San Diego -- During recruit training, recruits are driven by motivation from their drill instructors and by spending countless hours working on exercises including push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups and running. Recruit training requires recruits to exert their physical abilities and give maximum effort to improve upon them.
Physical fitness is a fundamental aspect in becoming a Marine. Recruits of Company H, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, got their a dose of motivation during their initial Physical Fitness Test aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego March 29.
The purpose of the initial PFT is for drill instructors to evaluate recruits’ fitness levels after the first phase of training.
“This is their first test since the Initial Strenght Test and the PFT gauges how physically fit they are. It shows physical and mental commitment to become a Marine,” said Staff Sgt. Anthony J. Bodette, senior drill instructor, Platoon 2161, Co. H, 2nd RTBn. “They have to give it everything they have and show a commitment to their goal.”
The test begins with recruits jumping on a pull-up bar individually, giving their maximum effort, and doing as many pull-ups as they can. Recruits then proceed to the three-mile run and conclude the test with a maximum amount of crunches performed in a two-minute time frame.
In order to get a perfect score, recruits must complete 20 pull-ups, run three miles in 18 minutes or less, and perform 100 sit-ups in two minutes. Obtaining a perfect score of 300 points is extremely difficult and endurance plays a big part in achieving it.
“The last mile of the three-mile run is the hardest part. You are pushing yourself as much as you can, but your arms are dead and you can’t drive forward anymore,” said Recruit William M. Morrison, Plt. 2165, Co. H, 2nd RTBn. “This test is all about endurance, especially the run.”
The PFT is an annual event mandatory for Marines. PFT scores are computed into a promotion formula and the higher the PFT score, the more points they earn toward promotion. Thus, it is imperative for recruits to perform well and give their best effort throughout training.
Recruits will go through several weeks of tough training before getting a second shot at the PFT. Commitment to their goal will pay off dividends with higher levels of endurance, strength and leadership.
“Endurance makes a good leader,” said Morrison. “Leaders push when others are tired; they lead by example.”