Training for the Marine Corp Reserves: An Overview of Fitness Tests

A businessman and military veteran, Frank Weissmann holds a master’s degree in technology commercialization from the University of Texas at Austin in addition to a bachelor's degree from Sam Houston State University. An experienced project management leader, Frank Weissmann serves as a client success manager at Kasasa in Austin, Texas.

Before his work in business, Mr. Weissmann served as an infantry team leader in the United States Marine Corps Reserves (USMCR), during which time he was twice awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for combat valor. The USMCR, the largest command in the Marine Corp, was founded more than 100 years ago and currently includes nearly 40,000 reservists. 

Prior to becoming a marine, a recruit must complete training in order to acquire the skills necessary for success. Recruits must also complete a strenuous boot camp and pass several fitness tests. These tests include:

The Physical Fitness Test (PFT) - A standard battle readiness test, the PFT utilizes a point system to score recruits in three areas: pull-ups or push-ups, crunches, and a three mile run that must be finished in 28 minutes or less.

The Combat Fitness Test (CFT) - A functional fitness test, the CFT also employs a point system to score marines on a timed 880 yard sprint, a thirty-pound ammunition can lift, and a 300-yard obstacle course designed to assess a marine's ability to maneuver under fire.

Composition of U.S. Marine Corps Small Infantry Units to Change

A recent graduate of the University of Texas with a master’s in technology commercialization, Frank Weissmann is a client success manager for the financial tech firm Kasasa Ltd. in Austin. Frank Weissmann also served as a combat team leader in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.

The Marines recently announced major changes in the makeup of its fire squads, the basic building blocks of the Marine Corps infantry. The existing 13-person unit will be reconfigured to include three teams with rifles and a three-person command team: one squad leader, one assistant squad leader, and one squad systems operator. The intent is to spread precision fire and intelligence technology to lower ranks. 

The new squads will be equipped with multi-channel radios, grenade launchers, and tablet computers. The M27 infantry automatic rifle will be standard equipment for all troops, except for one marksman, who will have an M38 rifle. Although each Marine will still carry items such as laser sights, sound suppressors, and night vision goggles, other tools will be omitted.