What is the primary purpose of including the CFT in Marine Corps training programs?

The primary purpose of including the Combat Fitness Test (CFT) in Marine Corps training programs is to ensure that Marines are physically fit for combat. The CFT is specifically designed to assess a Marine's physical fitness levels in a way that is relevant to combat scenarios, ensuring that all service members are prepared for the physical demands they may face in real-world operations.

This assessment is critical as physical fitness directly correlates to a Marine's effectiveness and survivability in combat situations. It evaluates not only endurance and strength but also elements of agility and functional movement that are essential in a combat environment. By maintaining high standards of physical fitness, the Marine Corps can enhance overall readiness and operational capability.

In contrast, while training might involve elements of knowledge assessment, fostering camaraderie, or optimizing training hours, these do not align with the core rationale behind the CFT's inclusion in the training regimen. The focus is squarely on ensuring that all Marines can meet the physical challenges of their duties in combat scenarios.