Initial Physical Requirements

RockTheCasbah · 07-19-2006, 05:19 PM

Hello, I'm prospecting to join the Marines next year, and I understand that there are certain physical requirements one must meet in order to begin boot camp? If so, can anyone please clue me in on what these are so that I can get started with a fitness program right away? Advice/help is greatly appreciated!

LCpl Lamm · 07-19-2006, 08:01 PM

You are required to take an IST (Initial Strength Test) within 30 days after you enlist. And once more 30-60 days before you leave for boot camp. It consists of completing at least 5 consecutive pull-ups, 50 sit-ups in 2 minutes and running 1.5 miles in 13 minutes. This should be correct, because I took it last Saturday, I enlisted on the 11th of this month. If you do not meet these requirements by the time you leave for boot camp, you don't leave. Also, I believe you take it once more once you get to boot camp. Again, this should be correct, its what I was told last week.

RockTheCasbah · 07-19-2006, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lamm

You are required to take an IST (Initial Strength Test) within 30 days after you enlist. And once more 30-60 days before you leave for boot camp. It consists of completing at least 5 consecutive pull-ups, 50 sit-ups in 2 minutes and running 1.5 miles in 13 minutes. This should be correct, because I took it last Saturday, I enlisted on the 11th of this month. If you do not meet these requirements by the time you leave for boot camp, you don't leave. Also, I believe you take it once more once you get to boot camp. Again, this should be correct, its what I was told last week.

Oh, that's not so hard(I'll probably have to work on the sit-ups, though). Are you sure there aren't any benchmarks for the amount of push-ups you have to do? Thanks for your help.

**Vulture6** · 07-19-2006, 08:58 PM

In the Marine Corps, upper body strength is evaluated through dead-hang pull ups. We do plenty of push ups, but it's not part of what is measured.

ColeGyreneJROTC · 07-19-2006, 10:19 PM

Lamm gave you close to the bare minimums.
Pull ups is really only 3.

Don't go to Recruit Training thinking that you'll be able to get by with bare minimums, because when we took the IST we were tired and hungry and mentally broke off.
I got a lot less pull ups, sit ups, and run time time than what I usually had.
You'll definitely improve crunches while you're there.
I went doing 55 or so in two minutes and left doing 111 (even though 100 is top score).

LCpl Lamm · 07-20-2006, 07:29 AM

Eh, they told us 5, maybe my office and recruiters are more moto!

RockTheCasbah · 07-20-2006, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ColeGyreneJROTC

Lamm gave you close to the bare minimums.
Pull ups is really only 3.

Don't go to Recruit Training thinking that you'll be able to get by with bare minimums, because when we took the IST we were tired and hungry and mentally broke off.
I got a lot less pull ups, sit ups, and run time time than what I usually had.
You'll definitely improve crunches while you're there.
I went doing 55 or so in two minutes and left doing 111 (even though 100 is top score).

Ok, thanks a lot.

USMCRET6391 · 07-20-2006, 08:37 AM

You can't do the minimum in every event and pass the PFT. 3 pull ups is the minimum you need to do to pass the PFT, IF you score higher than the minimum on the run and crunches. So, I would recommend you be able to do at least 5 pull ups, 60 crunches and run 3 miles in 26 minutes or less when you get to Boot Camp.

**cincymarsdad** · 07-20-2006, 08:50 AM

Rock - If you attend the poolee functions regularly and diligently, your recruiters will have you up to speed on all this. That's part of their job. Also, they may have a recruiter's assistant around at times who would be fresh from boot.

My daughter echoed the part about being tired and banged up for the IFT and the final PFT particularly - by then almost everyone is bruised and nursing some kind of ding or seven, except for the Sick Bay Queens. She says she's in a lot better shape now and not dinged up with the PT. She said she gets to do another PFT before departing 29 P and is shooting for 300. Her running is her challenge - females need a 21:00 3 mile time.

RockTheCasbah · 07-20-2006, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cincymarsdad

Rock - If you attend the poolee functions regularly and diligently, your recruiters will have you up to speed on all this. That's part of their job. Also, they may have a recruiter's assistant around at times who would be fresh from boot.

My daughter echoed the part about being tired and banged up for the IFT and the final PFT particularly - by then almost everyone is bruised and nursing some kind of ding or seven, except for the Sick Bay Queens. She says she's in a lot better shape now and not dinged up with the PT. She said she gets to do another PFT before departing 29 P and is shooting for 300. Her running is her challenge - females need a 21:00 3 mile time.

When you say "poolee functions", do you mean the Delayed Entry Program?

ColeGyreneJROTC · 07-20-2006, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cincymarsdad

Rock - If you attend the poolee functions regularly and diligently, your recruiters will have you up to speed on all this. That's part of their job. Also, they may have a recruiter's assistant around at times who would be fresh from boot.

My daughter echoed the part about being tired and banged up for the IFT and the final PFT particularly - by then almost everyone is bruised and nursing some kind of ding or seven, except for the Sick Bay Queens. She says she's in a lot better shape now and not dinged up with the PT. She said she gets to do another PFT before departing 29 P and is shooting for 300. Her running is her challenge - females need a 21:00 3 mile time.

Don't put too much trust in your Recruiters.
Some of them are just as disgusting as civs (no offense intended).
I thought mine were squared-away and in shape Marines before I shipped, and now that I'm back they just seem like civilians in a uniform.
I can out-PT them all and my trash is always more squared away.
Your Drill Instructors will tell you all about recruiters when you ship.

**cincymarsdad** · 07-21-2006, 06:58 AM

DEP makes you a "poolee" - they usually meet Thursdays and one weekend a month. CGY makes a note about recruiters that certainly CAN be true - maybe often is true. The DIs don't much like recruiters because they see the "trash" they sign up and the DIs hafta try and make Marines out of'em.

DIs of course would like their job to be "easier", and no question DIs work harder than about anybody anywhere near as I can tell. I suspect every Marine can name his DIs and probably forgets his recruiter.

USMCRET6391 · 07-21-2006, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cincymarsdad

The DIs don't much like recruiters because they see the "trash" they sign up and the DIs hafta try and make Marines out of'em.

As a former Drill Instructor I don't discuss Recruiters much. I am trying to cut back on my foul language.