Marine Corps Weight and Fitness Standards

USMC drill team standing at attention as part of their marine corps requirements — Tim Graham / Getty Images

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Updated on 04/14/19

According to the 2008 Marine Corps Order 6110.3 W/CH 1 from the Officer of the Commandant, the current standards of height and weight of all Marines (Male and Female) differ. For detailed information on the weight charts according to gender, visit the links below.

If a Marine does not pass the height and weight standards, he/she will be given the Circumference Tape Test that is a measurement of the neck and stomach. Using a body fat percentage algorithm, as long as the Marines are below the following body fat percentages, they are within the standard.

Marine Crops Body Fat Standards

The Marine Corps changed their body-fat standards, effective August 11, 2008. The new standards are:

Male Body Fat Standards

Age 17-26: 18%

Age 27-39: 19%

Age 40-45: 20%

Age 46+: 21%

Female Body Fat Standards

Age 17-26: 26%

Age 27-39: 27%

Age 40-45: 28%

Age 46+: 29%

Many Marines are heavy on muscle/lower on body fat and the current height/weight standards do not accurately reflect someone with more muscle than body fat.

If a Marine Fails to Maintain Body Fat or Weight

All Marines are required to maintain their weight/body fat in accordance with Marine Corps standards. Marines who weigh more than allowed on the charts linked below must undergo a body-fat measurement. Those who are over the Marine Corps body-fat standards are enrolled in the Body Composition Program (BCP).

Every Marine must be physically fit, regardless of age, grade, or duty assignment. Marines are required to pass a semi-annual Physical Fitness Test (PFT).

The events of the USMC PFT are: Crunches - 2 minutes, Pullups max reps, 3 mile timed run.

The Marine Corps has developed a Combat Fitness Test (CFT), that all Marines must pass, in addition to the standard Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test (PFT). The grading system for the Marine Corps CFT establish points for these events, and they will count toward Marine Corps promotion points, just as the PFT currently does.

The Marine Corps CFT consists of the following events:

880 Yard Run

Marines will run for 880 yards while wearing boots and camouflage uniform (pants and t-shirt).

Ammo Can Lifts

Marines will lift a 30-pound ammo can from the ground, over their heads as many times as they can in two minutes.

Maneuver Under Fire

Marines must move through a 300-yard course, and perform designated tasks, in the time limit authorized. The tasks include:

Moving in a quick scurry for 10 yards, then a high craw for another 15 yards.
Drag a casualty for 10 yards, while zigzagging through several cones. Then lift the casualty and carry him/her at a run for 65 yards.
Carry two 30-pound ammo cans for 75 yards, while zigzagging through a series of cones.
Toss a dummy grenade 22 1/2 yards and land it in a marked target circle.
Perform three push-ups, pick up the two 30-pound cans and sprint to the finish line.

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Stew Smith is a former Navy SEAL and fitness author certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association.