In the last few years, the Army, Marine Corps, and Air Force began conducting job-specific physical fitness tests that use the same standards for both men and women. The change was made to maximize deployability, reduce training costs, and ensure all Military Service Members can perform at their best.
The Army currently uses the Occupational Physical Assessment Test (OPAT). The Marines use MOS Specific Physical Standards (MSPS). The Air Force uses Tier 2 Physical Standards. The goal is to identify members early in their careers who can meet the intense physical demands of ground combat arms (GCA) jobs.
Army OPAT
The OPAT is a series of four tests—standing long jump, seated power throw, 1-rep max deadlift, and an aerobic interval run—administered during Initial Entry Training (IET) or when a Soldier wants to reclassify into a more physically demanding MOS. Performance is categorized as black, gray, or gold, qualifying Soldiers for MOS categories rated as heavy, significant, or moderate. Scores below gold are unqualifying.
Recruits take the OPAT within the first 90 days of IET. Prior-service Soldiers who entered before 27 Dec 2016 automatically receive the MOS’s highest physical performance category. For instance, 31A Military Police Soldiers automatically receive a gray level since their MOS is rated “significant.” To move into a “heavy” MOS such as 11A Infantry, Soldiers must earn a black-level score. More details are available in FM 7-22.
USMC MSPS
Similar to the Army’s OPAT, the MSPS evaluates muscular strength and power. It is administered at the Schools of Infantry at Camps Geiger or Pendleton, or for Marines wishing to move into a GCA MOS. Each MOS has its own tests. For example, 0311 Infantry includes a door-breaching task, while 0313 LAR Crewman does not. See the MSPS checklists and the NAVMC 3500 (series) T&R manuals and your specific MOS for details.
USAF Tier 2 Physical Standards
The Air Force tests battlefield Airmen annually on Tier 2 physical standards to ensure they meet job requirements. The test measures muscular strength, endurance, power, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Standards for Air Liaison Officers (13L), Tactical Air Control Party (1C4), and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (3E8X1) are available on the Air Force Fitness Program website.
Combat Control, Combat Rescue Officer, Pararescue, Special Tactics Officer, SERE, and Special Operations Weather AFSCs are exempt from the Tier 1 run, push-ups, and sit-ups, but must still have abdominal circumference measured.
Preparing for GCA Fitness Tests
Although GCA MOS/AFSC fitness tests vary across Services, they all assess muscular strength, endurance, and power. Learn how to train these areas using the Foundational Movement Series. If you need guidance for a specific event, submit an Ask the Expert question with your MOS/AFSC. Before testing, be sure to get enough sleep. Good luck!
Updated on: November 14, 2025
