Physical Fitness Considerations When Joining the Marine Corps

Marine Corps basic training has the reputation of being the toughest of all the services. It most certainly is the longest, at about 12 1/2 weeks. It has been said time and time again by former Marines that Marine Corps recruit training was the most difficult thing they ever had to do in their entire lives. There are two locations which turn recruits into Marines: the Recruit Training Depot at Parris Island, South Carolina, and the Recruit Training Depot at San Diego, California. Where you go depends largely on where you enlist. Those who enlist west of the Mississippi River will likely go through boot camp in San Diego while those in the East will attend at Parris Island.

All women attend Marine Corps basic training at the Parris Island location. In fact, the Marine Corps is the only service that doesn't have coed basic. Female Marines train on their own, separated from the men.

Basic Training Fitness Requirements

Before you are allowed to ship out to Marine Corps basic training, you'll be required to pass a physical fitness test, called "Initial Strength Test," or ISP. The test requirements (regardless of age) are:

MALE

Pull-ups: 2
Sit-ups: 35 (two minutes)
1.5-mile run: 13:30

FEMALE

Flexed arm hang: 12 seconds
Sit-ups: 35 (two minutes)
1-mile run: 10:30

You'll pass the same test shortly after arrival at basic. Those who fail are transferred to the PCP (Physical Conditioning Platoon). PCP is tough: PCP's objective is physical fitness, and that's what you'll be concentrating on while in the program. You'll remain in the PCP until you can meet the standards, but for a minimum of 21 days.

Graduation Fitness Requirements

In order to graduate from Marine Corps basic training, you must pass the final PFT (Physical Fitness Test). The PFT has three events: pull-ups (Flexed arm hang for females), abdominal crunches, and a three-mile run. The graduation standards are:

MALE

Age 17-26
Pull-ups: 3
Crunches: 50 (two minutes)
3-mile run: 28:00

Age 27-39
Pull-ups: 3
Crunches: 45
3-mile run: 29:00

FEMALE

Age 17-26
Flexed arm hang: 15 Seconds
Crunches: 50 (two minutes)
3-mile run: 31:00

Age 27-39
Flexed arm hang: 15 Seconds
Crunches: 45 (two minutes)
3-mile run: 32:00

After Basic Training

All Marines are granted 10 days' leave (vacation) immediately after basic training.

Following leave, Marines who are in the Infantry Field (MOS of 0311 Rifleman, 0331 Machinegunner, 0341 Mortarman, 0351 Assaultman, or 0352 Anti-Tank Guided Missleman), attend the 51-day School of Infantry, at either Camp Lejeune, NC, or Camp Pendleton, CA. This school also doubles as their Marine Corps job school so upon graduation they proceed to their first duty assignment.

All other Marines attend the 22 day Marine Combat Training (MCT) course, also located at Camp Lejeune or Camp Pendleton. Upon graduation from this course, they proceed to their Marine Corps job training school.