Yesterday I wrote about the change to the Marine Corps Physical Fitness Program, as many of you know there were other changes in the Marine Corps yesterday.  I addition to the changes mentioned yesterday which there are also changes to the weight standards and the creation of a military appearance program.

Yesterday General Conway signed and published ALMAR 33/08 which set new standards for Marines to maintain.  Current maximum weights are still effective, but now Marines must maintain a body fat percentage under 18-21% for men and 26-29% for women as noted below.

A.  MALE
AGE 17-26  18%
AGE 27-39  19%
AGE 40-45  20%
AGE 46+    21%
B.  FEMALE
AGE 17-26  26%
AGE 27-39  27%
AGE 40-45  28%
AGE 46+    29

Unlike the prior order Marines that run a 1st class PFT do not get an extra 4% points to play with.  Also if you are underweight and/or under your body fat percentage you can still be placed on the Military Appearance Program(MAP) if you do not look good in your uniform, at the same time if you are outside standards but look good in uniform you can receive a waiver and not placed on weight control.

Due to the fact that there are new standards and they are more strict than before Marines will have a informal 60 days to get within standards.  If after 60 days you are not in standards you will receive a letter of caution and another 60 period.  If at the end of those 120 days you still have not fallen in line with the standards you will be formally placed on the Body Composition Program and this will affect both promotion and retention opportunities.

I am glad to see the return of the Military Appearance Program as I have seen many Marines that are under their max weight yet still look like Grimace.  That is not quite the image that we as Marines want to portray to the world.  The new program while firm is still fair in that it gives the Commanding Officer a say in if his Marines should or should not be on the Body Composition Program.

GET IN SHAPE MARINE!!!!!!