The Combat Fitness Test (CFT) is a physical fitness test of the United States Marine Corps, and is used in complement to the USMC Physical Fitness Test (PFT). The CFT is a 300-point test with an emphasis on functional fitness related to operational demands. Males and females perform the same exercises but are scored differently, and adjustments are also made for age. Passing the CFT is an annual requirement for all Marines. Performance on the test directly impacts every Marine’s career, as
CFT scores are used to tabulate Composite Scores used for promotions. The CFT has three events:
- A timed, 880-yard course that tests each Marine’s endurance (MTC)
- 30-pound ammo can overhead, until elbows lock out, as many times as possible in two minutes (AL)
- A 300-yard shuttle run that incorporates a variety of combat-related tasks, including crawls, carries, ammunition resupply, grenade throwing and agility running (MANUF)
REQUIREMENT
Active Component. The CFT is a scored, calendar year annual requirement for all active duty Marines. It is required to be conducted between 1 July and 31 December of each year.
Reserve Component. The CFT is a scored, calendar year annual requirement for all SMCR/IMA Marines. CFT accomplishment will remain valid for two years for promotional purposes should operational constraints prevent annual testing. It is required to be conducted in between 1 July and 31 December of each year.
Activated Reservists. Activated reserve Marines, to include AR, mobilized or those performing ADOS will comply with the active component CFT requirement. Exceptions and waivers will be administered in accordance with this Order.
EAS/Retirement. Marines are required to complete a CFT during the annual period preceding their EAS or retirement date, unless otherwise directed. The terminal leave date will not be utilized to determine CFT requirements.
EAS/Retirement Final Physical Examination. Completion of the required final physical examination, regardless of when completed, does not exempt a Marine from performing a CFT. A Marine, who elects to complete their final physical examination 7-12 months prior to EAS or retirement, is still required to perform the annual CFT for that period. This policy is also applicable to the reserve component annual requirement.
SEQUENCE
The CFT consists of three events: MTC, AL, and MANUF. No deviation from the above sequence is authorized. All CFT events will be conducted in a single session not to exceed two hours in duration.
Transition between events should afford Marines adequate time to recover, stretch, hydrate and prepare for the next event. Rest between events will be no less than five minutes.
UNIFORM
The only authorized uniform for the CFT is the Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform and boots. Watch cap, kneepads/elbow pads, sweatshirt, and gloves may be worn, as required. For the AL event, Marines will wear a green short-sleeve t-shirt so that lock out of the elbows can be observed. The blouse will be worn for the MANUF event. COs/OICs may authorize Marines to remove blouses for the running of the MTC event.
EVENTS
Movement to Contact (MTC)
This is a timed event that can be conducted either indoors or outdoors.
The preparatory command is “Ready” and the execute command is “Go.”
The run course will be 880 yards, must be measured for accuracy, and set over reasonably level ground. Prior to the conduct of this event, the FFI or CPTR will ensure the running surface is free from hazards or debris that can cause injury to MTC participants. COs/OICs are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of the MTC course length.
This event can be conducted on a track or measured surface and should not include numerous sharp turns that would force a participant to slow down excessively to remain on the course. A wide turnaround point will be implemented to prevent Marines from having to stop and turnaround, causing a loss in time on the event.
Running this event on a treadmill is not authorized.
The goal of this event is for Marines to complete the measured course as quickly as possible.
Ammunition Lift (AL)
This is a timed event with a two minute time limit. This event can be conducted either indoors or outdoors.
The preparatory command is “Ready” and the execute command is “Go.”
The AL is a repetitive lift of a 30-pound ammunition can from shoulder height to overhead.
Prior to the start of the AL, Marines will be paired up by weight (within 10 pounds) and by approximate height in order to facilitate efficient transition to the MANUF.
The partner counting repetitions will be located to the side (approximately a 90 degree angle) of the Marine performing the AL in order to observe elbow lockout and prevent injury should the participant drop or return the ammunition can to the deck. Prior to start of the AL event the Marine executing will demonstrate locking out elbows overhead to their partner in order to allow partner to observe where lock out is achieved.
When Marines are conducting the AL within close proximity, participants will conduct the event facing away from each other.
