USMC PFT Scores and Requirements

The Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test, or PFT, evaluates stamina and physical conditioning. It includes 3 parts: pull-ups or push-ups, crunches or plank pose, and a 3-mile timed run. Pull-ups and push-ups are essential to building the upper body strength necessary to win battles. Crunches and planks are critical to maintaining a strong core and being battle-ready at a moment’s notice. Males must complete the … Continue reading USMC PFT Scores and Requirements

3 Tips to be stronger for OCS

The Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test, or PFT The Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test, or PFT, evaluates stamina and physical conditioning. It includes 3 parts: pull-ups or push-ups, crunches or plank pose, and a 3-mile timed run. Pull-ups and push-ups are essential to building the upper body strength necessary to win battles. Crunches and planks are critical to maintaining a strong core and being battle-ready … Continue reading 3 Tips to be stronger for OCS

Why Candidates Must Show Leadership in Their Physical Fitness

Thank you to SSgt Seitz from OST Denver for this motivating guest post! In the Denver area and curious about opportunities with the US Marine Corps? Reach out to the team to learn more! Why is so much emphasis placed on physical fitness in the Marine Corps? If leadership is 50% of your grade at OCS, why should it matter if you can run 3 … Continue reading Why Candidates Must Show Leadership in Their Physical Fitness

Need a PFT or CFT Calculator App? iCorps’ Features Have You Covered

iCorps Pocket Reference App iCorps is pocket reference for everything a Marine should know. This is basically the app I wish existed when I was a new Lieutenant. (The app is designed for all ranks.) iCorps allows all past, present, future Marines and any iPhone user to learn about the Corps or just to keep up to date with everything you need to reference on … Continue reading Need a PFT or CFT Calculator App? iCorps’ Features Have You Covered

Ask an OSO Video

I interviewed Marine Corps officer Capt Stoddard, who is the Officer Selection Officer (OSO) for OSS Saint Louis today. We covered the top questions received on the blog and in our facebook page. Feel free to connect with either of us in Sandboxx as well. Note: we shot an hour of supplemental footage, containing advice exclusively available to future Marine Officers in the Sandboxx app. … Continue reading Ask an OSO Video

Oct. 26, 2004 U.S. Marines from the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, run to a building after detonating explosives to open a gate during a mission in Ramadi in Anbar province, Iraq.

The 7-Week OCS Prep Progressive Running Program

This program is designed to get you comfortable with longer runs, while also building the speed you’ll need to crush a 3-mile PFT or sprint through an obstacle course. We’ll test your PFT time twice, once at the end of the 3rd week, and again at the end of the 7th week. If you find it difficult to push yourself, try to time this program around … Continue reading The 7-Week OCS Prep Progressive Running Program

Crunch Alternatives for PFT Training

Candidate Question I’m currently training for the PFT. Unfortunately, I’ve developed some sort of rash on my buttocks and lower back that prevents me from doing crunches effectively. Are there any alternatives to doing crunches that will allow me to exercise the same muscles? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. A: Great question. This is actually very common in candidates as they ramp up their … Continue reading Crunch Alternatives for PFT Training

USMC PFT Video: Pull-up Rules

EXECUTION OF THE PFT Individual performance on each PFT event will be executed as follows: Pull-up The goal of the pull-up event is for the Marine to execute as many accurate and complete pull-ups before dropping off the bar. The procedures are: (1) This is not a timed event. (2) Sweatshirts will be removed during the conduct of the pull-up event in order to observe the lockout … Continue reading USMC PFT Video: Pull-up Rules

One Easy Cheat Sheet to See if You’re Physically Ready for OCS

I challenge all candidates to achieve these minimum benchmarks before getting to OCS, and using them as training goals. This will put you in decent standing, but not the top of your class if these are your max sets. MALE Pullups: Max set 18 Pushups: Max set 65 Run: 21:00 3-mile Run: 880 meter sprint in 3:15 in boots (2:45 running shoes) Flutterkicks: Max set 60 … Continue reading One Easy Cheat Sheet to See if You’re Physically Ready for OCS

How to Increase Your Pullups, from Future Jarheads Fitness

Thanks to the great team over at Future Jarheads, especially on their newly revamped FutureJarheadFitness.com website, for this guest post. Quick Tips For Pullups Find a grip that is comfortable for you, you can do palms facing out, palms facing in, hands close together, or far apart, find what works best for you. Tilt your head back so that your chin extends into the air, … Continue reading How to Increase Your Pullups, from Future Jarheads Fitness