WASHINGTON — Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Robert B. Neller directed a comprehensive review of the Corps' physical fitness programs in a recent All Marine Message.
The Marine Corps Training and Education Command will conduct the review and must provide recommendations for the commandant by July 1, 2016 at the latest.
Until that decision is made, the Corps' current testing standards will remain in effect.
The commandant initiated a review of the Corps' current physical fitness standards based on feedback he received from Marines during his initial Corpswide tour.
"After listening and talking with Marines at all levels across the Corps, I'm convinced that we need a comprehensive and holistic review of our physical fitness evaluations and body composition standards," Neller said. "I want to make sure these efforts are mutually supportive and relevant to keeping Marines fit and ready."
The review will take all physical fitness standards under consideration, to include scoring tables for both mandatory fitness tests, and height/weight and body fat standards for all Marines. Training and Education command's review will be supported by experts from the fields of medicine and exercise science with inputs from our leadership and operating forces.
"As Marines, we pride ourselves on being physically fit," said Maj. Gen. James W. Lukeman, commanding general of Training and Education Command. "This review of our Physical Fitness Test and Combat Fitness Test and height and weight requirements will ensure our fitness standards remain relevant for the next fight."
The commandant's goal for the review is to have a physical fitness program focused on the overall health, strength, and fitness of the Marine Corps.
