Unlocking Total Fitness: Essential Resources for Marines and Their Families
In 2011, The Joint Chiefs of Staff first announced a Total Force Fitness (TFF) framework and the Department of Defense (DoD) issued more guidance in DoD Instruction 1010.10, which was updated in May 2022. Throughout the past decade, the Marine Corps has applied the TFF framework to support and nurture the health, wellness, and performance of the Marine Corps Community. The framework has been a positive force in all branches of the military.
To further build upon TFF, the Marine Corps adopted a Total Fitness Strategic Plan in October 2023. Marine Corps Total Fitness (MCTF) builds upon TFF, with an emphasis on supporting and nurturing warfighter readiness, lethality, and resilience—the top priorities of the Marine Corps.
People are more important than hardware, and the well-being of Marines, family members, and communities fuels mission success. Optimal performance requires building, strengthening, and maintaining the four domains of fitness: physical, mental, spiritual, and social.
Physical Fitness: Marines can physically perform mission tasks, remain mission capable, and avoid injury. Physical fitness includes strength, agility, aerobic capacity, muscular endurance, and functional mobility. Nutrition, sleep, and overall recovery strategies are also critical.
Mental Fitness: Marines can strengthen their intellectual, emotional, and behavioral capacities. Mental fitness includes effectively navigating and adapting to the challenges of military life and service. Building individual and unit mental fitness can reduce the likelihood of impairment, mental injury, and illness. Social fitness and spiritual fitness are also required to achieve and maintain optimal mental fitness.
Spiritual Fitness: Marines can strengthen their spirituality by having social and cultural experiences, meeting and engaging with others, building relationships, interests, and hobbies, having a sense of belonging, and building problem-solving skills to assist in mission readiness and performance. Spiritual fitness includes beliefs and practices that strengthen connectedness with sources of hope, meaning, and purpose. Unit-level spiritual fitness increases unit cohesion and morale. Personal faith, foundational values, and moral living can also be drawn from a variety of different sources and traditions, including the Marine Corps values of honor, courage, and commitment, and upholding the character expected of a United States Marine.
Social Fitness. Marines can engage in productive personal and professional relationships, positively interact with unit and command networks, and leverage resources that promote overall well-being and optimal performance. At the individual level, social fitness is awareness of self and others, appreciation of and ability to effectively navigate cultural differences, a sense of responsibility, self-discipline, concern, and respect for others, understanding and awareness of the mission, and preparation for the challenges Marines and their families face. At the unit level, social fitness is cohesion, adaptability, mutual trust between Marines up and down the chain of command, and communication within the unit structure. Leadership, mentorship, and organizational culture play key roles in enhancing and sustaining social fitness. At the family level, social fitness includes positive and healthy relationships that form a support network.
The MCTF strategy focuses on physical, mental, spiritual, and social fitness, but Department of Defense Instruction 1010.10 also calls for keeping nutritional fitness, financial fitness, medical (and dental) preventive care, and environmental fitness on the radar, along with the critical factor of sleep.
Click here to learn more about Total Force Fitness, or visit here to take a quick inventory to see where you are in your Total Force Fitness journey.
Achieving total fitness isn't just about physical strength—it’s about thriving in every aspect of life. From resilience and performance to connection and well-being, a balanced approach across social, spiritual, mental, and physical domains is essential. Whether you’re seeking expert guidance, educational opportunities, or community support, these resources are designed to empower Marines and their families to succeed.
- Consortium for Health and Military Performance (CHAMP)
Optimize performance and resilience with Human Performance Resources by CHAMP (HPRC). Backed by evidence-based strategies, HPRC provides expert guidance on nutrition, fitness, sleep, and mental toughness, helping military members and their families strengthen their overall well-being.
- Chaplains
In times of challenge or uncertainty, chaplains provide confidential counseling and spiritual guidance to service members and their families. Through personalized support and faith-based programs, they foster inner strength, resilience, and readiness for life’s toughest moments.
- MarineNet
Continuous learning is key to success. MarineNet provides 24/7 access to training courses covering leadership, resilience, and skill development. Whether strengthening tactical knowledge or personal growth, Marines can sharpen their minds and enhance total fitness anytime, anywhere.
- Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS)
MCCS supports service members, their families, and the military community by offering a wide range of services—from fitness and recreation to childcare, education, and financial counseling. Focused on holistic well-being, MCCS empowers individuals to thrive in every aspect of life.
- Military OneSource
Navigating military life can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. Military OneSource provides expert guidance on relocation, financial planning, education, parenting, mental health, and more. Access personalized tools and support to enhance your well-being and mission readiness.
- Manpower & Reserve Affairs
From career advancement to personal development, Manpower & Reserve Affairs ensures Marines, their families, and civilian workforce members have the resources needed to achieve professional goals while sustaining mission readiness.
- Navy Medicine
Comprehensive health care is a pillar of total fitness. Navy Medicine providers deliver world-class care, including routine medical services, emergency treatment, mental health support, and advanced medical research. Ensuring service members and their families stay healthy and resilient is their top priority.
- Training and Education Command (TECOM)
From entry-level training to professional military education and leadership development, TECOM ensures Marines are prepared for every stage of their careers. Focused on building warfighters and enhancing unit readiness, TECOM drives continuous learning and professional excellence.
- TRICARE
Your health matters. TRICARE provides military families with comprehensive health care coverage, including medical, dental, vision, and prescription services. With flexible plans tailored to different needs, TRICARE ensures access to quality care worldwide, supporting the health and readiness of service members and their loved ones.
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA.gov)
Veterans, service members, and their families can access essential benefits and services through VA.gov. From health care and disability compensation to education and housing assistance, these resources support lifelong well-being and success beyond military service.
Total fitness is a journey, and the right resources make all the difference. Explore these programs and take the next step toward resilience, readiness, and a thriving military life.