Army Implements Inclusive Combat Fitness Test for All Genders
The U.S. Army has officially launched its new Combat Fitness Test (ACFT). This updated testing system represents a major shift in how military readiness is evaluated. For the first time, the test uses the same standards for all soldiers regardless of gender. This change marks a significant evolution in military fitness assessment.
A New Era in Military Fitness Testing
After years of development and testing, the Army has finally implemented its gender-neutral fitness assessment. The new Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) replaces the older Army Physical Fitness Test that had been in use for over 40 years. This outdated test consisted of push-ups, sit-ups, and a two-mile run with different scoring standards for men and women.
The updated test now includes six challenging events. These exercises better measure the physical capabilities required in modern combat situations. The ACFT aims to assess strength, endurance, power, and core stability through a comprehensive approach.
The Six Components of the New ACFT
- 3-Repetition Maximum Deadlift (MDL) – measures lower body strength
- Standing Power Throw (SPT) – assesses explosive power
- Hand-Release Push-Up (HRP) – tests upper body endurance
- Sprint-Drag-Carry (SDC) – evaluates agility and anaerobic capacity
- Plank (PLK) – measures core stability
- 2-Mile Run (2MR) – tests aerobic endurance
The test’s design reflects extensive research into the physical demands of modern warfare. Thus, it aims to better prepare soldiers for real-world combat scenarios. Each component relates directly to tasks soldiers might face in battle.
Moving Toward Gender Neutrality
Perhaps the most notable aspect of the new ACFT is its gender-neutral approach. Unlike the previous test, the ACFT initially aimed to hold all soldiers to identical standards regardless of gender. However, this approach faced significant scrutiny and underwent revisions.
According to The Hill, early data showed a wide performance gap between male and female soldiers. The original test design resulted in fail rates of 65% for women compared to just 10% for men. These troubling statistics prompted military leaders to reevaluate the implementation.
After considerable debate and testing, the Army settled on a modified approach. The current version maintains gender-neutral minimum standards while incorporating performance tiers. These tiers account for physiological differences while still ensuring combat readiness for all soldiers.
A Balanced Approach to Standards
The Army now uses a percentile-based scoring system with five performance categories. These range from Bronze (minimum standard) to Platinum (exceptional performance). This system allows for fair assessment while maintaining essential readiness requirements.
Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Grinston emphasized the importance of the new test. “The ACFT is about combat readiness,” he stated. “Every soldier, regardless of gender or age, must be physically prepared for the demands of their job.”
Critics initially worried the standards would be lowered to accommodate women. However, military officials maintain the test still ensures all soldiers meet the physical requirements of their assigned roles. The emphasis remains on combat effectiveness rather than arbitrary standards.
The Evolution of the Test Design
The path to the current ACFT was neither short nor straightforward. The Army spent over $30 million developing and refining the test through multiple iterations. This process included extensive field testing with thousands of soldiers across different units.
Initial versions included controversial events like the leg tuck, which proved particularly challenging for female soldiers. After gathering performance data and feedback, planners replaced this with the plank exercise. This modification maintained core strength assessment while reducing the gender performance gap.
Data-Driven Modifications
Army leaders made these changes based on extensive research and real-world testing. They collected data from over 630,000 test scores before finalizing the current version. This approach ensured the test accurately measured combat-relevant fitness while being achievable for motivated soldiers of all genders.
Congress also played a role in shaping the test’s development. In 2021, lawmakers ordered an independent review of the ACFT. They specifically mandated examination of the test’s impact on recruitment, retention, and deployment readiness. This oversight helped refine the standards to their current form.
Impact on Military Readiness and Culture
The implementation of the ACFT represents more than just a new fitness test. It signals a fundamental shift in how the Army views physical readiness and gender integration. By focusing on job-specific capabilities rather than gender-based assumptions, the test aligns with broader efforts toward full gender integration.
Army Secretary Christine Wormuth highlighted this perspective. “This test helps ensure we have the most combat-ready force possible,” she noted. “Our soldiers must be physically prepared for the challenges they’ll face, regardless of gender.”
Addressing Diversity and Inclusion
The Army faces a challenging balancing act with the new test. They must maintain high standards for combat readiness while also promoting diversity and inclusion. The modified ACFT aims to strike this balance through its tiered approach and job-specific requirements.
Some senior female officers have expressed support for the updated standards. They note the test offers a more realistic assessment of combat capabilities than the previous gender-segregated approach. The focus on functional fitness rather than arbitrary exercises has received particular praise.
Colonel Melissa Mitravich, who participated in test development, stated: “The ACFT measures the physical attributes soldiers need in combat. It’s about capability, not gender. That’s a positive step forward for our force.”
Implementation Challenges and Solutions
Rolling out the new test has not been without challenges. The Army needed to distribute specialized equipment to testing locations worldwide. This included deadlift hexagon bars, medicine balls, sleds, and other items not previously standard at Army facilities.
Logistics issues initially hampered implementation, especially for National Guard and Reserve units. These components often lack dedicated training facilities and face limited training time. The Army addressed these concerns by developing alternative exercises and equipment options when standard items weren’t available.
Training and Preparation
The Army also revamped its physical training protocols to prepare soldiers for the new test. The Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) program now complements the ACFT. This comprehensive approach addresses not just physical training but also sleep, nutrition, mental fitness, and injury prevention.
Many units have implemented specialized training regimens focusing on the six test components. Strength training has become more prominent in daily physical training, marking a shift from the previous cardio-focused approach. This change better reflects the physical demands of modern warfare.
Master Fitness Trainers now work with soldiers who struggle with specific events. These specialized instructors develop targeted improvement plans for those needing additional support. This personalized approach helps ensure all soldiers can meet the standards.
Looking to the Future
The Army continues to collect data on ACFT performance across all demographics. This ongoing assessment will help refine standards and identify any necessary adjustments. Military leaders emphasize this represents an evolving process rather than a final product.
The test may undergo further refinements as more performance data becomes available. However, the core principle of focusing on combat-relevant physical capabilities remains unchanged. The Army remains committed to ensuring all soldiers can perform their duties effectively.
Broader Military Impact
Other military branches are closely watching the Army’s experience with the ACFT. The test’s success or failure could influence fitness assessment across all services. The focus on functional fitness rather than arbitrary standards represents a potential model for military-wide adoption.
The Marine Corps has already implemented some similar changes to its fitness testing. Meanwhile, the Air Force and Navy continue to use gender-normed standards. The Army’s experience may provide valuable lessons for these services as they consider their own assessment updates.
Conclusion
The Army’s new Combat Fitness Test represents a significant milestone in military readiness assessment. By implementing standards based on combat requirements rather than gender, the Army moves toward a more capability-focused force. This approach recognizes that modern battlefields demand specific physical abilities regardless of gender.
While controversy surrounded the test’s development, the current version aims to balance combat readiness with recognition of physiological differences. The tiered scoring system provides a framework that maintains essential standards while allowing for performance comparison across demographics.
As the Army continues to refine the test based on real-world implementation data, the ACFT will likely evolve further. However, the fundamental shift toward combat-relevant, inclusive fitness standards represents an important development in military readiness assessment.
Call to Action
What do you think about the Army’s new fitness standards? Do you believe gender-neutral testing represents the right approach for military readiness? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and if you’re currently serving or have served, we’d especially love to hear about your experience with military fitness testing.