Straight Ahead running)

High Crawl25 yds

Rise to sprint

Sprint 25 yds

Turn around, Hit the deck

High Crawl25 yds

Rise to sprint

Sprint 25 yds

Starting position:Prone position

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50 yds

Start

25 yds

75 ydsCasualtyCarry

On command “Begin”,rescuer sprints towardsvictim

At 50 yd line, rescuerlifts victim into the Fireman’s Carry position and sprints backto the start line.

Starting position of “Victim”:Supine position with feet towards start line

Starting position of “Rescuer”:Prone position

Test Procedure:-Marines are paired up bysize. For greater accuracyin pairing Marines, a scalecan be used with 10 lbsthe max difference allowedwhen determining pairs. Inthe case of extremely largeMarines for whom there isno match in the group tested,extra weight (SAPI, etc.) will be put on the Marine who is closest to the bigger Marine in weight until thedifference in weight is 10 lbs or less. -The starting position for the“Rescuer” is the pronePosition at the start line. The“victim” is 50 yds away In the supine position withfeet towards the start line.-On command “Begin”, therescuer rises and sprints 50yds to the victim.-The rescuer lifts the victim Into the Fireman’s Carry position and sprints back to the start line.Uniform -Boots and UtesEquipment Needed:-Engineer tape or chalk-Marker cones-Stopwatch-Scale-SAPI as necessary

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50 yds

Start

25 yds

75 ydsCasualtyDrag

On command “Begin”,rescuer sprints towardsvictim

At 50 yd line, rescuerlifts victim into the Buddy Drag position (underarm carry) and returns to start line.

Starting position of “Victim”:Seated position, back towardsrescuer

Starting position of “Rescuer”:Prone position

Test Procedure:-Marines are paired up bysize. For greater accuracyin pairing Marines, a scalecan be used with 10 lbsthe max difference allowedwhen determining pairs. Inthe case of extremely largeMarines for whom there isno match in the group tested,extra weight (SAPI, etc.) will be put on the Marine who is closest to the bigger Marine in weight until thedifference in weight is 10 lbs or less. -The starting position for the“Rescuer” is the pronePosition at the start line. The“victim” is 50 yds away In the seated osition withback towards rescuer.-On command “Begin”, therescuer rises and sprints 50yds to the victim.-The rescuer lifts the victim into the Buddy Drag (underarm carry) position and sprints back to the start line.Uniform: Boots and UtesEquipment Needed:-Engineer tape or chalk-Marker cones-Stopwatch-Scale-SAPI as necessary

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50 yds

Start

25 yds

= Marker Cone

75 ydsAmmunitionResupply

Test Procedure:-The starting position is the prone position. On the command “Begin”, the Marine rises, picks uptwo (2) ammo cans, sprints25 yds and returns to the startline. The Marine changes direction, Sprints to the50 yd line and returns to the start line. The

Marine changes direction ,sprints to the 75 yd line ,

changes direction and sprintsto the finish. At each changeof direction, the Marine squatsand touches ammo cans momentarily on the deck.

Uniform:-Boots and Utes

Equipment Needed:-Engineer tape or chalk-Marker cones-Stopwatch-Two (2) 5.56 ammo cansfilled with dirt (20 lbs each)

Starting position:Prone position

Running lane point to point

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PHASE 0- CMCdirects CFT

PHASE I-Test ProcedureDevelopment

PHASE II-Data Collection

Combat Fitness Test PHASE PLAN

PHASE HIGHLIGHTS

PH 0(Oct-Nov 07)

•CMC directs CFT with possible events as follows: Grenade Throw, Dynamic Entry, Maneuver Under Fire, Casualty Carry, Casualty Drag, Ammo Resupply •PFT remains as semiannual reqt, CFT is pass/fail and limited to five (5) events

PH I(Nov 07)

•TECOM G-3/Safety, MACE, MCWL develop testing procedures•Combat Camera films tests•PH I ends following CG TECOM reviews of tests and approval for widespread data collection

PH II(Dec 07–Mar 08)

•Data Collection (Performance, Injury, test administration) sites: -TECOM (ELT and Skill Progression MOS’s) : MCES, MCCSSS, FLW, MATSG-21, SOI’s, MCRD PI (Female Permanent Party) -OPFOR: 7th MAR, MACG-28, CLR-3 -Other: H&S Bn Quantico, Henderson Hall•PH II ends following data collection representative of gender and age demographics

PH III(Apr-May 08)

•MCWL develops scoring tables based on data collected/Tests refined as necessary (Safety parameters, etc.)•PH III ends following CMC approval

PH IV (Jun 08) •USMC-wide implementation, CFT becomes 2d half CY-08 training requirement

PH V •Continual assessment of injury data, promotion effects, etc.

PHASE III-Test Refinement/Scoring Table Development

OCT 07 NOV 07 DEC 07 JAN 08 FEB 08 MAR 08 APR 08 MAY 08 JUN 08

PHASE IV-CFTImplementation

PHASE V-Assess

MCCFBCMAP

IPC

Interim report to EOS

MCCFBCMAP

FPC

Concurrent Actions: MRA develops Composite Score/FITREP CFT entries, MCO/ALMAR/IO Plan Development

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Due Outs

• IPC– Considerations– Design– Implementation POA&M

• Products– White Letter– MarAdmin– MCO P6100.12 Revision (BCP/MAP)

• Develop MAP• Correct BCP deficiencies

– MCO 1500.X Development (CFT/PFT)– MCRP 3-02A Revision (Commander’s Tool)– AIRS Checklist Revision

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• DoDDir 1308.1

• DoDDir 1308.3

• MCO P6100.12

• MCRP 3-02A

• AIRS Functional Area 350

Key References