ARMY COMBAT FITNESS TEST (ACFT)
As military operations become more complex, it’s vital that every Soldier is physically and mentally prepared to succeed. Designed with the latest exercise science and physical training insights, the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) helps you achieve peak physical fitness and mental endurance under pressure.
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.
ACFT SCORING
The latest version of the ACFT, ACFT 3.0, is comprised of six fitness components to assess everything from muscular strength and power to flexibility and coordination. The Army is currently studying new performance categories to identify specified percentiles by gender that can account for the recognized physiological differences between men and women. While not final, each Soldier’s total ACFT score may fall into one of five proposed performance tiers: Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Green.
All Soldiers are challenged to meet the baseline physical standard of 360 total points (or an overall minimum total score of 60 in each of the six events).
EVENT 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 for distance
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
Agility, anaerobic endurance, muscular endurance, and muscular strength
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
EVENT FIVE: LEG TUCK (LTK) OR PLANK (PLK)
The LTK assesses the strength of the Soldiers grip, arm, shoulder and trunk muscles. These muscles assist Soldiers in load carriage and in avoiding injuries to the back.
The PLK is an alternate assessment that may be used. The plank helps build core strength that promotes back health and helps reduce injuries.
FITNESS COMPONENT
Muscular strength and endurance
WHAT YOU’LL DO
Leg Tuck (LTK): Complete as many leg tucks as possible; maintain a relative vertical posture while moving the hips and knees up and down without excessive swinging.
Plank (PLK): Maintain a proper plank position for as long as possible.
EQUIPMENT YOU’LL USE
Leg Tuck (LTK): Climbing Bar
Plank (PLK): Level surface
POSSIBLE SCORES
Leg Tuck (LTK): 60 points for one rep and 100 points for 20 reps
Plank (PLK): 60 points for 2:09 and 100 points for 4:20 minutes
HOW TO TRAIN
EVENT 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 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 resources that will help you train for the ACFT:
PHYSICAL READINESS TRAINING APP:
- Army Physical Readiness Training application (iOS)
- Army Physical Readiness Training application (Android)
