What is the Army Combat Fitness Test?
You’ve probably heard that the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) is going to be replaced soon. Beginning October 2020, all Soldiers will be required to take the new gender- and age-neutral test called the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT). This six-event readiness assessment replaces the three-event APFT. The ACFT is meant to provide a broad measurement of a Soldier's physical fitness and determine if a Soldier will be effective in combat.
Here are the six components of the new PT test:
1. 2-MILE RUN
This will remain the same as the APFT – run two-miles for time. This event tests a Soldier’s cardiovascular fitness level.
2. STRENGTH DEADLIFT
The deadlift event is similar to the one found in the Occupational Physical Assessment Test (OPAT) for new recruits. It is meant to assess lower body strength. Soldiers will deadlift between 120 to 420 pounds three times in five minutes. This lift mimics picking up ammunition boxes, a wounded battle buddy, supplies, or other heavy equipment.
3. STANDING POWER THROW
Soldiers will toss a 10-pound ball overhead and backward as far as possible. They will have three minutes to make a practice throw and two for grade. This throw tests muscular explosive power needed to lift themselves or a fellow Soldier over an obstacle or move rapidly across uneven terrain.
4. HAND-RELEASE PUSH-UPS / T PUSH-UPS
These push-ups in two minutes are meant to assess upper body strength. Soldiers will do a traditional push-up, but when in down position, they move their arms outward like a T and then back in to do another push-up. These push-ups demonstrate a Soldier’s ability to push a vehicle when it is stuck or push away during evasive maneuvers.
5. SPRINT/DRAG/CARRY
Soldiers will have four minutes to sprint 25 meters, drag a sled weighing 90 pounds 25 meters, run a lateral shuffle 25 meters, carry two 40-pound kettle bells 25 meters, and then sprint 25 meters again. This event simulates pulling a battle buddy out of harm’s way, moving quickly to take cover, or carrying ammunition to a fighting position or vehicle.
6. LEG TUCK
Similar to a pull-up, Soldiers will lift their knees up to their elbows as many times as they can in two minutes. It is meant to assess core muscles.
Soldiers will continue to wear PT uniforms, rather than combat uniforms or body armor like originally planned. Scoring is still being evaluated, but there will be a minimum and maximum score depending on a Soldier’s Military Occupational Specialty code (MOS). Soldiers will have to complete the ACFT in 50 minutes.
Unlike the APFT, there is no current plan to have alternate events in the ACFT. Soldiers will either be evaluated for disability or separated from the Guard if they are non-deployable for more than 12 months.