MARSOC vs PJ/CCT
Fitness test and pay side by side. The published minimum fitness standards of MARSOC and PJ/CCT, event by event, with pay where we have it. Higher levels are in the paid report.
UNITED STATESMARSOC — Marine Raider (Critical Skills Operator)Screening prerequisites (1st class PFT, swim)APPROXIMATElast verified 2026-10-18Open the calculator →UNITED STATESU.S. Air Force Pararescue (PJ) & Combat Control (CCT)Initial Fitness Test (IFT)OFFICIALlast verified 2026-10-18Open the calculator →Minimum standards, event by event
| Event | MARSOC | PJ/CCT |
|---|---|---|
| Pull-ups (PFT)PJ/CCT: Pull-ups, 2 min | 20stricter | 8 |
| Plank (PFT) | 2:54only this unit | — |
| 3-mile run (PFT) | 22:50only this unit | — |
| Sit-ups, 2 min | — | 50only this unit |
| Push-ups, 2 min | — | 40only this unit |
| 1.5-mile run | — | 10:20only this unit |
| 500 m surface swim (freestyle, breaststroke or sidestroke) | — | 15:00only this unit |
Events in the same row are similar but not identical — read the event names.
Higher levels (e.g. competitive or elevated standards) and your gap to each are in the paid report.
Where the bar is higher
MARSOC sets the higher minimum in: pull-ups.
MARSOC tests 3 events, PJ/CCT tests 5 events.
Pay
Amounts are in each country’s own currency and are not converted.
Questions
Is MARSOC or PJ/CCT harder to get into?
MARSOC sets the higher minimum in: pull-ups. These are only the published fitness minimums; selection itself, medical and other requirements differ, and passing the minimum does not guarantee selection.
How do the MARSOC and PJ/CCT fitness tests differ?
MARSOC: 3 events (pull-ups, plank, 3-mile run). PJ/CCT: 5 events (pull-ups, sit-ups, push-ups, 1.5 mi run, swim 500).
Does MARSOC or PJ/CCT pay more?
In our default scenario PJ/CCT pays more than MARSOC (gross, before tax). Rank, seniority and allowances change this — use the pay calculator on each unit page.
- 1st class example — 240 points (men 21–25) — MCO 6100.13A w/Admin CH-5 (PFT tables, Table 2-1: 1st class 235–300); MARADMIN 221/07, par. 7.C (2025-05-28)
- Minimum — Special Warfare Open Enlistment contract (9T500) — AETC/A3S — Initial Fitness Test (IFT) Worksheet, 1 Nov 21 (column SWOE) (2021-11-01)
- PJ/CCT column — prior service, crossflow, retraining — AETC/A3S — Initial Fitness Test (IFT) Worksheet, 1 Nov 21 (column PJ/CCT/TACP/SR) (2021-11-01)