Starting position for the AL is to hold the ammunition can sideways at shoulder height with both hands, handle facing away from the participant. The proper lifting technique is head up, chest elevated and lumbar curve maintained. Feet will remain shoulder-width apart or staggered in a basic-warrior stance position.
The ammunition can must be lifted to a point overhead where the elbows are momentarily locked out. The ammunition can does not have to be lifted directly overhead. Once lock out is achieved, the ammunition can will be lowered to a point where the top of the can is at or below chin level. Once the ammo can is returned to this level, this counts as one repetition. To reach this level, Marines may have to widen the distance between elbows.
The top of the ammunition can when held in the starting position (handle facing away from the body) is to remain parallel to the deck throughout the entire movement. This will ensure the AL is an overhead lifting motion than an angled pressing motion, and to ensure safety.
A repetition will be counted when a correct and complete overhead lift is performed. The FFIs/CPTRs will ensure proper repetition counting is conducted.
Marines are encouraged to use their legs to generate upward momentum of the ammunition can, especially when fatigued. There is no penalty if Marines choose not to use their legs. Alteration of stance during the AL is permissible.
Marines are authorized to rest during the AL. The ammunition can may be held in the starting position or placed on the deck. If placed on the deck, the ammunition can will be lowered in a controlled movement and not thrown or dropped. Once lowered to the deck, no assistance can be provided when returning the ammunition can to the starting position. Proper technique will be utilized when returning to the starting position.
The FFI or CPTR will monitor the event ensuring elbows are locked out and the ammunition can is lowered to a point at or just below the chin.
The goal of this event is to complete as many correct and complete repetitions as possible in the 2-minute time limit.
Maneuver Under Fire (MANUF)
The MANUF is a timed event to be conducted outdoors or an indoor turf field at least 100 yards in length in accordance with Figure 3-1. The MANUF course should be constructed on a smooth and level grass surface, preferably a football or soccer field. Prior to the conduct of this event, the FFI or CPTR will ensure the running surface is free from hazards or debris that can cause injury to participants.
The MANUF is a 300 yard shuttle run that includes a variety of combat-related tasks, to include crawls, buddy drags/carries, ammunition resupply, grenade throw, and agility running. See Figures 3-1 and 3-2 for MANUF layout.
The number of monitors required is dependent upon the amount of lanes necessary to facilitate maximum throughput of a single running.
The FFI or CPTR is the primary MANUF monitor. Each lane will have one field assistant monitor positioned at the 25 yard line. One grenade pit observer will verify 2 lanes. The rank requirement for MANUF assistant monitors is NCO or above. Grenade pit observers can be any rank. Monitors may rotate as necessary and are authorized to participate in the CFT. Mass starts for the MANUF is not necessary and individual field monitors can start Marines in their individual lanes upon approval of the FFI or CPTR. For example, if eight MANUF lanes are established, thirteen monitors/observers are required: One primary MANUF monitor, eight field monitors and four grenade pit observers.
Prior to execution, the primary monitor will partner Marines by weight (within 10 pounds) and approximate height (within six inches) and assign a lane.
Prior to execution, the primary monitor will ensure partnered pairs are assigned lanes based upon MTC times (from fastest to slowest). Marines with the fastest MTC times will execute the MANUF first in order to ensure a uniform pace that facilitates overall supervision and safety of participants. The Marine from the partnered pair not executing the MANUF first will serve as the simulated casualty (SC).
Prior to execution, the primary monitor will direct designated SCs to proceed to the 75 yard line; sit up facing away with legs straight; one yard inboard from the right lateral limit of the assigned lane.
Prior to execution, a dummy grenade will be placed on the deck in the center of each lane at the 75 yard line.
Prior to execution, the primary monitor will ensure MANUF participants confirm their lane and SC location.
Marines will start the MANUF while lying in the prone; chest on the ground; one yard inboard from the right lateral limit of the designated lane; on line with the SC located at the 75 yard line. Staggering placement of the legs is permitted.
The preparatory command is “Ready” and the execute command is “Go.” On the command “Go” Marines will rise and sprint to the 25 yard line.
