New standards

[unhappycamper]

Countdown to fitness
Conway plan will be implemented by June 2008.


New standards
By Kimberly Johnson - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Dec 15, 2007 7:54:38 EST

Marines riding the line between fit and fat, listen up: In six months, that line will be erased. Come summer, Marine physical fitness standards will undergo a sea change, eliminating the association — and thus the underlying reward system — of the physical fitness test to the body composition calculation, while instituting a new test for combat fitness.

Military appearance standards will also see an overhaul, as the Corps places more emphasis on how a Marine looks in uniform.

“All Marines must be physically fit regardless of age, rank or duty assignment,” Commandant Gen. James Conway said in a Nov. 26 letter to commanding generals, officers and officers in charge, prepping them for the forthcoming changes. The revised order will be fully implemented by June 2008, Conway said.

Central to Conway’s plan is de-linking the PFT and body composition assessments, and eliminating in-theater waivers for body composition. Every Marine will be evaluated against height-weight standards, and those who don’t make the grade will be evaluated in the Body Composition Program.

“We will streamline the assignment process and tighten body fat standards,” Conway said.


Rest of article at: http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2007/12/marine_fitnessmain_071215w/