The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) is a special fitness test used by the US Army to measure the strength, endurance, and emergency preparedness of soldiers. It is designed to match the real challenges that soldiers face during a war mission. Whether it is to raise heavy equipment, run for safety, or climb obstacles, ACFT investigates whether a soldier is ready to take physical action.
Today, we will break everything about ACFT in simple, clear language – so even if you hear it for the first time, you will understand it completely.
Key Takeaways
It tests strength, endurance, and flexibility.
- The test has six main programs.
- Each soldier must pass the ACFT, whether he has a job.
- Scoring is based on age and gender standards.
- It is important to do well in training tests.
What is the training test for the army?
ACFT is the way to investigate whether the US Army’s soldiers are physically prepared for their duties. It replaced the Old Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), which only focused on push-ups, sit-ups, and two-mile races. ACFT is hard and more complete, designed to prepare soldiers for the physical demands of the battlefield.
The ACFT is important because:
- It improves total-body fitness.
- It lowers the risk of injuries.
- It builds stronger and more capable soldiers.
Why was the ACFT made?
The battlefield has changed over the years. Soldiers should take heavy equipment today, climb obstacles, and move quickly in stress.
The old test didn’t measure all these skills. That’s why the Army designed the ACFT—to match real-life combat tasks.
Fun Fact:
When the Army tested the old fitness system, they found that only 40% of injuries could be predicted by the old APFT. But with the ACFT, they can now predict and prevent even more injuries!
The Six Events of the ACFT
The ACFT has six different events. Each one checks a different part of your fitness. Let’s go through them:
| Event | What It Tests | Description |
| 3 Repetition Maximum Deadlift | Strength | Lift a heavy bar three times. |
| Standing Power Throw | Power | Throw a 10-pound ball backward as far as you can. |
| Hand-Release Push-Ups | Upper Body Strength | Do push-ups but lift your hands off the ground between each push. |
| Sprint-Drag-Carry | Speed, Strength, Agility | Sprint, pull a sled, carry weights, and sprint again. |
| Plank Hold | Core Strength | Hold your body straight on your elbows for as long as possible. |
| Two-Mile Run | Endurance | Run two miles as fast as you can. |
Repetition Maximum Deadlift
Soldiers lift a heavy barbell three times using the right technique. This shows if they have enough strength to carry heavy gear or injured teammates during a mission.
Standing Power Throw
In this event, soldiers throw a 10-pound medicine ball backward over their heads. It tests explosive power, which is important for jumping over obstacles.
Hand-Release Push-Ups
Instead of regular push-ups, soldiers release their hands after each push-up. This move makes sure they are using full strength and correct form.
Sprint-Drag-Carry
This event is a mix of activities:
- Sprinting 25 meters
- Dragging a sled weighing 90 pounds
- Side-shuffling
- Carrying two 40-pound kettlebells
- Sprinting again
It tests how fast and strong a soldier can be under pressure.
Plank Hold
Soldiers hold a plank position on their elbows for as long as they can. It checks how strong their core muscles are. A strong core helps in almost every movement on the battlefield.
Two-Mile Run
This final event checks cardiovascular endurance. Soldiers must run two miles quickly while staying steady and not giving up halfway.
How the Scoring Works
ACFT uses a scoring system based on digits. Each phenomenon is scored individually, and the digits give the total score.
- Maximum brands: 600 (100 per event)
- Minimum passed score: 360 (60 per event)
The standards vary based on:
- Age
- Gender
- Job requirements
Training Tips to Prepare for the ACFT
If you want to do well on the ACFT, here are some important tips:
- Train All Muscle Groups: Focus on legs, arms, back, and core.
- Practice the Events: Don’t just work out—practice each test event.
- Get Enough Rest: Muscles grow when you rest, not just when you train.
- Eat Right: Healthy food = better energy and faster recovery.
- Stay consistent: It is better to exercise a little every day than to do a lot at a time.
Benefits of the ACFT
The ACFT doesn’t just help soldiers — it helps the Army become stronger overall. Some big benefits include:
- Fewer injuries
- Better teamwork
- Stronger bodies and minds
- Preparedness for real combat challenges
Studies suggest that trained soldiers for the ACFT have 30% fewer minor injuries than those who do not.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While preparing for the ACFT, many people make these mistakes:
Ignoring one or two events (train for all six!)
Skipping recovery days
Not drinking enough water
Forgetting to warm up before workouts
Avoid these mistakes and you will be in a much better position to pass with flying colors!
(FAQS)
Is ACFT the same for men and women?
The events are the same, but the scoring standards are adjusted to the penis and age to make it fair for everyone.
What happens if a soldier fails the ACFT?
If a soldier fails, they get another chance to pass the extra training time, and before they face serious consequences.
How many times do soldiers get into accidents?
Active soldiers must take the ACFT at least once a year to ensure that they are fighting.
Final thoughts
Army Combat Fitness Test is not just about strong or sharp – it’s about being a full and clear soldier. Six events challenge different parts of the body, which create better warriors for the challenges that they face in real missions.
Anyone can succeed in ACFT by exercising training, being consistent and having a strong mindset. This is not just a test – it’s a tool for you and your team, your best to stay.
If you dream of becoming a soldier or just want to challenge yourself physically, learning and preparing ACFT can be your first big step towards greatness.
