How do you feel that most US Marines can't run a 5k in under 20 minutes?

So if you're going into one of the most physical branches of the services, like the Marines or Army, I'm sure that it'll help you immensely if you embody the physically adept soldier they want to put on display when it comes time for promotions.

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/marine-corps-enlisted-promotions-4052034

Marines use a "composite point" system. Promotion points within each MOS are determined with promotion points that are awarded for the following:

Rifle Marksmanship Score Determined based on the Marine's score on the rifle range. See conversion chart to convert rifle range scores to promotion points.

Physical Fitness Score Determined based on the Marine's latest physical fitness test. See conversion chart to convert Marine Corps PFT scores to Promotion Points.

Average Duty Performance Ratings A Marine's duty performance is rated periodically by his/her supervisors. The ratings used for promotion points are the average of all the duty performance ratings received since the last change in rank (promotion, demotion, etc). The average of duty proficiency marks are rounded off to the nearest 10th (4.44 would be 4.4; 4.45 would be 4.5).

Average Conduct Ratings Like duty performance ratings, a Marine's conduct is rated periodically by his/her superiors. The ratings used for promotion points are the average of all the conduct ratings received since the last change in rank (promotion, demotion, etc). The average of duty conduct marks are rounded off to the nearest 10th (4.44 would be 4.4; 4.45 would be 4.5).

Time-in-Service The number to be used is the total months in service (U.S. Armed Forces--active and Reserve) accrued in the military.

Time-in-Grade The computation of the total months in grade includes the number of months in the present grade on the current enlistment and the time-in-grade in the current or higher grade from a previous enlistment (USMC or USMCR [SMCR or IRR]), if the service was satisfactorily performed.

Drill Sergeant/Recruiter/Security Guard Bonus Points Commanders can add 100 bonus points for Marines who are performing duty as Drill Instructors, Recruiters, and Marine Corps Security Guards.

Self-Education E-3s and E-4s competing for promotion receive bonus points for military and civilian education. See conversion charts for points that can be awarded.

Command Recruiting Referrals E-3s and E-4s can refer individuals to recruiters. If those individuals then enlist in the Marine Corps, the E-3/E-4 will receive 20 bonus points for each individual referred (Note: Marine Corps Recruiters are not eligible for these referral points -- but they are eligible for the 100 point Recruiter Bonus, above).

I just ran for the first time since running at the marathon trials. I’m 10 pounds overweight and didn’t enjoy my 21 minute 5k jog.

I can’t imagine it’s an easy task for a massive marine not used to distance running.

Don’t take it the power of consistent training for granted!

Muscle Head wrote:

I just ran for the first time since running at the marathon trials. I’m 10 pounds overweight and didn’t enjoy my 21 minute 5k jog.

I can’t imagine it’s an easy task for a massive marine not used to distance running.

Don’t take it the power of consistent training for granted!

Well, Marines have to pass the PFT every year which means running 3 miles in 27:40 or less (minimum time limit is longer once in their 30's and beyond).

I'd say they are more used to running than the other services since they have the longest run part of any of the basic services. The special ops obviously have longer runs but we're talking about the regulars, not the SEALS, RECONS, etc.

ShilohDoesntCare wrote:

Perhaps on average there is not a huge difference but the slowest marines are now slower. Standards for police have gotten extremely embarrassing over the years, far worse than 27 for 3 miles with some big city departments not even having a run as part of their exam. The country is trending in a poor direction.

Cops have cars, motorcycles, and radios. They don't need to run long distances.

getrealshiloh wrote:

Cops have cars, motorcycles, and radios. They don't need to run long distances.

Except for when they do...

I mean, the military has MATVs, MRAPs, Humvees, Helos, etc. Sure you need to be able to move but I'd say moving with weight is 100x more important.

Why are you going on about two things you're never likely to do?

Never going to do again... I've done them.

david45 wrote:

its just fine wrote:

You are calling runners sticks?

We're calling runners spindly legged super-twinks.

Do you think Galen Rupp is alpha?

C;mon Dude!

why yes, yes I am wrote:

david45 wrote:

You are calling runners sticks?

We're calling runners spindly legged super-twinks.

Do you think Galen Rupp is alpha?

C;mon Dude!

The best people at any sport tend to be alpha types.

I've talked to some Marines over the past ten hours or so. Marines since W. Bush are deploying more frequently than we deployed during Reagan/H.W. Bush area. The opportunities to go on five mile runs at Camp Lejeune or Camp Pendleton or run in safe environments in Europe are not the same as it was for us. For the safety of Marines since W. Bush, Marines are lifting weights as their most significant form of exercise. Weight training was available when I was in, I never did weight train. If weight training were the only form of exercise available, I guess I would weight train if I were in now. I think Marines on average are larger today. I do not believe Marines today have inferior fitness. If Marines are more likely to be close to 190 lbs. today than 170 lbs. in my era, it makes sense that Marines today may be less likely to run sub-18 3 miles.

The bottom line is that the physical abilities of those in the military is a direct reflection of civilian society. Civilians who become soldiers or marines don't all become the superheroes you see in the movies. The leaders of these soldiers more often that not don't want to run. They'd rather show up for physical training and do something easier than run for an hour. Every once and awhile you'll find units where all the soldiers are in top shape, but that's because of their leadership and training. There are special forces soldiers who are fat and lazy. In my time I found the European soldiers to be in considerably better condition than the American counterparts, especially the brits.

stupid move wrote:

Marines could drag your injured body through a Warzone and maintain a perimeter in a hostile area. Marines could carry 100lb of gear and supplies much further than you could.

You could never do this OP.

0/10

Well they better have plenty of gear and maintain that perimeter if the enemy can run faster than them. No escape!

Huapango wrote:

In my time I found the European soldiers to be in considerably better condition than the American counterparts, especially the brits.

That's a reflection of European vs American society in general. The serving sizes are smaller at European fast food locations. People walk more to get about or bike.

In Norway we train a lot with marines and sometimes with seals. American soldiers are known for being more muscular but less endurance oriented compared to norwegian soldiers

lazy 30yr old wrote:

Never going to do again... I've done them.

The OP, not you.

Let's face it. Most of the guys here in are good running shape, but have horrible general fitness. A bunch of skinny dweebs with noodle arms who couldn't even stand up in full tactical gear let alone run around and maneuver around the battlefield in it.

This whole obsession with running in shorts on the battlefield at 6 minute mile pace is strange. Good cardio is needed, but upper body strength is far more important and muscle endurance as well.

But these runner dweebs have the muscle mass of a grandma.

runnerdweebs wrote:

Let's face it. Most of the guys here in are good running shape, but have horrible general fitness.

Maybe that's true for most of the runners on here, but I'd wager than any female sub 16-5k runner or male sub 14 5k runner have exceptional general fitness.

This isn't exactly the bastion of even most of the national class level runners.

And most of the runners on here are not sub 15, maybe not even sub 16, 5k talents.

Ryan Hall could have broken that easily in his running days and when he was running he was in pretty bad general fitness. He said himself that he completely lacked upper body strength.