The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) is new fitness test for the United States Army. It was introduced in 2022 to replace the previous Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). The ACFT is designed to better reflect the stresses of a combat environment, to improve the physical fitness and readiness of Soldiers, and to reduce the risk of injuries. In this blog post, we will explain the ACFT, its benefits, its events, its scoring system, and its FAQs.
What is the ACFT?
The ACFT is a general physical fitness test for Soldiers of all ages and genders, using an age and gender performance-normed scoring scale to evaluate core strength, aerobic endurance, and muscular strength. The ACFT consists of six events that are performed in a fixed order, with a minimum of 10 minutes and a maximum of 20 minutes of rest between each event. The six ACFT events are:
- 3 Repetition Maximum Deadlift (MDL): This event measures the maximum weight that a Soldier can lift three times using a hex bar and plates. It assesses the muscular strength, balance, and flexibility of the lower body and back.
- Standing Power Throw (SPT): This event measures the distance that a Soldier can throw a 10-pound medicine ball backward and overhead. It assesses the physical power, balance, and flexibility of the upper body and trunk.
- Hand Release Push-Up—Arm Extension (HRP): This event measures the number of hand-release push-ups that a Soldier can complete in two minutes, using the proper technique. It assesses the muscular endurance of the chest, shoulders, and arms.
- Sprint-Drag-Carry (SDC): This event measures the time that a Soldier can complete five 50-meter shuttles (sprint, drag, lateral, carry, sprint) using two 40-pound kettlebells and a 90-pound sled. It assesses the muscular endurance, anaerobic capacity, and agility of the whole body.
- Plank (PLK): This event measures the duration that a Soldier can maintain a plank position, using the proper technique. It assesses the muscular strength endurance of the core muscles.
- Two-Mile Run: This event measures the time that a Soldier can run for two miles on a generally flat outdoor course. It assesses the aerobic endurance of the cardiovascular system.
What are the benefits of the ACFT?
The ACFT has several benefits for the Army and its Soldiers, such as:
- Improving Soldier and unit readiness: The ACFT is more aligned with the physical demands of combat and military occupational specialties (MOSs) than the APFT. It helps Soldiers prepare for the challenges of the battlefield and perform their duties more effectively.
- Transforming the Army’s fitness culture: The ACFT encourages Soldiers to adopt a holistic approach to health and fitness, focusing on nutrition, sleep, recovery, and mental resilience. It also promotes a culture of teamwork, motivation, and accountability among Soldiers and leaders.
- Reducing preventable injuries and attrition: The ACFT is designed to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries that are common among Soldiers, such as lower back pain, knee pain, and shoulder pain. It also helps identify and remediate Soldiers who are at risk of failing the test or leaving the service due to poor fitness.
How is the ACFT scored?
The ACFT is scored using an age and gender performance-normed scoring scale, which was developed using data from nearly 630,000 ACFT scores, historic performance rates from the APFT, and scoring scales from other branches of the U.S. military. The scoring scale ranges from 0 to 100 points for each event, with a minimum passing score of 60 points for each event and a maximum score of 600 points for the total test. The scoring scale is adjusted for different age groups and for male and female Soldiers, to reflect the distribution of performance across the Army and to ensure a fair and equitable assessment of physical fitness. The scoring scale is also aligned with the physical requirements of different MOSs, with three categories of difficulty: Moderate (Gold), Significant (Gray), and Heavy (Black). Soldiers are expected to meet or exceed the minimum passing score for their MOS category for each event and the total test.
What are some FAQs about the ACFT?
Here are some frequently asked questions about the ACFT, along with their answers:
- Q: When will the ACFT become the official fitness test of record for the Army?
- A: The ACFT will become the official fitness test of record for the Army on April 1, 2022, replacing the APFT. Soldiers will be required to take the ACFT at least twice a year as an active duty Soldier, or once a year as a member of the Army Reserve and Army National Guard.
- Q: What equipment is needed for the ACFT?
- A: The equipment needed for the ACFT includes a hex bar and plates, a medicine ball, a sled, two kettlebells, a stopwatch, a measuring tape, a marker cone, and a running course. The Army has provided each unit with the necessary equipment to conduct the ACFT.
- Q: How can I prepare for the ACFT?
- A: The best way to prepare for the ACFT is to follow a comprehensive and balanced training program that includes strength, power, endurance, mobility, and recovery exercises. The Army has developed several resources to help Soldiers train for the ACFT, such as the ACFT Training Guide, the ACFT App, and the Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) System.
- Q: What are the alternate aerobic events for the ACFT?
- A: The alternate aerobic events for the ACFT are the 5,000-meter row, the 15,000-meter bike, and the 2.5-mile walk. These events are available for Soldiers who are unable to perform the two-mile run due to a temporary or permanent profile. The alternate aerobic events have their own scoring scales and standards, based on the MOS category of the Soldier.
- Q: How can I check my ACFT score and category?
- A: You can check your ACFT score and category by using our ACFT Calculator, a website that allows you to enter your age, gender, MOS, and event results, and get your score and category for each event and the total test. You can also compare your score and category with the Army average and the minimum and maximum standards. The ACFT Calculator is a useful tool to track your progress and performance on the ACFT.
Conclusion
The ACFT is the new fitness test for the United States Army, which aims to improve the physical fitness and readiness of Soldiers, and to reduce the risk of injuries. The ACFT consists of six events that measure core strength, aerobic endurance, and muscular strength, using an age and gender performance-normed scoring scale. The ACFT also supports the Army’s fitness culture, which emphasizes holistic health and fitness, and teamwork and motivation. The ACFT is a challenging but rewarding test that will help Soldiers achieve their fitness goals and prepare for the demands of their MOS and the battlefield. To learn more about the ACFT, visit our ACFT Calculator website.
