The Marine Corps' fitness test from the 1950s wasn't that hard

LTC Eugene Chu
..."“Regular periods of physical conditioning should be conducted prior to testing in order to prepare the individual for the test and to reduce the chances of possible injury,” the Marine Corps said. “Conditioning periods should be organized, held at regular intervals, and designed to meet the test requirements. A minimum of six or seven one hour periods within two weeks is recommended prior to testing. This preparatory time may be reduced as indicated for personnel whose military training provides adequate conditioning.

The Marine Corps initiated the test in part to address what it saw as lagging and decreasing physical fitness among career officers and noncommissioned officers. “There is a distinct tendency toward gradual decrease in physical fitness standards” on their part, and that is reflected in an inability to perform some of the most vital tasks in a combat situation. It also, the Corps argued, reinforces a lack of effort when it comes to physical training and conditioning.

The 1956 test might be easy in modern times, but it came out of a desire for the military to be in ready condition should the need arise. Right now, the military as a whole is struggling with a recruiting issue, in part because many potential servicemembers are not able to meet physical test requirements."