Marines lead, and everyone else follows.

This might not be a famous quote that I can attribute to anyone in particular, but I think Marines would agree. Shortly after the statement, members from other services would jump up and down to prove us wrong even though the facts supporting the argument continue to mount against them.

First, there was the release of the patented MARPAT design, now emulated by all other services and being sought after a second time by the Army in yet another uniform design change. Now there’s this – Combat Fitness test.

That’s right, according to a recent AP article, the U. S. Army has recently announced plans to modify its fitness tests for the first time in 30 years to make sure all Soldiers have the strength, endurance and mobility for battle, adding exercises like running an obstacle course in full combat gear and dragging a body’s weight.

There is also growing conversation among Air Force members, discussing some type of combat fitness being introduced to their training schedule, according to a recent article in the Air Force Times. Seven Airmen completed and passed the CFT, which begin the talk of some type of comparable course.

It is a novel concept.  Most standard repetitive exercises like pull-ups, crunches and sit-ups may build strength, but they don’t truly prepare you for the rigors of a combat environment. Where have I heard this before? Oh yeah, that’s right. Marines have already been training for combat with the implementation of the combat fitness test by Gen. James Conway.

It has been said the imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so how could we not be honored that the Army and Air Force have modeled their uniforms and training after us? Any appearance of mockery is just friendly inter-service rivalry.

The Army has already begun testing pilot programs at eight of its bases, calling the training the Army Physical Readiness Test. The name change means it’s even less like our own. But when you actually look at it, their training does have quite a few similarities.

The new APRT includes casualty drag obstacles, balance-beam ammo can carry, ammo can shuttle sprints and agility sprints. It also requires soldiers to low crawl and high crawl during the course. All of these things are done during the Marine Corps Combat Fitness Test, although the Army’s version does modify our current excercises slightly.

Better tests lead to better-trained service members, a lesson Marines continue to learn every day. It’s nice to know the Corps continues to set the example for greatness.

Don’t worry Airmen and Soldiers; we don’t mind being the example for others to follow. We are Marines after all. Some may love us and some may hate, but we set the standards to emulate.

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