ACFT Alternate Event Score Chart – Army Combat Fitness Test

The ACFT is a thorough physical fitness test created to evaluate a soldier’s capability to perform essential physical tasks for their job. Comprising six events, including the deadlift, standing power throw, hand-release push-up, sprint-drag-carry, leg tuck, and two-mile run, the ACFT ensures a holistic assessment. Yet, there are alternate events designed to accommodate soldiers facing physical limitations or specific situations.

Alternate Events (ALT)

The alternate events—plank, rowing machine, and stationary bike—address physical restrictions or environmental challenges. Soldiers unable to perform standard events due to injuries or equipment limitations can opt for these alternatives.

The plank substitutes the leg tuck, requiring soldiers to hold a plank position for two minutes. The rowing machine replaces the sprint-drag-carry, with soldiers rowing 1,000 meters. The stationary bike stands in for the two-mile run, tasking soldiers to bike 11 miles.

Importantly, alternate events demand the same high level of physical fitness as standard events. Scoring is consistent, ensuring fairness for all soldiers, and understanding these events is crucial for soldiers and leaders alike.

How to Train for ACFT Alternate Events

Training for alternate events differs from traditional methods. Tailor your approach to each event:

1. Leg Tuck: Strengthen upper body and core with exercises like planks, bicycle crunches, and weighted sit-ups. Practice hanging from a pull-up bar and bringing knees to chest.
2. Hand-Release Push-Up: Develop explosive power and upper body strength with bench press, push-ups, and dips. Plyometric push-ups enhance explosive aspects.
3. Sprint-Drag-Carry: Improve speed, agility, and endurance through running, cycling, and quick direction changes. Include heavy object or weight carrying for strength.
4. Two-Mile Run: Enhance cardiovascular endurance with long-distance running. Integrate interval training for speed improvement.

Consistent training focusing on specific muscle groups and diverse methods improves overall strength, endurance, speed, and agility, crucial for ACFT alternate events.

Scoring the ACFT Alternate Events

The ACFT Alternate Events—Leg Tuck, Plank, and Row—offer options for soldiers with physical limitations. Each event follows a point system with a maximum of 100 points and a minimum passing score of 60 points. Scoring is event-specific, accounting for time or distance covered.

For instance, the Leg Tuck assesses how long a soldier can perform the knee-to-elbow movement. The Plank measures the duration a soldier can hold the plank position. The Row evaluates the distance covered in a set time on a rowing machine.

Importantly, alternate events aren’t substitutes but accommodations for soldiers with specific needs. Soldiers aiming for the highest overall score should attempt standard events when possible.

Differences Between ACFT Alternate Events and Previous Fitness Tests

The ACFT, unlike previous Army fitness tests, emphasizes overall physical preparedness over specific aspects like endurance or strength. Notable differences include the inclusion of the Leg Tuck, replacing the sit-up, and the introduction of the Hand-Release Push-Up. Additionally, the Sprint-Drag-Carry event replaces the two-mile run, evaluating complete body strength, endurance, and agility.

These changes offer a more comprehensive and demanding evaluation of a soldier’s physical readiness, capturing strength, agility, endurance, and flexibility.

Benefits of Incorporating the ACFT Alternate Events into Your Fitness Routine

Incorporating ACFT alternate events into your routine provides various benefits:

1. Enhanced Overall Fitness: Target diverse muscle groups, boosting overall fitness covering strength, endurance, flexibility, and agility.
2. Injury Prevention: Strengthen supporting muscles, reducing injury risks during other activities.
3. Increased Motivation: New challenges and goals keep motivation high as you progress and achieve better scores.
4. Better Test Performance: For military personnel or ACFT participants, practicing alternate events improves preparedness for the test’s physical demands.

Adding ACFT alternate events to your routine offers a pathway to improved fitness, injury prevention, sustained motivation, and better performance on the ACFT. Give ACFT alternate events a try and experience their benefits firsthand.

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