The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) has its roots in 2013 when the U.S. Army recognized the need for a new fitness test that truly mirrored the physical demands of combat. This led to the creation of the ACFT, replacing the outdated Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) that had been in use since the 1980s.
In 2018, the ACFT became the official standard for measuring physical fitness in the U.S. Army. This test comprises six events: the three-repetition maximum deadlift, standing power throw, hand-release push-ups, sprint-drag-carry, leg tuck, and a two-mile run.
Among these, the deadlift event holds particular importance as it assesses a soldier’s ability to lift and carry heavy loads. The deadlift weight varies based on the soldier’s gender and weight category, reaching up to 340 pounds for male soldiers in the heavy category.
The ACFT was carefully crafted with input from soldiers and fitness experts to ensure it accurately reflects the physical demands of combat. It goes beyond assessing physical fitness, evaluating a soldier’s capability to perform specific combat tasks like carrying heavy gear over long distances or dragging a wounded comrade to safety.
In essence, the ACFT signifies a significant shift in the U.S. Army’s approach to physical fitness, prioritizing functional strength and endurance over traditional measures like running and push-ups.
ACFT Calculator
Gender | Age | ||
Maximum Deadlift (lbs.) | |||
lbs. | points | ||
Standing Power Throw (m) | |||
m | points | ||
Hand-Release Push-Ups (reps) | |||
reps | points | ||
Sprint Drag Carry (m:s) | |||
m s | points | ||
Plank (m:s) | |||
m s | points | ||
2 Mile Run (m:s) | |||
m s | points | ||