The Coast Guard is launching the Physical Readiness Program (PRP), a service-wide readiness program that mandates daily physical training, bi-annual physical fitness tests, and Body Composition (BC) compliance. The PRP will boost readiness and create a culture of fitness across the enterprise. More than just checking a box, it’s about strengthening personal readiness, building resilience, and aligning with military fitness standards used across the Department of War (DoW).
Personal readiness is the cornerstone of Service readiness.
What’s changing
- First Physical Fitness Assessments (PFAs) are done! All Active Duty and Selected Reserve (SELRES) members were required to complete a PFA before December 31, 2025. Over 37,000 members have completed their first PFA for a 88% pass rate.
- A second PFA will be required before June 30, 2026. Note: These PFAs are for readiness and information gathering. Results will not be held against you and should be used to gauge where you're at and what you need to do to get ready for the PFT. It should represent your absolute best effort!
- For this second PFA, all Flag Officers, Gold and Silver Badge CSELs, CAPTs, and MCPOs will enter their scores in Direct Access (DA). This continues the expectation that these leaders set the example for the workforce and tests the new DA module.
- Physical Fitness Tests (PFTs) start July 2026: Beginning July 1, 2026, the PFT will be implemented, and scores will become part of your official record and may impact your career (promotion, advancement, assignments). More information on how results could affect your record will be released this winter.
- You have time—no less than four times per week during the duty day—to exercise: Commanders and supervisors are now directed to allow members to perform physical fitness training during the duty day to the maximum extent practicable. This replaces the previous guidance of three days per week.
- Body Composition Standards: The Body Composition policy is still in effect.
What to know about training
In addition to providing flexibility for duty day training, Commands are encouraged to be creative and offer a variety of options so that a culture of fitness prevails.
Several units across the Coast Guard, like Sector Virginia and ATTC Elizabeth City are already moving out with creative and rigorous unit fitness programs to build esprit de corps, improve personal strength, and bolster unit readiness. Sector Virginia has a program which includes unit-designated collateral-duty fitness leaders and uses current Boat Forces resources and other resources to train PFA administrators.
Coming July 1, 2026: The new PFT
Beginning July 1, 2026, the PRP enters its next phase: an official, accountable PFT for all service members.
Members will continue to take the Boat Crew physical fitness test – only now your performance will count. PFTs will be entered into Direct Access and be a part of your evaluation (EERs, OERs, or Flag Fitness Reports) to influence promotions, advancements, and special assignments.
- Active Duty, SELRES on LT-ADOS or EAD orders can expect to complete bi-annual PFTs starting July 1, 2026.
- SELRES in drilling status should anticipate completing a calendar year PFT.
The ALCOAST planned for release this winter will address administrative requirements, stratified performance matrix, consequences of non-compliance with the PRP, and direction for unit PFT administration.
We want your feedback!
The Coast Guard is committed to building the best fitness program possible. The CORNERSTONE team is seeking feedback.
- Use #CGStrong to tag any personal or unit fitness excellence. We’d love you to send us some pictures of you and your crew working out!
- Provide questions, advice, and feedback through the "Questions Form" link on the PRP SharePoint site.
Bottom line
The Coast Guard is doubling down on fitness – not as an extra task, but as a fundamental part of who we are as a military service. Led by Commanding Officers, Officers in Charge, and the Chiefs’ Mess, the PRP will help ensure that every member has the time, tools, and support to build and maintain lifelong physical readiness.
So — tap into the online resources. Train daily. Prepare for the PFT. The readiness of the Service starts with your physical readiness.
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