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Reflect a career PFT/CFT on the master brief sheet
Have you ever served with a Marine who scored high on the physical fitness test (PFT) or combat fitness test (CFT) when their score was within sight picture of a promotion board? If the answer is yes, then a simple revamp of his master brief sheet (MBS) is in high order. According to Marine Corps Order 6100.13 wl Ch 1, Marine Corps Physical Fitness Program, "Fitness is an essential component of Marine Corps combat readiness. Furthermore, physical fitness is an indispensable aspect of leadership."1 SgtMaj Micheál P. Barrett, 17th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, in 2011 addressed the drawdown of Marines, stating, "Every day in the Marine Corps should be like qualification day."2 Marines attempting to score high on their PFT/CFT only when in zone for promotion undermine unit combat readiness and lack leadership. Shifting from a score-to-score basis to displaying a career cumulative PFT/ CFT score on the MBS is cost effective and requires Marines to achieve their highest physical fitness scores every year they serve to remain competitive for promotion.
In my opinion, the Marine Corps is spending too much money in the development and procurement of physical fitness programs. The simple change I recommend is cost effective as compared to the development, employment, and maintenance of the high-intensity tactical training (HITT) program. Major installations' programs such as HITT do provide a comprehensive, functional-based strength and conditioning...