---
title: "Marine Corps cancels physical fitness test requirement over COVID-19"
description: "The Marine Corps has canceled its semi-annual requirement of a physical fitness test."
date: "2020-04-21"
modified: "2020-04-21"
authors:
  - name: "Paul Szoldra"
    job_title: "Editor"
    link: "https://taskandpurpose.com/authors/paul-szoldra/"
url: "https://taskandpurpose.com/news/marine-pft-suspended/"
categories:
  - "Field Guide"
  - "Military Life"
tags:
  - "Covid-19"
---

# Marine Corps cancels physical fitness test requirement over COVID-19

![](<https://taskandpurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/19044027.jpg>)

The Marine Corps is cancelling its physical fitness test requirement, according to a tweet from the service's top general.

Commandant Gen. David Berger said Tuesday [on Twitter](<https://twitter.com/CMC_MarineCorps/status/1252640144072548364>) that the semi-annual PFT requirement would be cancelled over COVID-19 prevention guidelines. "Our fitness to fight remains a priority, and I expect each us to continue to maintain our fighting condition," he added.

https://twitter.com/CMC_MarineCorps/status/1252640144072548364

Berger also alluded to a forthcoming [Marine Administrative message](<https://www.marines.mil/News/Messages/MARADMINS/>), which would have further details. A MARADMIN regarding the change to the PFT has not yet been posted.

All Marines are required to conduct a PFT at least once a year, which mainly consists of a three-mile run, pullups, and crunches.

Meanwhile, although dropping the PFT requirement temporarily is undoubtedly a welcome change that will ensure the health and safety of Marines, [the Corps still continues its uncompromising attitude toward Marines still getting their haircuts. ](<https://taskandpurpose.com/news/marine-corps-haircuts-coronavirus/>)

## Author
Paul Szoldra was the Editor in Chief of Task & Purpose from October 2018 until August 2022. Since joining T&P, he has led a talented team of writers, editors, and creators who produce military journalism reaching millions of readers each month. He also founded and edits [Duffel Blog](<https://www.duffelblog.com/>), a popular satirical newsletter for the military. Before becoming a journalist in 2013, he served as a Marine infantryman in Afghanistan, Korea, and other areas of the Pacific. His eyes still go up every time a helicopter from Camp Pendleton flies over his office in Southern California.

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