MARADMIN 613/25 - Advance Notification of Changes to the Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test and Body Composition Evaluation Process

Scope

MARADMIN 613/25 provides advance notification of changes to the Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test (PFT) and Body Composition Evaluation (BCE) process. The message sets the framework for the waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) methodology effective 2026-01-01 and the transition away from height and weight as a body composition measure. MARADMIN 066/26, Change 1, amends the framework and carries the detailed implementation rules. Applicability is the Marine Corps Total Force.

Audience

• Marines undergoing semiannual BCE. Apply the WHtR methodology. Undergo a body fat evaluation when exceeding the WHtR.
• Body composition evaluators. Apply the same-sex evaluator rule and the self-tensioning taping device.
• Commanders. Confirm Marines are evaluated under the revised process.
• Reporting officials. Apply the revised FITREP directed comments carried in Change 1.

Announced changes, as amended by Change 1

• Effective 2026-01-01, the semiannual height and weight requirement is replaced with a WHtR methodology and a subsequent body fat evaluation for Marines exceeding the WHtR.
• Physical performance remains a consideration during body fat evaluation.
• During calendar year 2026 the Service continues to weigh Marines to assess the change. Weight is not used for body composition evaluation.
• Change 1 sets the WHtR standard at less than 0.52 regardless of sex and operationalizes it through a maximum waist measurement table.
• Marines exceeding both the WHtR and the maximum allowable body fat standard without a waiver receive an adverse FITREP under the directed comments in Change 1.

Connection to higher policy

• SECWAR Memorandum dated 2025-12-18. Additional guidance on military fitness standards. Weight is no longer used for body composition evaluation.

Connection to Marine Corps doctrine

• MARADMIN 066/26. Change 1 to this message, released 2026-02-26. Current framework, including the WHtR table, body fat evaluation methods, FITREP directed comments, and the reevaluation waiver window closing 2026-05-01.
• MCO 6110.3A w/Admin CH-4. Marine Corps Body Composition and Military Appearance Program.
• MCBul 6110 w/Admin CH-1. BIA implementation bulletin.
• MCO 1610.7B. Performance Evaluation System manual. Drives the FITREP directed comments.

Status

Released 2025-12, date signed 2025-12-18 per the policy index. Originator CMC Washington DC TE. Amended by MARADMIN 066/26, Change 1, dated 2026-02-26. Read this message with Change 1. Verification caution. The registry effective date reads 2025-12-23 while the policy index records date signed 2025-12-18, the same date as the SECWAR memorandum. Confirm against the source page.