Marine Corps Combat Fitness Test (CFT)

The Marine Corps Combat Fitness Test (CFT) is a combat-oriented physical fitness assessment used to evaluate Marines’ strength, endurance, speed, and ability to perform under physical stress. It is not an entrance or admissions exam: Marines generally complete it as part of ongoing readiness and fitness requirements, with applicable rules and exemptions set by Marine Corps policy. The CFT focuses on three events—Movement to Contact, Ammo Can Lift, and Maneuver Under Fire—and tests practical physical performance rather than academic knowledge.

The standard event sequence is Movement to Contact, a timed 880-yard run; Ammo Can Lift, repeated overhead lifts of a 30-pound ammunition can; and Maneuver Under Fire, a timed course combining sprints with combat-related movements. Current instructions specify event setup, equipment, execution, and scoring, so candidates should confirm the rules and score tables that apply to their status and test cycle. Prepare progressively for running, lifting, and transitions, and prioritize sound technique and recovery. Knowledge-check practice may help review terminology, but it cannot replace physical training.