Introduction to the Army Fitness Test
“Army Strong” is more than just a tagline — for soldiers, it’s a requirement for duty. The U.S. Army requires that all active-duty soldiers prove their physical prowess by passing a rigorous fitness test. There have been multiple versions of the test over the years, and the Army recently announced that a new version has been adopted.
The New Army Fitness Test
On June 1, 2025, the military branch will roll out its new Army Fitness Test (AFT) as a replacement for the current Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT). The new test, based on “18 months of data analysis and feedback from thousands of test iterations,” will introduce updated scoring standards that emphasize “readiness and combat effectiveness,” according to an Army press release. Soldiers will have until Jan. 1, 2026, to meet the new AFT requirements without facing “adverse actions.”
Scoring and Requirements
AFT scores are recorded during basic training for soldiers and initial training for officers, the Army states on its website. Active-duty soldiers are required to complete the test twice a year, while soldiers in the Army Reserve and Army National Guard must record scores once a year. “The AFT is designed to improve soldier readiness and ensure physical standards [and] prepare soldiers for the demands of modern warfare,” said Sgt. Maj Christopher Mullinax, senior enlisted leader, deputy chief of staff for Operations, Army Headquarters, in the release.
Components of the Test
The AFT consists of the following five events, as described on the Army’s website.
1. Three-repetition maximum deadlift
In this challenge, the soldier must lift the maximum weight possible three times using a 60-pound hex bar and plates. This move assesses muscular strength, balance, and flexibility. The deadlift can also be dangerous for civilians if they use improper form, warned Dr. Hooman Melamed, an orthopedic spine surgeon and sports medicine expert from Beverly Hills.
2. Hand-release push-up
The soldier must complete as many hand-release push-ups as possible in two minutes, using proper technique. Hand release push-ups require a person to drop all the way to the ground, lift their hands in the air for a second, and then push themselves back up to high plank. Melamed noted that while hand-release push-ups are great for building upper body strength, if the person is not already strong, the sudden force can damage the shoulders.
3. Sprint-drag-carry
With the sprint-drag-carry (SDC), the soldier is tasked with completing five 50-meter shuttles (sprint, drag, lateral, carry, sprint) as quickly as possible, using two 40-pound kettlebells and a 90-pound sled. The sprint-drag-carry is probably the toughest sequence here, since it requires explosive strength, muscular endurance, and cardiovascular endurance.
4. Plank
The soldier must maintain a proper plank position for as long as possible, testing muscular endurance and balance. A plank is an ultimate test of core strength and endurance, as it requires a person to hold their body weight for as long as they can.
5. Two-mile run
The soldier must complete a timed two-mile run on a flat outdoor course in a test of aerobic endurance. Two-mile runs are relatively easy for any able-bodied human; however, the time constraints are what make it challenging.
How Tough is the Test?
The toughness of a workout or fitness test is relative to the overall fitness of an individual, according to Dr. Jason Perry, M.D., primary care sports medicine physician with Baptist Health Orthopedic Care in Deerfield Beach, Florida. Generally speaking, the AFT is challenging, but not impossible for the average person with a basic fitness foundation. It’s designed to test full-body strength, muscular endurance, speed, agility, and cardiovascular stamina — all elements essential for combat readiness, but also relevant to functional fitness for civilians.
Conclusion
The new Army Fitness Test is a rigorous and challenging assessment of a soldier’s physical fitness and readiness for combat. With its five components, including the three-repetition maximum deadlift, hand-release push-up, sprint-drag-carry, plank, and two-mile run, the test requires soldiers to demonstrate a high level of strength, endurance, and agility. While the test may be tough, it is designed to ensure that soldiers are prepared for the demands of modern warfare and to promote overall fitness and readiness.
FAQs
- Q: What is the new Army Fitness Test?
A: The new Army Fitness Test (AFT) is a replacement for the current Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) and will be rolled out on June 1, 2025. - Q: What are the components of the test?
A: The AFT consists of five events: three-repetition maximum deadlift, hand-release push-up, sprint-drag-carry, plank, and two-mile run. - Q: How often do soldiers need to take the test?
A: Active-duty soldiers are required to complete the test twice a year, while soldiers in the Army Reserve and Army National Guard must record scores once a year. - Q: Can civilians pass the test?
A: While it may be challenging, civilians who regularly strength train, run, or do functional workouts may be able to pass the test with focused training over an eight- to 12-week period. - Q: What is the purpose of the test?
A: The AFT is designed to improve soldier readiness and ensure physical standards, preparing soldiers for the demands of modern warfare.
