Marine Corps Introduces New Physical Fitness and Body Composition Standards
Dec. 20, 2025 | By Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Claudia Nix
Marine Corps Training and Education Command
The U.S. Marine Corps has announced significant updates to its physical fitness test (PFT) and body composition standards. These changes align with the military fitness standards memorandum issued by the secretary of war on Sept. 30. According to MARADMIN 613/25, the new rules will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026.
Sex-Neutral PFT Scoring for Combat Arms Marines
Under the updated policy, Marines serving in combat arms primary military occupational specialties (MOSs) will follow sex-neutral scoring standards for the PFT. These Marines must earn a minimum score of 210 points, which equals 70 percent of the total possible score.
The Marine Corps will apply the male, age-based scoring system outlined in Marine Corps Order 6100.13A. This change ensures consistent evaluation standards for all Marines in physically demanding combat roles.
Meanwhile, Marines in noncombat arms MOSs will continue to follow the existing sex- and age-based scoring standards.
Annual Testing Schedule Remains Unchanged
The Marine Corps will continue to administer the PFT once each year, from Jan. 1 through June 30. Marines who fail to meet the new combat arms requirement by the end of the reporting period will enter remedial physical training.
Additionally, those who fall short may face promotion restrictions or reclassification, depending on performance and command review.
Focus on Combat Readiness
“These combat arms roles demand a high level of physical endurance and strength,” said Col. James Derrick, director of the Training Standards Division at the Marine Corps Training and Education Command. “By applying the same standards to everyone, we ensure every combat arms Marine meets the physical demands of direct ground combat.”
Body Composition Standards Also Updated
Alongside the PFT changes, the Marine Corps is revising its body composition evaluation process. The service plans to replace the current height and weight tables and tape test with a waist-to-height ratio method.
However, officials will release service-specific standards only after receiving additional guidance from the War Department.
Until then, the Marine Corps will continue using the existing height, weight, and tape tests. When needed, commanders may also use body composition analysis to support evaluations.
Implementation Timeline and Transition Period
Although the new PFT standards begin in January 2026, updates to Manpower Information Systems will take six to eight months. Full system integration is expected within one year.
During this transition, units must follow interim administrative guidance until all policy and system updates are complete.
Commitment to Operational Effectiveness
The Marine Corps emphasized its commitment to a smooth rollout of these changes. Leaders will continue working with stakeholders to ensure proper execution and compliance.
Overall, the updated fitness and body composition standards aim to strengthen combat readiness, operational effectiveness, and force consistency across the Marine Corps.