The U.S. Marine Corps is rolling out significant updates to its physical fitness and body composition requirements starting January 1, 2026. These changes aim to align standards with the physical demands of combat roles and ensure all Marines maintain peak readiness.
SecWar Guidance Sets Foundation
In a September 30, 2025, memorandum, the Secretary of War outlined new military fitness standards to enhance combat effectiveness across the armed forces. The guidance emphasizes gender-neutral requirements for combat positions and stricter overall fitness expectations. The Marine Corps is implementing these directives through MARADMIN 613/25, released December 18, 2025.
The updates focus on ensuring Marines are prepared for the sustained physical performance needed in direct combat operations.
Key Changes to the Physical Fitness Test
The Physical Fitness Test (PFT) will now use sex-neutral scoring for Marines in combat arms Primary Military Occupational Specialties. This means male and female Marines in these roles will follow the same scoring standards, based on male, age-normed guidelines from Marine Corps Order 6100.13A.
Combat arms Marines must achieve a minimum score of 210 points out of 300, representing at least 70% of the maximum. Non-combat arms Marines will continue using existing sex- and age-normed standards.
The timing of the PFT remains unchanged. The PFT will continue being an annual requirement, administered between January 1 and June 30. Units must follow interim administrative guidance during the transition, with full system updates expected within six to eight months and complete implementation within a year.
Body Composition Standards Update
In addition to the fitness test, the height and weight standards will be updated as well. The Marine Corps will transition from current height/weight and tape test methods to a waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) approach. This change reflects guidance from the Secretary of War and aims to provide a more accurate measure of body composition.
In the interim, existing height/weight standards and tape tests will continue, with bioelectrical impedance analysis used for additional assessments when needed. Service-specific body composition standards will be published once further guidance is provided.
Waist-to-Height Ratio: An Example Overview
The waist-to-height ratio (also known as “WHtR”) is calculated by dividing waist circumference by height (both in inches). A ratio below 0.55 typically indicates low to moderate risk, while 0.55 or higher may signal higher risk, based on standards used in other military branches like the Air Force.
Here's a simplified example table for reference (note: Marine Corps-specific thresholds will be detailed in future guidance):
- Ratio < 0.5: Optimal
- Ratio 0.5–0.54: Low to moderate risk
- Ratio ≥ 0.55: Higher risk (potential for further evaluation)
Marines should consult official Marine Corps resources for exact implementation details as they become available.
Implications for Readiness
These updates build on the Marine Corps' long-standing commitment to physical excellence. For Marines to be able to fight America’s wars and win, they need to be fit. These changes, specifically for those in a combat arms MOS, represent the service’s demand for the utmost excellence in warfighting prowess. For more on current fitness requirements, see Military.com's guide to USMC PFT charts and Marine Corps Combat Fitness Test details.
The changes ensure the force remains adaptable and prepared for operational demands. Units are encouraged to train accordingly to support a smooth transition.
