Marines

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Archive: August, 2008

Shape Up: Corps tightens weight, appearance standards

In the final stage of the Corps' physical fitness makeover, the commandant signed a new order Aug. 8 defining tougher body fat and appearance standards for Marines. The one change likely affecting a broad number of Marines is no longer allowing a higher body fat percentage for those with high scores on their semiannual physical fitness tests. In

Marines with contracts ending in FY-2009 can re-enlist now for better bonus

Due to the significant changes in re-enlistment bonuses from fiscal year 2008 to 2009, the window for eligible Marines seeking to cash in on their new contracts is quickly closing.For some Marines, taking advantage of the rare opportunity to re-enlist before the new fiscal year begins will prove more beneficial. For others, waiting until after Oct.

Return of boatspace caps could sink re-enlistments

The Marine Corps will limit re-enlistment boatspaces for first-termers in fiscal year 2009 after removing the caps in 2008 in an effort to expand the Corps’ wartime strength.As a result, the boatspace caps will make re-enlistment more competitive in any fields with little room to grow after recent recruiting and retention success.Boatspaces are

New test to gauge combat readiness of Marine 'warrior athletes'

In order to measure physical fitness reflective of combat demands, the Corps' commandant signed the order Aug. 1 that added a second semiannual test to Marines' already tough standards. The combat fitness test, which will be required of all Marines beginning Oct. 1, is among several changes overhauling the Corps' fitness program. "Recognizing that

Marine Corps Air Station Yuma