Truck Company 23D Marines - Las Vegas

Statement from the Commandant of the Marine Corps, General David H. Berger:

"It is with extremely heavy hearts that we learned several Marines and other service members were killed and wounded in the Kabul attacks today. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families as they are notified of this devastating loss.

These fallen heroes answered the call to go into harm’s way to do the honorable work of helping others. We are proud of their service and deeply saddened by their loss. As we mourn, we also keep those who are still over there protecting Americans and our Afghan partners at the forefront of our thoughts. Our Marines will continue the mission, carrying on our Corps’ legacy of always standing ready to meet the challenges of every extraordinary task our Nation requires of her Marines.

I am continually humbled by the courage and warrior spirit exhibited every day by Marines across the globe. The sacrifices Marines make on behalf of freedom must never go unnoticed or unappreciated. I ask that you keep these Marines and service members, and especially their families, in your thoughts and prayers."

PFT Update for Calendar Year 2022

In 2020, the Marine Corps adopted the plank as an alternative to crunches for the annual Physical Fitness Test (PFT) as a means to measure core stability, strength, and endurance while reducing risk of injury. For PFTs conducted in 2022, Marines will still have the option to conduct the plank or the crunch just as in 2021, with slight scoring adjustments. The plank will be mandatory in 2023, replacing the crunches as an authorized PFT exercise.

For decades, the Marine Corps has used sit-ups and crunches to both improve and assess abdominal endurance. However, research has shown that sit-ups and crunches with the feet restrained require significant hip flexor activation. This has been linked to an increased risk of injury, including lower back pain due to increased lumbar lordosis.

The plank presents numerous advantages as an abdominal exercise. The plank’s isometric hold requires constant muscle activation, activates almost twice as many muscles as the crunch, and has been proven to be most reliable in measuring the true endurance required for daily activity function. With increased core strength, Marines are less likely to experience injury or fatigue during functional tasks like hiking, lifting and low crawling.

The new time for the maximum score will be 3:45, reduced from 4:20. The time for the minimum score has also been adjusted, increasing from 1:03 to 1:10.

For more information and resources, including a four-week core strength training plan, visit https://www.fitness.marines.mil/ and reference MARADMIN 404/21 at https://www.marines.mil/News/Messages/Messages-Display/Article/2719680/forthcoming-changes-to-the-physical-fitness-test/.

Direct link to the Plank Progression Program: https://www.fitness.marines.mil/Portals/211/Cache/Plank%20Progression_Wk1-Wk4.pdf?ver=rrAofOzxQnfncAmj7j8R0A%3d%3d

Take charge of your Marine Corps Reserve career || ACT NOW: https://go.usa.gov/xEs59

Op-Ed: The truth about reservists following the deaths of 3 reserve Marines in Afghanistan | NEWSREP The U.S. Defense Department has released the names of the three Marines killed when an improvised explosive device was detonated near Bagram Air Base near

Happy Birthday Chesty Puller, wherever you are! || LEARN MORE: http://buff.ly/T6xAoU

The Marine Corps updated the parental leave policy. Some changes include:

— 42 days of leave for birth parent
— primary and secondary caregiver leave options
— flexibility to take leave within first year of birth/adoption
— non-married Marines entitled to parental leave

Read the new policy: https://go.usa.gov/xQJnq