MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE ALBANY -- Physical fitness is an essential component of Marine Corps combat readiness. To help maintain a high level of performance, Marines are required to pass an annual Physical Fitness Test and Combat Fitness Test.
Nearly 40 Marines from various commands throughout Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, cheered each other on recently during the first CFT in fiscal year 2017. Several participants competed for score, while others used it to measure their endurance.
The purpose of the CFT is to assess a Marine’s physical capacity in a broad spectrum of combat-related tasks, according to Marine Corps Order 6100.13 W/CH1, Marine Corps Physical Fitness Program.
The order further states the CFT is specifically designed to evaluate strength, stamina, agility and coordination as well as overall anaerobic capacity. The CFT is a complement to the PFT and measures the functional elements of combat fitness through execution of a series of events that represent every Marine’s combat experience, emphasizing the ethos of “every Marine a rifleman.”
Sgt. Joshua Robles, training clerk, Military Operations and Training Division, MCLB Albany, said the CFT is a 300-point test and has three timed components; an 880-yard sprint, 30-pound ammunition can lift and a maneuver-under-fire event. Individual scores depend on the person’s sex, age and performance, he added.
“The first event of the CFT is the 880-yard sprint where Marines have to run in their (Marine pattern) utility uniform and boots,” Robles said.
The second timed event is the ammunition can lift where Marines have to do as many repetitions as they can in two minutes, he pointed out.
“The ammo can is 30 pounds and has to (start) below the chin then is pushed out at a 45 degree angle or over the head, fully extending the arms,” Robles explained.
After a three-minute break, the Marines participated in the final timed event, maneuver-under-fire, which is the most challenging part of the CFT.
The training clerk said the event consists of a 25-yard sprint, 15-yard low-crawl, 15-yard high-crawl, buddy drag, buddy carry for 40-yards, carry two 30-pound ammunition cans for 150-yards replicate ammunition resupply and simulated grenade-throwing.
“The CFT is to resemble a possible real-life combat scenario,” Robles, who earned a perfect score, said. “The CFT is a real test of character and stamina.”
Sgt. Melissa Rodriguez, supply administrative clerk, Marine Forces Reserve, ran with two 30-pound ammunition cans on her shoulders during a recent CFT.
“I put the ammo cans on my shoulders, because I run faster,” Rodriguez said. “(Putting them) on my shoulders, (helps me to) run freely with complete control of the ammo cans bearing the weight on my shoulders.
“When I hold the ammo cans to my sides, it is harder for me to control my running, because the ammo cans tend to hit the sides of my legs,” she added. “Also, it is natural for me to want to swing my arms when I run but with the ammo cans it’s pretty hard.
“The CFT helps Marines push themselves to a point where they break boundaries and do things that they didn't think their bodies were capable of,” she said. “I believe the CFT is important because it is both mentally and physically challenging.”
To view more photos from the CFT, visit MCLB Albany’s Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Marine-Corps-Logistics-Base-Albany/512695405469372.