IN REPLYING
REFER TO No.
LOI # HC-99-014

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

HEADQUARTERS AND HEADQUARTERS DETACHMENT
MARINE CORPS HISTORICAL COMPANY, FREDERICK, MD.

Letter of Instruction # HC-98-002 10/98

From: Office of the Director, USMCHC

To: All USMC Historical Company Living History Personnel

Subject: Physical Readiness testing procedures.

Reference:USMCHC "Marine's Handbook", (5th edition), Chapter 3, Section 1: " Physical Readiness Test, Standards". This letter augments the above named section, and gives instructions on the application and scoring procedures for the Physical Readiness Test.

NOTE: This Letter has been revised on 6 June 2001, and the following supersedes all previous regulations.

28 December 2001

POLICY:

It is the policy of the USMCHC that all personnel actively involved in historical interpretation utilizing "living history" techniques to emulate Marine Corps personnel, in order to present an accurate and credible image of these Service men and women, and ensure the safety of all personnel, must maintain a reasonable level of physical fitness.

PERSONNEL TO BE TESTED

All personnel. assigned as "living history" interpreters, regardless of service, grade, gender, physical conditions, or age, will be tested annually.

All "Line" Marines and Naval personnel directly involved with these Marines in physically demanding operations, here after referred to as "Landing Force" personnel, are required to meet or exceed the minimum Combat Conditioning level, and must meet the minimum score in each area, as well as obtaining the minimum overall required score. Female and other noncombat support personnel will be required to meet the Basic fitness level.

The overall numerical score will be divided into the following categories. The person receiving the highest score annually will receive a certificate of achievement.

OUTSTANDING...........................226 points or above
EXCELLENT ...........................176 points to 225 points
VERY GOOD.............................151 points to 17-5 points
GOOD (Combat Conditioning level)......116 points to 150 points
SATISFACTORY (Basic fitness level).....81 points to 115 points
FAIR . ................................65 points to 80 points
UNSATISFACTORY: .......................64 points or below

MEDICAL PROVISIONS

1. Any personnel that may have a physical restriction (either temporary or permanent) that prevents them from participating in or completing certain physical activities, will receive a "medical profile". This profile must be signed by the members family doctor, and verified by the USMCHC's Medical Department, This profile will not restrict them from participating with the Detachment, but will limit the physical activities they will be allowed to be involved in.

2. Personnel with a medical profile will be required to participate in the testing, but will have the test procedure adjusted to be compatible with their restrictions. Personnel who cannot perform one or more events in the PRT because of a medical reason will take only those test events for which they are medically qualified. In the events taken, the participant will be required to achieve a minimum passing performance in order to pass the partial PRT. Test records will indicate the event or events not taken and whether a temporary or permanent condition was the reason for the partial PRT.

3. Personnel with permanent physical restrictions that prevent them from participating in 2 or more of the 6 required events will be evaluated as to whether they are qualified to continue as "living history" interpreters.

4. Prior to participation in these or any other physical activity with the USMCHC each member must review these standards with their own physician. Failure to notify the USMCHC Medical Department of any physical or health problem that would be aggravated by participation in these activities, thus endangering themselves and those around them, will result in loss of liability coverage, and absolve the USMCHC of any liability responsibility to that individual. In addition they will become subject to disciplinary action or suspension from the organization.

SPECIAL EQUIPMENT AND AREA

The Physical Readiness Test employs a minimum of special-type equipment in order to permit its use in a wide variety of locations. The following are required:

1. Pullup/chinup bar. The diameter of the bar may range from I to 3/4 inches. The bar must be high enough to allow the tallest Marine's legs to hang straight. A bench or stool may be used for shorter personnel to reach the bar.

2. A measured 1 1/2 mile course over reasonably level ground (a quarter mile oval athletic track is recommended).

3. A measured 5 mile course over varying terrain.

4. A stopwatch with a sweep second hand.

5. A slightly elevated beam or curb, approximately 4 inches wide and 20 feet long.

6. A duffel or similar type bag, or dummy with a measured weight (100 lbs. or 50 lbs.) of sand or other appropriate filler.

CONDUCT OF THE TEST

1. The test will be administered by the Training NCO and/or his designees. He will ensure that adequate timers and other supervisory personnel are on hand.

2. All events of the test (with the exception of the 5 mile march) should be completed in a single session of one morning or afternoon. If necessary, due to time constraints or other restrictions, the test may be divided into segments. (i.e. the run/march administered on one day and the other elements given at a later date).

3. Scorecards (form 926a) will be filled out on each individual for inclusion in individual training records and SRB.

TESTING AND SCORING PROCEDURES

Director's Welcome USMCHC Home Recruit Probation