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Marine Sgt. Travar Washington, Marine Aircraft Group 49 aviation ordinanceman, performs a fireman's carry during the combat-fitness-test leg "maneuver under fire.” Oct. 24 at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. This test simulates carrying a casualty to a safe location. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Sean Crowe/Released)
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Marines prep to fight
Posted 10/31/2012 Updated 10/31/2012
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by Airman Sean Crowe
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst
10/31/2012 - JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- The Marines of Marine Aircraft Group 49 took their combat fitness test here Oct. 24 to ensure all Marines maintain physical readiness.
The CFT is a complement to the physical fitness test and measures the combat capabilities of a Marine through exercises that represent a Marine's combat experience.
The PFT is a test geared toward endurance and cardio," said Marine Sgt. Travar Washington, MAG-49 aviation ordinanceman. "The CFT tests how much a Marine can push himself for a short period of time. It tests his motivation and ability to give all his energy."
The CFT differentiates from the PFT which is a test that is not as applicable in combat scenarios.
"It's easier to achieve a higher score on the CFT than the PFT; but the CFT is much more difficult than the PFT," said Capt. Tim Sparks, MAG-49 Adjutant.
The CFT includes three sequential events: movement to contact, ammunition lift and maneuver under fire. Each event constitutes a tier in the 300-point evaluation score.
The first event, movement to contact, is an all-out, 880-yard sprint around the CFT field. Most Marines need to complete this in 4 minutes, 13 seconds or less in order to receive the minimum points needed to pass.
The second event, ammunition lift, simulates passing ammunition containers along to a gunner above. The Marine raises a 30 pound ammunition container to his chest, then raises the can as high as possible and as many times as possible in a two-minute time-frame. Most Marines must perform at least 33 repetitions to achieve the minimum passing score.
The third and final event, maneuver under fire, is a 300-yard course that includes sprints, a high crawl, a simulated-casualty carry, a grenade toss and a run with two 30-pound ammunition containers. Most Marines must finish in just under four minutes to achieve the minimum points needed to pass.
The test is based on a 300-point system in which each event is worth 100 points. The times and scores correlate based on age and gender. The minimum score required on each section is 60--points although the overall score needed to pass is 190, which is placed there to encourage Marines to strive for more than the minimum.
"The CFT is not a simple pass or fail test," said Sparks. "Marines will end up with one of three ratings: first class, second class or third class."
The Marines will perform a weigh-in prior to the CFT--Any Marine who exceeds his maximum weight will undergo a body-fat measurement. This segment of the test is pass or fail.
The Marines are only authorized to wear the Desert Marine Pattern (MARPAT) utility uniform and boots during the test. A watch cap, knee and elbow pads, and gloves may be worn as required by conditions.
MAG-49's mission is to organize, train and equip combat-ready squadrons to augment and reinforce the active Marine forces in time of war, national emergency or contingency operations. It also provides personnel and assault-support capabilities to relieve the operational tempo for active-duty forces. |
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