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thedrifter
09-05-08, 01:59 PM
Yuma Marines get first look at new combat-focused fitness test
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September 4, 2008 - 11:15PM
BY JAMES GILBERT, SUN STAFF WRITER

Marines at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma got their first look Thursday at a newly implemented combat fitness test that simulates the skills they will need in combat situations.

The new fitness test incorporates combat situations such as throwing grenades accurately, a 1/2 mile run to dragging and carrying a wounded comrade.

Col. Brian McGuire of the Training and Education Command in Quantico, Virginia led a presentation of the new fitness test at the air station's Ramada Field.

"The new combat fitness test is merely a complement to the current Marine Corps’ physical fitness training," McGuire said.

McGuire, who is traveling to every base and air station in the Corps giving the presentation, explained that Gen. James Conway, commandant of the Marine Corps, directed that a fitness test be developed that better gauges a Marine's combat physical readiness.

The colonel added that the new fitness test targets short, more intense workouts because they are more beneficial. Part of the goal of the new training regimen is to train movements, not muscles.

Starting Oct. 1, McGuire said all active-duty Marines must pass the combat fitness test twice each year. The regular physical fitness test will also continue to be given at least twice a year.

"All active duty Marines will have to have completed the test once by Dec. 31," McGuire said. "Next year will be the first year every Marine will have to do the test twice."

Initially the test will be graded on a pass/fail basis, but by October of 2009, McGuire said the test will be graded based on scores.

The new fitness test begins with an 800-meter run, which is just under a half-mile. It is then followed by a strength test in which Marines lift a 30-pound ammunition can over their heads as often as they can in two minutes.

This is then followed by the “maneuver under fire” exercise, which includes crawling on their bellies through a mock battlefield, slalom running, doing push-ups, dragging and then carrying a “wounded” Marine, carrying two 30-pound cans of ammunition and attempting to throw a hand-grenade at a specific target area.

Lance Cpl. Daniel Sanchez, 23, of San Antonio, Texas, and Lance Cpl., Ryan Johnson, 22, of Rosemont, Calif., demonstrated the maneuver under fire” exercise Thursday morning.

"It was extremely challenging, but fun at the same time. It's only two to three minutes, but you are testing yourself every second of it," Sanchez said. "I like pushing myself and this is one of those things where you get to see what you are made of."

After spending several minutes catching his breath, Sanchez added he thought the new test would help him and other Marines to focus more on all-around conditioning.

"Most Marines will be able to do it," Sanchez said. "The key is not to stop, no matter how tired you are."

Male Marines between the ages of 17 to 26 must complete the 800-meter run in 3 minutes, 48 seconds. Women in the same age category are allowed an additional 46 seconds.

For the 30-pound ammunition box lift, which is lifting the box from below their chin to above their head as many times as possible, men must complete 45 reps, while women must do 20.

For the “maneuver under fire” exercise, male Marines in the same age range must complete it in under 3 minutes, 29 seconds. Women have 4 minutes, 57 seconds to complete the exercise.

The requirements for older Marines to pass the test vary depending on the Marine's age.


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James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 539-6854.

Ellie