Marines Suspend “Semper Fit” in Combat
The Marine Corps is usually a step ahead of the Army and their recent decision to suspend their weight control program during combat is another example of this:
A recent order from headquarters at Quantico, Va., says overweight Marines sent to Iraq can be exempt from the Corps’ rigid weight-loss program, which requires frequent weigh-ins, extra physical training and “Semper Fit” lectures about nutrition.
The rigors of being deployed in Iraq have made it difficult for Marines to comply with the fitness plan, known as the Body Composition Program, Marine Corps officials said.
Under an order issued before Christmas, commanders are allowed to exempt their troops in Iraq from what is usually a six-month program.
What else I like about the Marines’ weight control program is that soldiers that score well on their physical fitness test can get an increased body fat percentage. The Army does not take Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) scores into consideration with the current weight control program. I have seen many good soldiers in the Army get administratively seperated from the military even though they scored well on the APFT. In today’s military I think it is better to have a good chunky soldier than no soldier at all.
Plus in a combat situation often times you do not have time to do physical training or on a camp that you cannot do physical training anyway if you had the time because you have to constantly carry your weapon and wear body armor. So the Marines have definitely made a common sense decision. The Army is usually 6 months to a year behind the Marines Corps so I’m sure policies will eventually change in the Army to.
So which of my readers can pass the Marine Corps height/weight standards? I’m 6’3 and 213 pounds so I would be alright in the Marine Corps.
