Cpl. Ryan D. O'Shea performs the ammunition-can lift portion of the Combat Fitness Test. Photo by Lance Cpl. Michael Atchue.

CAMP PENDLETON, CA -- Talk about a boot-camp style workout! Marines across the country are preparing for the Combat Fitness Test (CFT) that all active-duty personnel and reserves must take by March 31.

The CFT assesses whether soldiers can handle the physical demands of combat. The test has three parts, the first of which is an 880-yard sprint that must be run in 2 1/2 minutes while wearing combat boots and utility pants.

For the second part of the test, Marines have to lift a 30-pound ammunition can over their heads from chest level for two minutes. The number of repetitions is translated into a score based on age and gender.

The third part of the test simulates movement under fire. The maneuver includes a combat crawl, an ammunition re-supply, a body drag, a casualty carry and a grenade throw.

The Marines start in a prone position, then get up and sprint for 25 yards, weave in and out of cones for 25 more yards, and do a 10-yard high crawl. Next, they drag a simulated casualty under their arms, weaving between two cones for 10 yards, before transitioning into a fireman’s carry and running for 65 more yards. After that, they carry two 30-pound ammunition cans for a 50-yard sprint, followed by a 25-yard diagonal run. When they reach a simulated grenade pit, Marines engage a target zone with a simulated grenade and take cover. They finish by carrying their ammunition cans for a 25-yard diagonal run, followed by a 50-yard sprint.

Beginning on Oct. 1, the CFT will be incorporated into composite scores for promotions and a revised fitness report, regardless of the Marine’s occupational specialty.

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