Stroke: a stroke occurs when there is a blocked (embolism) or ruptured (aneurysm/hemorrhage) blood vessel that supplies the brain, leading to severe and permanent damage to the tissues of the brain. A very severe stroke can cause brain death.
MCT: Marine Combat Training. All non-infantry Marines, upon completion of recruit training, will undergo Marine Combat Training (MCT). MCT consists of 29 days of battle skills training that enables Marines, regardless of MOS, to operate in a combat environment.
Every Marine must maintain a high level of physical fitness regardless of age, rank or Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) . Those who aspire to become Marines must first pass the Initial Strength Test (IST), and all Marines are required to pass an annual. Physical Fitness Test (PFT) and Combat Fitness Test (CFT). The CFT is a 300-point test with an emphasis on functional fitness related to operational demands. Males and females perform the same exercises but are scored differently, and adjustments are also made for age. Passing the CFT is an annual requirement for all Marines.