⚖️ The Great Transition: ACFT to AFT
On June 1, 2025, the U.S. Army officially replaced the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) with the Army Fitness Test (AFT), marking the end of the ACFT's brief but eventful tenure as the Army's fitness standard.
This transition was driven by extensive data analysis from nearly one million ACFT records and comprehensive RAND Corporation research, leading to a more refined and practical approach to military fitness assessment.
📅 Timeline of Army Fitness Testing Evolution
1980-2019: APFT Era
Army Physical Fitness Test served for nearly 40 years with push-ups, sit-ups, and 2-mile run.
2019: ACFT Introduction
Army Combat Fitness Test launched with 6 events designed to better assess combat readiness.
October 2022: ACFT Official
ACFT became the official test of record after extensive field testing and adjustments.
June 1, 2025: AFT Launch
Army Fitness Test replaces ACFT with 5 refined events based on data-driven improvements.
ACFT (Army Combat Fitness Test)
Obsolete (2022-2025)Events (6 Total):
- 3-Rep Maximum Deadlift
- Standing Power Throw
- Hand-Release Push-ups
- Sprint-Drag-Carry
- Leg Tuck (later Plank)
- Two-Mile Run
Key Characteristics:
- Maximum score: 600 points (100 per event)
- Minimum passing: 360 points total
- Age/gender-normed scoring
- Complex equipment requirements
AFT (Army Fitness Test)
Current (June 2025+)Events (5 Total):
- 3-Rep Maximum Deadlift
- Hand-Release Push-ups
- Sprint-Drag-Carry
- Plank
- Two-Mile Run
Key Characteristics:
- Maximum score: 500 points (100 per event)
- Minimum passing: 300/350 points
- Combat roles: sex-neutral scoring
- Streamlined equipment needs
🔄 Major Changes from ACFT to AFT
Standing Power Throw Eliminated
Removed due to limited effectiveness in promoting fitness and elevated injury risk.
Encouraged technique focus over true power demonstration.
Sex-Neutral Combat Standards
21 combat specialties now use identical standards for men and women.
Ensures all combat soldiers meet the same physical requirements.
Dual Scoring Systems
General standard: 300 points minimum (age/gender-normed)
Combat standard: 350 points minimum (sex-neutral, age-normed)
Enhanced Combat Requirements
Combat roles require 50 additional points above general standard.
Implementation begins January 1, 2026 for Active Duty.
Body Fat Exemption Adjusted
Reduced from 540 to 465 points for body fat standard exemption.
Maintains 80+ points per event requirement.
Equipment Simplification
Eliminates medicine ball and throwing lane requirements.
Reduces setup complexity and administrative burden.
📋 Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | ACFT (2022-2025) | AFT (2025+) |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Events | 6 events | 5 events |
| Maximum Score | 600 points | 500 points |
| Minimum Passing | 360 points total | 300 points (general) / 350 points (combat) |
| Per Event Minimum | 60 points each | 60 points each |
| Scoring System | Age and gender-normed | General: age/gender-normed Combat: sex-neutral |
| Body Fat Exemption | 540+ points | 465+ points |
| Equipment Required | Hex bar, medicine ball, kettlebells, sled | Hex bar, kettlebells, sled |
| Test Duration | Approximately 2-3 hours | Approximately 1.5-2 hours |
💥 Impact on Soldiers and Units
Training Focus
Less emphasis on power throw technique, more focus on core endurance and functional movements.
Equipment Costs
Reduced equipment needs save units money and storage space while simplifying test administration.
Gender Integration
Combat roles now have identical standards for all soldiers, regardless of gender.
Career Implications
Combat soldiers face higher standards starting 2026, potentially affecting career progression and assignments.
Injury Prevention
Elimination of standing power throw expected to reduce shoulder and back injuries during testing.
Administrative Burden
Streamlined test reduces setup time and administrative complexity for units conducting AFT.
Related Resources
AFT Calculator
Try the new Army Fitness Test and see how you'd score
Training Guide
Adapt your training for the new AFT requirements
AFT Standards
View the new AFT requirements and scoring standards
Complete Score Tables
Detailed AFT scoring tables for all events and age groups
Transition FAQ
Get answers to common questions about the ACFT to AFT transition
Contact Support
Get help with transition questions or report issues
🎯 Calculate Your AFT Score
Ready to see how you'd perform on the new Army Fitness Test? Use our calculator to get your score using the latest 2025 standards.
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