Quick Tour
A collective measure of general fitness Marine Corps-wide, The PFT is an annual test specifically designed to evaluate the strength and stamina of the upper body, core and lower body—as well as efficiency of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems of every Marine in the Corps.
Physical Fitness Test
Those who aspire to become Marines must first pass the Initial Strength Test (IST), and all Marines are required to pass an annual Physical Fitness Test (PFT) and Combat Fitness Test (CFT). This information will help you prepare for all three.
How To Prepare
Speaking with an Officer Selection Officer (OSO) will provide potential candidates more information about the challenging path and commitment that lies ahead in Officer Candidates School.
Be Well Informed
The highest level of leadership, a relentless commitment to success, the will to always advance —these are the qualities sought out in Officer Candidates School (OCS).
Officer Candidates School
Standing up against tyranny and injustice are Marines: elite warriors who courageously and honorably face down the threats of our time.
Your Impact
Leadership is evaluated on your ability to motivate your peers, successfully complete assigned tasks and make sound decisions under pressure. Instructors constantly monitor each candidate and track individual progress.
At Officer Candidates School, you will take courses in military subjects that train you to begin thinking like an officer.
The physical training program at Officer Candidates School is intense. Officers need the stamina and confidence to lead Marines in physically demanding situations, and that preparation begins here.
Marines practice new pistol qualify at the range - News
One of a Marine's best friends is his or her rifle. Marines master it as they master their lives. But if a Marine runs out of ammo or their rifle stops working during combat, a pistol could be their backup weapon.
Cal Fire trains Marines to combat Wild Land Fires - News
Crew Chiefs SSgt Brian Dinning and LCpl Gary Persall count down "Four. Three. Two. One," as Maj Mike Davidge, the pilot of CH-46 E helicopter dubbed "Knightrider," positions it's whirling blades and fire bucket over Lake Talega during the 6th annual Wild Land Fire Fighting Exercise May 9.
Marines and Australians aim to shoot each other's weapons - News
Marines with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, and soldiers with Delta Company, 5th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, conducted their first bilateral training exercise and sent rounds down range using each other's weapon systems during a familiarization shoot May 10.
See 1stLt Pham define discipline through the eyes of an infantryman. Learn more about how Marines receive a Warrior's Education.
Having a blast: Marines train with explosives - News
A ball of fire exploded into the distant sky. It was followed closely by a pillar of dark smoke, which lingered for a moment before fading slowly into the wind. The Marines were silent, waiting for the low, delayed boom that followed moments later.
November Company recruits improve physical training - News
November Company recruits aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island complete physical training.
11th MEU participates in gas chamber training - News
The 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit has participated in many training events and annual training requirements. MEU personnel demonstrated once again that they are ready for any circumstance.
Light armored reconnaissance Marines test rapid deployment capabilities - News
Marines serving with 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion practice loading and unloading light armored vehicles from C-17 Globemaster cargo planes during a training exercise April 24.
Fears conquered with confidence - News
Recruits of Company G, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, received a boost of confidence after conquering the Confidence Course aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego April 16.
Marines test water purification equipment, systems - News
Utilities Platoon with Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, executed water production operations on Kin Blue beach near Camp Hansen April 29 to May 3 in order to train new Marines and test the functionality of the water purification systems.



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