Corps Tightens Fitness Standards

All Marines have 60 days to lose excess weight and meet the Corps’ requirements for body composition and military appearance, or face formal reassignment to body composition program (BCP) units until they do. Body fat levels must meet Defense Department standards for age and height, says Gen. James T. Conway, the Marine Corps commandant, in ALMAR 033/08. The word comes as a result of recent inspector general reports that show many Marines do not meet the standards. Ultimately, failure to comply could mean reduced chances of reenlistment or promotion, bad fitness reports, and possibly discharge. The stiffer standards also involve changes in the Marine Corps Physical Fitness program, to include a combat fitness test that requires participants to perform a series of combat-related actions while wearing boots and utility uniforms.