2017 Candidates, Are You Ready for the Marine Combat Fitness Test?

At OCS, candidates will transition to exercising more with boots and utes (MARPAT Camouflage) as the cycle progresses. This type of workout is epitomized by the Marine Combat Fitness Test (CFT). It is recommended that candidates have some exposure to working out in boots. Realistically, working out in boots is not much different than running shoes, however, there is a mental aspect that makes it … Continue reading 2017 Candidates, Are You Ready for the Marine Combat Fitness Test?

Marine Corps recruiting poster "How do you know if you're cut out for the Corps?"

Application Advice from a Successful Candidate: Part III of III

Thank you to Candidate C for taking some time to share advice you learned through your long, yet successful, Application! Stay tuned for more parts throughout this week. What was your relationship with your OSO like? I worked with three OSO’s since I started my initial application for NROTC my senior year in college and two for PLC in college. The first OSO really was … Continue reading Application Advice from a Successful Candidate: Part III of III

Specific OCS Physical Fitness Goals for the Overachiever

Candidate Question I’m looking for specific goals to train for OCS. Not the minimum benchmarks  or averages, but high goals which would prepare me fully for the physical challenges at OCS. Specifically things like How many pull-ups should I be able to do to excel and not worry? Push-ups? Planks? Run 3 miles? 1 mile? CFT score? Bench? Curl? And any other areas you feel … Continue reading Specific OCS Physical Fitness Goals for the Overachiever

Your CFT Ammo Can

Thanks to MarineCFT.com for this guest post. We highly recommend candidates and new Second Lieutenants make their own ammo cans in order to ace the annual Combat Fitness Test. Your CFT score affects your OCS and promotion grades for your whole career. Official CFT Ammo Can Weight 30 pounds according to the official orders. They are easy to make for your own practice. Just follow … Continue reading Your CFT Ammo Can

The Ultimate CFT Preparation Workout

The Ultimate CFT Preparation Workout is courtesy of Marine CFT.com, your number one source for help on the Combat Fitness Test

Marine CFT.com

Overview

This workout plan provides for 3 workouts a week with 1 active recovery day. Every training day consists of a warmup, intense workout, and a cooldown. The equipment ideally includes a 35 pound ammo can, dumbbells, and a barbell. For your active recovery day, although a bike or elliptical is recommended, swimming or any other aerobic activity that is soft on your joints could work. Continue reading “The Ultimate CFT Preparation Workout”

Guest Post: What You Need To Know About Combat Fitness

Thanks to Lt Hee at USMCofficer.com for his great work and this guest post! Check out the most up-to-date information about his OCS and TBS experiences on his site. The most stressful aspect of preparing for OCS is doubting your ability to perform physically. Yes, there are a lot of physical events where you will be required to perform to a certain standard. The PFT and … Continue reading Guest Post: What You Need To Know About Combat Fitness

Make Your Own Ammo Can to Train for the CFT!

The second component of the Combat Fitness Test is the Ammo Can Lift. To train for this unique exercise, you could use a 30-lb dumbbell gripped with both hands…or you could make your own can! The Can Normal 5.56mm (M-16 ammunition) ammo boxes are generally used, but if you can’t find any on ebay or Amazon, then something close like a .50 cal box would … Continue reading Make Your Own Ammo Can to Train for the CFT!

Enlist First, Try to Commission Later?

This question is from a few weeks ago but should help clarify the thinking of the many applicants who have not been selected this year. Candidate’s Question: I had a few questions about being selected for OCS. I am 21. I contracted twice for the PLC program and was not selected because of my PFT run time which was 25:40 the first year and 23:30 … Continue reading Enlist First, Try to Commission Later?