Female marines combat fitness test

On 12 October 2026, the United States Marine Corps announced a comprehensive update to the Combat Fitness Test (CFT) protocols, specifically addressing performance metrics for female Marines. The new guidelines, which are set to take effect at the start of the next fiscal year, introduce refined scoring tables designed to better align physical readiness requirements with the physiological demands of modern combat environments. Command leadership emphasized that these adjustments are the result of a two-year longitudinal study aimed at ensuring that all Marines, regardless of gender, are evaluated on their ability to perform essential battlefield tasks such as casualty evacuations, ammunition resupply, and maneuverability under fire. While the core components of the CFT—the movement-to-contact, ammunition lift, and maneuver-under-fire—remain unchanged, the updated standards adjust the time and repetition thresholds to reflect current data on injury prevention and operational effectiveness. The Marine Corps stated that these changes are intended to maintain high combat readiness standards while fostering an inclusive environment that prioritizes mission accomplishment and the long-term physical health of every service member.