Upon reaching the 25 yard line, Marines will decelerate and execute a forward facing clockwise turn (“J” hook) around the marker placed one yard inboard from the right lateral limit of the lane. Once the forward facing turn has been executed, Marines will assume a high crawl position.
With their chest on or behind the 25 yard line following the “J” hook, Marines will drop and execute a high crawl for 10 yards. The high crawl is characterized by the Marine maintaining contact with the ground with elbows, knees and torso.
After high crawling 10 yards to the 35 yard line, Marines will then execute a modified high crawl for 15 yards to the 50 yard line. The modified high crawl is characterized by the Marine maintaining six (6) points of contact (hands, knees, and feet) with the ground.
After reaching the 50 yard line, Marines will rise and negotiate a network of cones (utility flags/other markers) for 25 yards until reaching the 75 yard line. The SC will be seated at the 75 yard line with legs straight and forearms clasped together.
Upon reaching the SC from the rear, Marines will prepare to conduct a casualty drag by reaching underneath and through the arms of the SC and obtaining a solid grasp on both forearms. Marines will then lift and drag the SC 10 yards through the first two cones at the 65 yard line. Marines will utilize proper lifting techniques by keeping the head up, chest elevated and the natural curve of the lumbar spine maintained. Field monitors may verbally guide Marines dragging the SC through the nearest two cones.
The SC must keep knees straight and toes off the deck when being dragged. The SC may not assist the Marine being tested while being dragged.
Once the feet of the SC have passed the second cone, the field monitor will direct “Casualty Stand.” Once the SC is standing, Marines will lift the SC into the Fireman’s Carry position. Marines will utilize proper lifting techniques by keeping the head up, chest elevated and buttocks down. The Marine will ensure the SC is placed high on the shoulders. The SC will place the palm of one hand in the small of the back of the Marine doing the carry for support. Marines will then transport the SC 65 yards straight back
to the start line without negotiating the remainder of the cone network. Stopping to rest and/or readjust is permitted.
Once the SC is passed through the start line, Marines will place the SC safely on the deck and lift two ammunition cans weighing 30 pounds each. Marines will utilize proper lifting techniques by keeping the head up, chest elevated and buttocks down. The Marine will transport the two 30 pound ammunition cans back to the 75 yard line, negotiating the cone network while en route.
Upon reaching the 75 yard line, Marines will place the ammunition cans next to the dummy grenade while utilizing a good lowering technique by bending at the knees.
Marines will pick up the dummy grenade from the deck and engage the grenade target from the standing position. After the grenade is thrown, Marines will immediately drop to the deck and execute five push-ups. The quality of the push-ups will be graded in accordance with hybrid pullup/push-up test standards. The grenade pit observer will signal to the field monitor both verbally and via hand signal whether the grenade throw was a hit or miss.
To be counted as a hit, grenade throws must land directly in the grenade pit or strike the line marking the area. If the grenade lands in the grenade pit area, but rolls out, the throw is considered a hit. The field monitor will report the results of the grenade throw to the Marine after completion of the MANUF. Five seconds will be deducted from the overall MANUF time for hits and five seconds will be added to the overall MANUF time for misses.
After conducting five properly executed push-ups, Marines will pick up the ammunition cans, utilizing proper lifting techniques by keeping the head up, chest elevated and buttocks down. After negotiating the cone network, Marines will transport the ammunition cans back to the start line. The primary monitor will ensure a five yard buffer zone is maintained between the start/finish line and any personnel/equipment.
The primary monitor will sound off as event time elapses. The field monitor will provide grenade throw results. Marines will provide MANUF times and grenade throw results at the conclusion of the event. Scores will be calculated as follows: For example, a Marine with an overall MANUF time of 2:42 and had a hit on the grenade throw portion would report “2:42 with a hit.” The Marine recording will mark the overall time for this Marine as 2:37.
The goal of this event is for Marines to complete the measured course as quickly as possible.
PERFORMANCE
The minimum combined score required to pass the CFT is 150. The minimum performance in each CFT event will not achieve the overall points required for a passing score. Additional points must be earned in at least one event in order to achieve a 3rd class score. Failure to meet the minimum requirements in any one event constitutes a failure of the entire test, regardless of the total number of points earned.