The Army Fitness Test will be implemented in phases starting June 1.
The U.S. Army has introduced a new fitness test, the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), designed to better prepare soldiers for the physical demands of combat and reduce injuries. This new test replaces the older Army Physical Fitness Test and includes six events: a three-repetition maximum deadlift, a standing power throw, a hand-release push-up, a sprint-drag-carry, a leg tuck or plank, and a two-mile run. The ACFT aims to assess a broader range of physical abilities and is tailored to be more inclusive, allowing for different standards based on age and gender. Initial results from the test's implementation have shown that it has helped identify soldiers who need additional physical training, and it has been well-received for its focus on functional fitness relevant to combat situations.