The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) soon to be known as the Army Fitness Test (AFT) is currently the official measure of physical readiness for the United States Army. Created to mirror combat challenges, this test evaluates a person’s functional strength, endurance, and agility. Major changes redefine standards, scoring, and training protocols in 2025. Here is what it contains for beginners up to advanced levels on how to prepare for ACFT and be great at it.
1. What is the Army Combat Fitness Test?
The Army Combat Fitness Test replaced the older Army Physical Fitness Test to assess strength, endurance, and agility more practically through six war-scenario-based exercises.
From mid-2025, it will become the AFT (Army Fitness Test), with simpler scoring and event structure while keeping its intensity.
Original ACFT Events:
- 3-Repetition Maximum Deadlift (MDL) – tests lower body strength
- Standing Power Throw (SPT) – measures explosive power
- Hand-Release Push-Ups (HRP) – tests upper-body endurance
- Sprint-Drag-Carry (SDC) – evaluates agility and anaerobic fitness
- Core Test – Leg Tuck or Plank (PLK)
- Two-Mile Run (2MR) – measures aerobic endurance
Update: The Standing Power Throw will be removed in 2025. The plank becomes the standard core test.
2. ACFT Scoring and Standards
- Each event: 100 points
- Minimum score to pass each event: 60
- Maximum total score: 600
Passing Scores by MOS:
- Combat MOS: 60+ per event AND 350+ total
- General MOS: 300+ total, using age and gender adjustments
Age and Gender Adjustments:
- Combat roles use gender-neutral scoring
- Support roles use age/gender-based charts
3. 2025 ACFT Standards Update
Gender-Neutral & Age-Based Criteria:
- Combat MOS: gender-neutral
- General roles: age/gender-adjusted
Leg Tuck Replaced by Plank:
To reduce injuries and improve fairness, the plank officially replaces the leg tuck by mid-2025.
New Fitness Minimums:
- Stronger deadlifts expected
- Better pacing for the run
- Improved technique on sled drag
Transition Timeline:
- ACFT until June 2025
- AFT begins Fall 2025
- Mandatory AFT by early 2026
4. How to Train for the ACFT
Weekly Sample Plan:
- Day 1 (Strength): Deadlift, box squats, upper body pulls
- Day 2 (Endurance): Tempo run, jog at pace
- Day 3 (Agility/Core): Sled drag, shuttle sprints, plank
- Day 4 (Recovery): Stretching, foam rolling
- Day 5 (Mock Test): Full ACFT simulation
- Day 6 (Intervals): Sprint/circuit training
- Day 7 (Rest): Full rest or light movement
Training Tips:
- Start 8–12 weeks before test
- Focus on sleds, kettlebells, sprint-drags
- Strengthen core with planks and stability drills
- Run mock tests to check progress
- Prioritize recovery: hydration, sleep, and stretching
- Use MOS-specific standards for goal-setting
- Focus on proper form (especially for MDL & SDC)
5. 2025 ACFT Major Changes
- Standing Power Throw removed
- Plank is the official core test
- Gender-neutral scoring for combat roles
- 350+ score required for combat MOS
- 300+ score for general/support roles
- Standardized evaluation and training approach
6. FAQs: Army Combat Fitness Test
Q: What if I fail one event?
A: You can retest. Repeated failures may affect promotion.
Q: How long does the ACFT take?
A: 50–60 minutes total.
Q: Can civilians train for the ACFT?
A: Yes. Many gyms use ACFT-style training for fitness.
Q: Do I need gym equipment?
A: Yes, for deadlifts and sleds. You can modify it with bodyweight exercises.
Q: What does the plank test?
A: Core endurance without upper-body strain (unlike leg tuck).
7. Myths and Mistakes in Training
Myth: “Cardio-only is enough”
→ You’ll fail strength events without strength training.
Mistake: Skipping recovery
→ Leads to injury. Recovery is part of training.
Myth: “One plan fits all”
→ You must train your weakest event specifically.
8. Sample 8-Week Training Progression
| Week | Strength Focus | Endurance Focus | Core/Agility Focus |
| 1–2 | Technique & Form | Base aerobic runs | Planks, light sled work |
| 3–4 | Progressive overload | Tempo & intervals | Increase plank duration |
| 5–6 | Simulated events | Full-distance runs | Sled drag + sprint drills |
| 7–8 | Power drills | Peak cardio output | Final full mock ACFT |
Final Notes
The ACFT (soon AFT) demands physical readiness for both combat and general roles. Scores of 300+ or 350+ are the benchmark.
To succeed:
- Mimic the test
- Recover fully
- Prioritize your weak areas
- Train with intent
With steady effort, the Army Combat Fitness Test in 2025 is absolutely conquerable.
