Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego -- Marines are required to complete a variety of tests throughout the year to maintain combat readiness, and these recruits conquered one of those tests, the physical fitness test, signifying one of the last things they will face during training.
Recruits of Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, completed their final PFT at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Aug. 28.
All Marines are required to take the PFT annually, and it is used to gauge their level of fitness.
“The PFT keeps Marines physically fit and able to carry out the Marine Corps’ mission,” said Sgt. Joshua M. Calkins, Platoon 2147. “The recruits have made drastic improvements since their initial PFT, so I know they’re ready for this final PFT.”
The test is made up of three events: a timed three-mile run, a maximum set of pull-ups and a maximum set of crunches in two minutes. For a perfect score of 300, recruits have to perform an 18-minute, three-mile run along with 20 pull-ups and 100 crunches.
The PFT trains recruits to have high endurance, strong upper bodies and a strong core, explained Calkins, a Dixon, Ill., native.
Recruits run an initial PFT during the first phase of recruit training to give them an idea of what to expect, see where there are as far as physical readiness and what they need to improve for the final PFT during third phase. The initial PFT is run for practice, but the final PFT score is recorded and is entered into their permanent record.
“Recruits are trained all through recruit training to prepare for the PFT,” said Calkins. “They go through physical fitness sessions, hikes and several obstacles that condition them to be stronger and faster.”
Because of the training the recruits conduct daily, most of them notice a big improvement in their scores from their initial PFT to their final PFT. Recruits are put through daily physical challenges with events such as long distance hikes, boots and utility uniform runs, the confidence, obstacle and circuit courses as well as several other cardiovascular and strength training events.
“If Marines do not uphold the Marine Corps’ standard on physical fitness, it slows other Marines down, as well as slows the mission down,” said Recruit Edgar Y. Torres, Platoon 2147. “I feel I have improved on everything for the PFT, so I’m confident preparing for the final PFT.”
Drill instructors motivate the recruits through the PFT by shouting words of encouragement and conducting the events with the recruits, explained Torres, a Tucson, Ariz., native.
High physical fitness is demanded of Marines and the PFT trains to reach the peak of their fitness and prepare them for their future in the Marine Corps.