The United States Marine Corps recently released its new physical standards for recruits who wish to enter into combat-related positions, and the results are clear that Corp members must demonstrate a higher level of physical acumen. The new guidelines were developed in order to provide gender-neutral performance standards for all combat-related MOSs, now that all military occupational specialties in the Marine Corps are open to women.
In broad strokes, and beyond the existing 20km ruck run and wall-scaling, the tests include new benchmarks for pullups, ammunition-can lifts, as well as specific physical standards tailored to individual combat MOSs. The Marine Corps reported that the new physical standards ultimately aim to create stronger combat units, and move those that fail the standards into less physically-demanding roles. While recognizing the challenges that exist to maintain a high success rate, and by keeping the focus on creating a stronger Corps, the new standards are viewed as a net positive.
The new fitness standards also include ample exercises that evaluate aerobic ability, weight-bearing capacity, and coordination. Cardiovascular tests range from the above-mentioned 20km ruck run as well as “rushing” 300m to reach an objective. Weight-bearing exercises focus primarily on “lifting and carrying,” and include challenges ranging from moving artillery rounds for 50m to relocating tank batteries short distances. The parts of the revised standards that require a great deal of coordination involve casualty evacuation and breaching a door with a battering ram.
TRX Training was born in the Navy Seals, and as such, the company’s products and educational programming are used to train the most elite military units of the US Armed Services. As a tried and tested training regimen, TRX’s focus on Movement-based Training will give any service member a leg-up in passing the Corp’s new fitness standards. In speaking about the new development, TRX Head of Human Performance Chris Frankel had the following to say:
“TRX Suspension Training is part of the Marine Corps HITT program and is used to train core strength and movement competency. We have used evidence-based programming and product design to optimize physical conditioning to be a critical part of combat readiness, as well as, to improve general fitness and reduce risk of injury. We continue to leverage research demonstrating the unique benefits of Suspension Training on core strength, especially as an alternative or supplement to traditional sit-up exercises. As the bar is raised for physical fitness in the Marine Corps we look forward to supporting this initiative with education and programming as needed.”
TRX Training offers products and educational programming tailored to service members, such as the
TRX Military Fitness Workout and the
Force Tactical Conditioning Program. The TRX
Tactical Gym, developed particularly for service members, is a complete Suspension Training kit containing everything needed to begin Suspension Training anytime, and anywhere. While service members can deepen their Suspension Training knowledge online through the
TRX Suspension Training Basics Course, nothing compares to the in-person training received at one of TRX’s Suspension Training Courses. Click here to learn more about TRX products and education, and to
find a Suspension Training Course near you. If you are looking to acquire product and/or education on behalf of your unit, please email
government_sales@trxtraining.com.
To read the full-announcement from the Marine Corp Times,
click here.
