How often should a recruiter conduct an Individual Screening Test (IST) with a poolee?

A poolee's progress is essential to ensure they are physically prepared for the demands of basic training and to assess their readiness for service. Conducting an Individual Screening Test (IST) every two months strikes an effective balance, allowing sufficient time for the poolee to improve their physical fitness while also providing regular feedback on their performance. This frequency helps in maintaining motivation and setting achievable fitness goals, as well as identifying any areas needing additional focus or training before shipping out to boot camp. Frequent assessments can lead to fatigue or frustration, which may hinder rather than help a poolee's development. Therefore, conducting the IST every two months is a strategic approach to facilitate growth, readiness, and commitment to the Marine Corps.