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The US Marines Physical Fitness Test

US Marines Training

Earlier this month we posted the US Marines Initial Strength Test (IST). Those wanting to join the US Marine Corps must first pass the IST before they are accepted.

However, once you pass the IST there is still the annual Physical Fitness Test (PFT) you must also satisfy.

As the Marines state:

The PFT is the standard test that all recruits must pass, and all Marines run once a year to assess their physical conditioning. The test consists of a three-mile run, pull-ups (no time limit) or flexed arm hang, and crunches (two-minute time limit).

For male recruits and Marines to get a maximum score (300) they need to run three miles in 18 minutes, do 20 pull-ups and 100 crunches. For females to get a maximum score they need to run three miles in 21 minutes, do the flexed arm hang for 70 seconds or do 8 pull-ups, and do 100 crunches.

Female Marines have the option to do pull-ups or the flexed arm hang. However, aspiring Marines are required to do the flexed arm hang during the IST and initial PFT. Beginning in 2014, females will be required to do three pull-ups as a graduation and fleet requirement.

Below is a breakdown of the three main exercises and their minimum requirements.

US Marines Pullups
1. Pull-ups/Flex Arm Hang

MINIMUM PFT REQUIREMENTS:

Male recruits and Marines must complete at least three pull-ups. Female recruits must complete the flexed arm hang for 15 seconds, while female Marines must complete the flexed arm hang for 15 seconds or complete at least 3 pull-ups.

Aspiring Marines are required to do the flexed arm hang during the IST and initial PFT.

Beginning in 2014, females will be required to do three pull-ups as a graduation requirement.

US Marine Crunches

2. Crunches

MINIMUM PFT REQUIREMENTS:

Both male and female recruits and Marines must complete at least 50 crunches in two minutes.

US Marines Run
3. Time Run

MINIMUM PFT REQUIREMENTS:

Male recruits and Marines must complete the three-mile run in 28 minutes or less.
Female recruits and Marines must complete the three-mile run in 31 minutes or less.

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