The drop out rate from Marine Corps boot camp is reportedly high--around 22 per cent. This figure is based on one Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD). There were a variety of reasons for the fall out. Some were caused by injury, some by illness. There were other personal reasons for leaving.

The idea of a tool to predict who will succeed isn't new. The military has used different approaches over the years. Most recently a four-question test was tested as a possible way to assess fitness before boot camp.

Recruits were asked to report their physical activity habits before boot camp. Competitive activity, frequency of sweating (exercise intensity), and number of pull-ups were assessed. The results of these questions was compared to the results of a fitness test taken 4-weeks after training started.

The results show a simple survey may be enough to screen for fitness ahead of time. Those who are not ready could prepare before entering boot camp. Such a test might help prevent overuse injuries, too. More study is needed before any changes can be made in the recruitment process.