How does everybody feel about the update to the PFT and CFT?

LCpl Tad Cunningham — Wed, 13 Apr 2016 18:03:12 -0400

This is just regarding changing of the run time to make it so a 19:00 is 100 points and that the CFT 880 is 10 seconds faster for a perfect and more ammo can lifts required for perfect. This is purely for males 18-27 as I don't know the updates off hand for females and the "old man" PFT/CFT

Response by LCpl Jesse Foust made Apr 13 at 2016 6:09 PM

LCpl Jesse Foust — Wed, 13 Apr 2016 18:09:37 -0400

I EASed 10 years ago, but it sounds like a good change to me. Running 3 miles is a good test of cardiovascular endurance, but little else. Making the CFT a little more difficult to compensate seems fair. As I understand it, the CFT is a much more realistic test of general fitness with regard to combat effectiveness.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Apr 13 at 2016 6:13 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Wed, 13 Apr 2016 18:13:12 -0400

Are you suggesting slowing the run by a mile or is there a change to the MCO/MARADMIN?

Response by Maj John Bell made Apr 13 at 2016 6:18 PM

Maj John Bell — Wed, 13 Apr 2016 18:18:12 -0400

I am not an exercise physiologist. I do not know the reasoning behind the selection of the elements of the PFT/CFT and where the standards were set. Perhaps it is time for a review, and if elements/standards should be changed whomever wants to change them, should provide a clear, concise, commonsense justification that relates to mission accomplishment.

Response by CWO4 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2016 6:21 PM

CWO4 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Apr 2016 18:21:54 -0400

some info:
Background
CMC directed DC MRA-led OPT to discuss options and resources for implementing PT NCO concept Oct 2015.
CMC FRAGO 01/2016 “…we will build a cadre of Force Fitness Instructors, assigned at the Company/Battery/Squadron level….NLT end of FY17” TECOM lead/MF in support
FFI Responsibilities
Assist CO/OIC development of unit physical training program that supports mission essential tasks; includes injury prevention and physical performance enhancement across the spectrum of physical preparation.
Assist individual Marines with specialized training programs (e.g. remedial PT, body composition management, nutritional guidance).
Assist sports medicine providers in design and execution of fitness programs for Marines returning to duty from injury or extended periods of limited duty.
0919 Additional MOS
Recommended pre-requisites
NCO or above, 1st class PFT/CFT, Water Survival-Intermediate, and Green Belt
0916 Martial Arts Instructor or 0918 Marine Combat Water Survival Instructor
High Intensity Tactical Training Level II complete
Certified and assigned in writing by CO/OIC
MARADMIN in staffing (release expected in Apr) that will establish Initial Operational Capability
Defines the above 0919 MOS responsibilities and prerequisites
Within 90 days of MARADMIN, requires Company/Battery/Squadron-level FFIs in place for Active Component Operating Forces (intent for 1 FFI per ~200 Marines)
Encourages Supporting Establishment and Reserve Component participation
Additional Structure Required – 3 Officers, 3 Enlisted, 6 Civilians
Full Operational Capability implementation NLT end of FY17
Refine/expand guidance, update documents, and establish “Fitness Center of Excellence”
In the 17-26 Age Group:
31% of males and 29% of females earn maximum points on the Movement to Contact
93% of males and 80% of females earn maximum points on the Ammo Can Lift
Only 4% of males and 4% of females max the 3 Mile Run (<1% of Marines 46+)
89% of males and 70% of females can perform 100 Crunches

Some current standards are either not relevant, not challenging or not attainable

Across the Marine Corps >20% max the CFT, <2% max PFT
Currently:
Male table is the most liberal allowed by DOD
Female table is the strictest allowed by DOD
Body Fat percentages are age adjusted and begin at strictest level allowed by DOD
Body Fat Increases by one percentage point with each increase in age-group (17-26,27-39,40-45,46+)
Recommendations:
Waive height/weight and body fat measurements for 300 PFT/CFT scores (top 10% of Marines)
Allow a 3% point body fat margin of error allowance for high scoring PFT/CFT (top 15% = 295 points or top 25% = 290 points)
Increase max weight allowable for females to 26 BMI
Body Fat increases by one-half percentage point with each increase in age group (twice as many age groups now)
Recognizes increased emphasis on strength training
Taping devices - Devices such as those pictured below are self-tensioning and can be used with one hand – yielding more precise circumference measurements.
Decentralize waiver granting authority from MRA (MM) to first GO in chain of command

NARRATIVE EXAMPLES
PFC Smith, an 18 year old male, did 13 pull-ups, 92 crunches and ran a 23:10 on last years PFT. He scored 65 points on the pull-ups, 92 points on the crunches and 69 points on the run. His total score was 226 making him 1st Class. Under the new system, he would earn 74 points on the pull-ups, 78 points on the crunches and 73 points on the run. His new score is 225 making him 2nd Class.

LCPL Jones, a 21 year old female, ran the Movement to Contact in 3:50, performed 50 Ammo Can Lifts and did the Maneuver Under Fire in 3:30 on last year’s CFT. She earned 91 points for the MTC, 91 points for the ACL and 94 points for the MANUF. Her total score was 276 making her 1st Class. Under the new system, she would earn 73 points for the MTC, 64 points for the ACL and 74 points for the MANUF. Her new score is 211 making her 2nd Class.

Maj Slacker, a 34 year old male, ran the Movement to Contact in 3:52, performed 54 Ammo Can Lifts and did the Maneuver Under Fire in 3:53 on last year’s CFT. He earned 75 points on each event. His total score was 225 making him (just barely) 2nd Class. Under the new system, he fails the MTC by 1 second, fails the ACL by 13 repetitions and fails the MANUF by 23 seconds.

LtCol Adams, a 45 year old male, ran the Movement to Contact in 3:03, performed 100 Ammo Can Lifts and did the Maneuver Under Fire in 2:34 on last year’s CFT. He earned 100 points in all of the events for a perfect 300 CFT. Under the new system, he would earn 70 points for the MTC, 84 points for the ACL and 90 points for the MANUF. His new score is 244 (1st Class).

MGySgt Rivera, a 41 year old female, did 7 pull-ups, 100 crunches and ran a 22:40 on her last PFT. She earned 95 points on the pull-up, 100 points on the crunches and 90 points on the run. Her total score was 285 (1st Class). Under the new system, she would earn 100 points for each event for a perfect 300.

Response by SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint made Apr 13 at 2016 8:51 PM

SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint — Wed, 13 Apr 2016 20:51:03 -0400

I thought the 3 mile run used to be 18 minutes to make 100 points!?!?!? Circa 1979.
I went from 5 month school at FT Huachuca in the mountains at 5,000 feet to Swamp Lejeune. I came back and MAXed it after that high altitude living.

Response by SGT Aaron Atwood made Apr 20 at 2016 8:24 AM

SGT Aaron Atwood — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 08:24:56 -0400

We will see. Personally I don't consider it to be official until the CMC says it is.

Response by LtCol Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2016 5:08 PM

LtCol Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 17:08:42 -0400

If I'd had 19 minutes I would have scored 300. Best I ever did was 18:30 and that's when I was a lot youger.

Response by Cpl Jim Tubridy made Apr 23 at 2016 4:49 PM

Cpl Jim Tubridy — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 16:49:53 -0400

Wait! What??!! 19:00 is a perfect score?! 18:00 when I was in and I ran my final PFT suffering from Bronchitis. Perfect scores on pull ups and sit ups but only ran a 18:40 so I got a 297...hacking up a lung most of the way. 19:00 for a perfect score is laughable!