Master Your ACFT with Precision

From APFT to ACFT: A Major Transformation

The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) represents the most significant change to Army physical fitness testing in over 40 years. Introduced in 2020 and fully implemented in 2022, the ACFT replaced the three-event Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) that had been in use since 1980.

While the APFT focused on basic physical fitness with push-ups, sit-ups, and a 2-mile run, the ACFT was designed to better assess combat readiness through six events that measure various physical capacities including strength, power, endurance, and agility.

Why the ACFT Matters

The ACFT was developed to address several key objectives:

• Combat Relevance: The events directly correlate to movements and physical demands soldiers experience in combat situations
• Injury Prevention: By encouraging more comprehensive physical training, the ACFT aims to reduce musculoskeletal injuries
• Physical Readiness: The test provides a more accurate assessment of a soldier's ability to perform physically demanding combat tasks
• Gender and Age Neutrality: While scoring standards vary by gender and age, the events themselves test the same physical capacities required for combat operations

Recent Updates and Changes

Since its initial implementation, the ACFT has undergone several revisions based on data collection and feedback:

• The leg tuck was replaced with the plank as a core strength assessment
• Gender and age-specific scoring scales were implemented
• The concept of "physical demand categories" based on MOS was eliminated in favor of a single minimum standard
• Alternative events were established for soldiers with permanent profiles

The 2025 standards represent the most current iteration of the ACFT, reflecting the Army's commitment to continuous improvement of the test based on scientific research and practical implementation data.