New Army Fitness Test: Embracing Key Changes for Optimal Performance

The U.S. Army has unveiled significant updates to its physical fitness assessment protocol. These changes reflect a modern approach to military readiness and acknowledge the diverse roles soldiers fulfill. The new Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) represents a major shift from its predecessor, adapting to contemporary warfare demands while ensuring all service members can maintain appropriate fitness standards.

The Evolution of Army Fitness Testing

Military fitness standards have always evolved alongside changing battlefield requirements. For decades, the Army relied on the three-event Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), which included push-ups, sit-ups, and a two-mile run. However, this assessment faced growing criticism for not adequately measuring combat readiness.

The journey toward a new test began several years ago. Army leaders recognized that modern warfare demands different physical capabilities than conflicts of the past. Additionally, the old test didn’t align well with injury prevention science or account for physiological differences across the force.

After extensive research and multiple field tests, the Army officially implemented its new fitness assessment. This updated evaluation addresses previous shortcomings while creating a more balanced approach to physical readiness.

Key Components of the New Army Combat Fitness Test

The revised ACFT maintains its six-event structure but introduces important modifications. These changes came after collecting data from over 630,000 test scores and gathering feedback from soldiers throughout the Army.

Event Overview and Modifications

The test continues to measure strength, endurance, power, and aerobic capacity through these six events:

• 3-Repetition Maximum Deadlift
• Standing Power Throw
• Hand-Release Push-Up
• Plank
• Sprint-Drag-Carry
• 2-Mile Run

Notably, the controversial leg tuck exercise has been replaced with the plank. This change provides a more accessible core strength assessment while still maintaining rigorous standards. The plank better accommodates different body types and physical abilities.

Gender and Age Considerations

Perhaps the most significant change involves scoring adjustments. The Army has moved away from the initially proposed gender-neutral standards, now incorporating gender-informed performance expectations. This decision follows Congressional directives and acknowledges physiological differences between male and female soldiers.

The revised standards recognize that while combat doesn’t discriminate based on gender or age, a fair assessment system must account for natural physical differences. This approach maintains high performance expectations while allowing for reasonable accommodations.

Performance Standards and Scoring System

The ACFT employs a 100-point scale for each event, with soldiers needing at least 60 points per event to pass. Maximum performance earns 100 points, creating a potential total score of 600 points across all events.

Minimum Requirements

Minimum passing standards now vary based on gender and age groups. For example, the deadlift minimum requirements differ between male and female soldiers, with further adjustments across age categories. This tiered approach ensures fairness while maintaining combat readiness standards.

The Army has also established performance tiers that align with occupational demands:

• Gold tier: Significantly exceeding minimum standards
• Silver tier: Exceeding standards by a comfortable margin
• Bronze tier: Comfortably meeting requirements
• Green tier: Meeting minimum standards

These tiers provide soldiers with clear performance targets and recognize exceptional physical fitness.

MOS-Specific Requirements

While all soldiers must pass the ACFT, certain Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) maintain additional requirements. Combat arms roles typically demand higher minimum performance levels to reflect their physically demanding nature.

This approach ensures that soldiers in physically intensive roles demonstrate appropriate capabilities while allowing support personnel to maintain standards suitable for their duties.

Implementation Timeline and Transition Phase

The Army has outlined a clear implementation schedule for the new fitness test. As of April 2022, the ACFT became the Army’s official physical fitness test of record. However, the transition includes thoughtful accommodation for soldiers adapting to the new standards.

Training Adaptation Period

Recognizing that soldiers need time to adjust training protocols, the Army has instituted a phased implementation approach. This includes educational resources, equipment distribution, and training guidance to help units prepare effectively.

Additionally, initial test failures won’t immediately impact career progression during this adaptation phase. This grace period allows soldiers to develop the specific fitness attributes the new test measures.

Training Approaches for Success

Success on the ACFT requires targeted training strategies. The multi-dimensional nature of the test demands a balanced approach to physical preparation.

