What should the CFT monitor do if they cannot find replacement cones in time?

The best course of action when a CFT monitor is unable to find replacement cones in time is to change the event to a different course without cones. This approach ensures that the integrity and safety of the Combat Fitness Test can still be maintained while adhering to the standards and requirements of the event. Selecting a different course that does not rely on cones allows the event to proceed without compromising the assessment of the participants' fitness.

Proceeding with the event as if everything is fine could lead to confusion and potential safety issues, as the cones are likely there to mark important points or boundaries. Informing the commanding officer of the issue allows for escalation but does not solve the immediate problem at hand. Altering the guidelines for the current event may create inconsistencies in how the test is administered and could affect the validity of the results, which is not ideal. Therefore, changing to a different course that can accommodate the situation is the most effective solution.