It seems that the current Commandant really wants to put 'his mark' on the Marine Corps. First it was the "new PT uniform" and now the CFT and Appearance Standards. The new PT gear is a joke! What is wrong with the green-on-green that has always worked? But the new CFT is even more unbelievable! The article on Military.com (http://www.military.com/military-fitness/marine-corps-fitness/corps-introduces-tough-new-fitness-test), about the new test says,"No more body building, Marine, it's time to put together a "functional fitness program" that incorporates short bursts of high-intensity activity using lots of muscles" and "Preparing for the CFT will "change their workout routine." So, I guess by definition, the PFT has been and is irrelevant? If so, why not just scrap it all together since it is inferior? I was an avid bodybuilder who never ran on a regular basis (I would start running about a month out from a PFT), to prepare. And I would run a 1st class every time! So, the new "functional fitness program" wouldn't make one change his/her workout routine dramatically to accomplish a passing score! And "No more body building"? Bodybuilding is a superior method of exercising for all around fitness and endurance. So, "bodybuilding Marines" will STILL have an advantage on this 'new test'. As for the new Appearance Standards, it sounds as though this can be very subjective command to command. I am short so therefore any weight I have be it body fat or muscle makes me look out of proportion (as I did when I was bodybuilding). So does that mean that "bodybuilding Marines" will be targeted? Although I ETS years ago and in the Guard now, I can see the Corps going the way of the Army. Stratification of basic operations and change for change's sake. I am contemplating on rejoining the Marine Corps and these new changes don't seem to be the way to go. The simplicity of the Corps across all levels is what makes it operate so well. If that keeps changing I don't think that will bode well for our future. Let me know what you think.
