ARMY COMBAT FITNESS TEST (ACFT)
The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) is now the Army's only physical fitness test, replacing the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). All Soldiers are challenged to pass the ACFT at the Gold Standard, which is an overall minimum total score of 60.
If you are an Active duty or Active Guard Reserve Soldier, you will take the ACFT twice a year. As an Army Reserve or Army National Guard Soldier, you will take it once a year.
About the ACFT
As military operations become more complex, it's vital that every Soldier is physically and mentally prepared to succeed. The ACFT will help you achieve peak physical fitness and mental endurance under pressure.
Designed with the latest exercise science and physical training insights, the ACFT empowers Soldiers to complete a variety of combat tasks. The test is comprised of six fitness components which improve everything from muscular strength and power to flexibility and coordination.
TEST ONE: 3 REPETITION MAXIMUM DEADLIFT (MDL)
The Repetition Maximum Deadlift event represents movements required to safely and effectively lift heavy loads from the ground, jump, bound, and tolerate landing. It requires well-conditioned back and leg muscles and helps Soldiers to avoid upper and lower back injuries caused by moving a heavy load long distances.
FITNESS COMPONENTS
Muscular strength, balance, and flexibility
WHAT YOU’LL DO
Deadlift the maximum weight you can three times
EQUIPMENT YOU’LL USE
60-pound hex bar and plates
POSSIBLE SCORES
60 points for lifting 140 pounds and up to 100 points for lifting 340 pounds
HOW TO TRAIN
FITNESS COMPONENTS
Explosive power, balance, and flexibility
WHAT YOU’LL DO
Throw a 10-pound medicine ball backward and overhead as far as possible
EQUIPMENT YOU’LL USE
10-pound medicine ball
POSSIBLE SCORES
60 points for throwing 4.5 meters and up to 100 points for throwing 12.5 meters
HOW TO TRAIN
FITNESS COMPONENT
Muscular endurance
WHAT YOU’LL DO
Complete as many Hand-Release Push-Ups as possible in two minutes
EQUIPMENT YOU’LL USE
Kettlebells
POSSIBLE SCORES
60 points for 10 repetitions and up to 100 points for 60 repetitions
HOW TO TRAIN
FITNESS COMPONENT
Muscular endurance
WHAT YOU’LL DO
Conduct these five 50-meter shuttles as fast as possible: sprint, drag, lateral, carry, and sprint
EQUIPMENT YOU’LL USE
Two 40-pound kettlebells and a 90-pound sled
POSSIBLE SCORES
60 points for 3:00 minutes and up to 100 points for 1:33 minutes
HOW TO TRAIN
FITNESS COMPONENT
Muscular strength and endurance
WHAT YOU’LL DO
Complete as many leg tucks as possible; maintain a relatively vertical posture while moving the hips and knees up and down without excessive swinging
EQUIPMENT YOU’LL USE
Climbing Bar
POSSIBLE SCORES
60 points for one rep and up to 100 points for 20 reps
HOW TO TRAIN
ALTERNATE TEST
Soldiers may temporarily utilize the “plank” exercise in lieu of the Leg Tuck to assist in transitioning to the full test
TEST SIX: TWO-MILE RUN (2MR)
The Two-Mile Run measures aerobic endurance, which is required for conducting continuous operations and ground movements on foot. Higher aerobic endurance allows the body to recover quickly in preparation for executing other physically demanding tasks that may arise during a ground movement, such as reacting quickly to enemy contact.
FITNESS COMPONENT
Aerobic endurance
WHAT YOU’LL DO
Run two miles for time on a measured, generally flat outdoor course
EQUIPMENT YOU’LL USE
Two mile run route on level field, track or running surface
ALTERNATE TEST
TRAINING RESOURCES
We understand a physical test may be challenging but we’re committed to helping you succeed. Here are some helpful guidelines and videos that will help you train for the ACFT:
- NEW ACFT 2.0
- NEW Army Directive 2020-06 (Army Combat Fitness Test)
- Army Combat Fitness Test Initial Operation Capability
- NEW Plank Graphic
- Army Combat Fitness Test 2.0 Standards
- VIDEOS: ACFT administration
- Six Event Highlight Poster (GTA 07-08-005)
- Army Physical Readiness Training application (iOS)
- Army Physical Readiness Training application (Android)
ACFT PERFORMANCE DISCLAIMER
The Army's intent is that the ACFT will not adversely or disproportionately affect any Soldier or group. No adverse administrative actions (flags, separation, denial of appointment/commissioning, derogatory/referred evaluation reports, Order of Merit List Standings, etc.) will be taken against a Soldier based on failing the ACFT until further guidance is published. Our obligation to our Soldiers is to provide them with an immersive, integrative, and comprehensive training system to ensure their success on the ACFT. The Army succeeds when our Soldiers succeed. ACFT "2.0" indicates that the Army will continue to assess and evolve the ACFT (i.e. scoring standards, alternate events). We will utilize performance data from the upcoming years to inform future modifications and updates. All Soldiers are challenged to pass ACFT 2.0 at the Gold Standard.
As Army policy develops in FY21 and beyond, the Army recognizes we have talented Soldiers with special medical concerns or permanent profiles. The Army is committed to maintaining quality Soldiers and will develop medical and personnel policies to support this commitment. Policy recommendations will be reviewed by administrative experts, medical experts, fitness experts, senior Army Commanders/Command Sergeants Major, and Army Senior Leaders. Further guidance will be published prior to FY22.