Holistic Fitness Development

Rather than training specifically for test events, soldiers should focus on developing overall functional fitness. This includes:

• Strength training: Progressive resistance exercises focusing on compound movements
• Power development: Explosive training like kettlebell swings and plyometrics
• Cardiorespiratory endurance: Running, rowing, and high-intensity interval training
• Core stability: Planks, anti-rotation exercises, and bracing techniques
• Movement efficiency: Practicing proper form for specific test movements

This comprehensive approach builds physical capabilities that transfer to both test performance and combat readiness.

Nutrition and Recovery Considerations

Physical training represents only part of the preparation equation. Proper nutrition and recovery play crucial roles in developing fitness for the ACFT.

Army performance dietitians recommend focusing on adequate protein intake, appropriate energy consumption, and proper hydration. Furthermore, quality sleep and stress management contribute significantly to physical adaptation and performance.

Equipment and Facility Requirements

The ACFT requires specific equipment not previously needed for Army fitness testing. This includes:

• Hex bars for deadlifts
• Medicine balls for power throws
• Sleds for the sprint-drag-carry
• Kettlebells for the sprint-drag-carry
• Timing equipment

The Army has invested significantly in distributing this equipment to units worldwide. However, smaller or remote units may face implementation challenges. The Army continues addressing these logistical considerations to ensure all soldiers can train appropriately.

Addressing Implementation Challenges

Despite thorough planning, the ACFT rollout has encountered several challenges. Army leadership continues working to resolve these issues while maintaining test integrity.

Equipment Distribution and Training Space

Some units, particularly in the National Guard and Army Reserve, have reported difficulties accessing appropriate training equipment or suitable testing locations. The Army has developed alternative training approaches and is accelerating equipment distribution to address these concerns.

Ensuring Consistent Administration

Standardizing test administration across diverse Army units presents another challenge. To maintain test integrity, the Army has implemented comprehensive grader training and certification programs. These efforts help ensure consistent standards regardless of testing location.

Impact on Army Culture and Readiness

Beyond immediate physical assessment, the ACFT represents a broader shift in Army fitness culture. This transition emphasizes functional fitness over appearance-based standards and encourages lifestyle changes supporting overall health.

The new test better aligns physical training with combat requirements. By focusing on movements and energy systems used in modern warfare, the ACFT helps soldiers prepare for actual battlefield demands rather than abstract fitness metrics.

Additionally, the test’s comprehensive nature has prompted many units to diversify their physical training programs. This shift away from the “push-ups, sit-ups, and run” model creates more well-rounded physical development across the force.

Looking Forward: Continuous Evaluation and Adjustment

Army leadership has emphasized that the ACFT will continue evolving based on data and soldier feedback. This adaptive approach ensures the test remains relevant to military needs while addressing practical implementation concerns.

Regular review cycles will examine scoring standards, event selection, and administrative procedures. This ongoing assessment demonstrates the Army’s commitment to evidence-based fitness policies that support both individual soldiers and operational requirements.

Conclusion

The new Army Combat Fitness Test represents a significant modernization of military physical assessment. By adopting gender-informed standards, incorporating functional movements, and emphasizing comprehensive physical development, the Army has created a more relevant evaluation tool.

While implementation challenges remain, the overall direction signals a positive shift toward fitness standards that better prepare soldiers for contemporary military operations. As the Army continues refining this approach, both individual soldiers and the force as a whole stand to benefit from improved physical readiness.

Call to Action

Whether you’re an active duty soldier, reservist, or National Guard member, adapting to the new ACFT standards requires deliberate preparation. Start incorporating diverse training approaches now to build the strength, power, and endurance the test demands. Share your ACFT experiences or questions in the comments below to help build our community knowledge base around this important testing change.

References

• National Guard Association of the United States: Army Issues New Fitness Test, Key Changes
• U.S. Army: Official ACFT Information Portal
• Military.com: Army Brings Back Gender-Specific Fitness Standards
• Army Times: Army Approves New Fitness Test with Modified Benchmarks
• Department of Defense: Army Announces New Physical Fitness Test