Marine Corps Base Quantico -- Marines are encouraged to maintain their fitness through physical training while at Marine Corps Base Quantico, but need to make sure they do so safely.
Large PT formations, physical fitness tests and hikes are prohibited on Fuller Road, Barnett Avenue, Russell Road and Purvis Road without prior notification and approval from the Provost Marshal’s Office, according to Marine Corps Base Order 6100.2. Small formations, in a column of twos and no more than 10 individuals may conduct PT formations on Fuller Road, Barnett Avenue, Russell Road and Purvis Road if the formation does not impede or obstruct traffic.
"You’re putting them with the traffic, really," said Ed Billig, traffic safety branch manager. "They’re not separated from traffic in any way. We have to keep them off the main roads."
Several potentially dangerous situations involving recent running formations along Fuller Road in the pre-dawn dark have become a cause of concern for base officials, who worry about Marines running in formation while in such close proximity to cars going 40 miles per hour.
The Aug. 30, 2012, base directive specifically says that "hikes, conditioning marches or formation runs along mainside roads during peak traffic hours should be avoided unless mission essential and scheduled in advance."
According to the order, there should be at least two road guards deployed to the front and rear of all formation runs so as to slow or halt traffic as necessary.
"The 50-yard distance will expanded as required by terrain and visibility," according to the order.
The road guards are required to wear reflective vests, as well as to carry flashlights during limited visibility. Additional road guards with vests and flashlights are expected to be interspersed in the columns of a formation at least every 50 yards.
"For safety reasons, [the rules] are very important," Billig said.