U.S. Army Introduces New Fitness Assessment with Higher Standards

Being “Army Strong” is not merely a slogan; it is an essential requirement for soldiers in service. The U.S. Army mandates that all active-duty personnel demonstrate their physical capabilities through a comprehensive fitness test. Over the years, this test has undergone multiple revisions, and recently, the Army disclosed that a new version is set to be implemented.

Starting June 1, 2025, the Army will unveil the updated Army Fitness Test (AFT), designed to replace the existing Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT). This significant revamp aims to enhance soldier readiness and combat effectiveness by incorporating insights drawn from 18 months of rigorous data analysis and feedback.

Transition Period for Soldiers

Soldiers will have a grace period until January 1, 2026, to comply with the new AFT standards without any repercussions. The AFT evaluations will take place during basic training for soldiers and initial training for officers, as specified on the Army’s official website.

Active-duty soldiers are required to complete the AFT twice yearly, while members of the Army Reserve and Army National Guard must do so once annually.

Rationale Behind the New Standards

The updated AFT aims to improve soldier readiness by ensuring that physical standards align with the demands of contemporary warfare. Sgt. Maj. Christopher Mullinax, the senior enlisted leader at Army Headquarters, explained that the test prioritizes holistic fitness rather than focusing solely on individual events.

“It emphasizes holistic fitness over event-specific training and is grounded in performance,” Mullinax stated.

As a reflection of the evolving combat landscape, the scoring requirements for the new assessment are notably more rigorous, particularly for soldiers assigned to combat roles. The Army has adopted sex-neutral standards for 21 direct combat positions, a change geared towards fostering fairness and operational readiness.

Overview of the AFT Structure

The AFT comprises five distinct events, each meticulously crafted to measure various physical capabilities. Below, we break down the components of this demanding test.

1. The Deadlift

In this event, soldiers must lift the maximum weight possible three times using a 60-pound hex bar and plates. This movement assesses muscular strength, balance, and flexibility.

Miles Hill, a certified personal trainer, noted that proper deadlift technique is crucial to avoid injuries. “If your posture or form is off, the risk to your lower back and hips is high; it could be a career-ending injury for some,” Hill cautioned.

2. Hand-Release Push-Ups

Next, soldiers are required to perform as many hand-release push-ups as possible within a two-minute timeframe. This exercise is designed to test both muscular endurance and flexibility.

While effective for building upper body strength, Dr. Hooman Melamed emphasized the necessity of proper technique to prevent shoulder injuries during this exercise.

3. Sprint-Drag-Carry

The sprint-drag-carry (SDC) event consists of completing five 50-meter shuttles, embodying sprints, drags, lateral movements, and carries. Participants must utilize two 40-pound kettlebells and a 90-pound sled while striving for the best possible completion time.

This particular segment challenges explosive strength, muscular endurance, and cardiovascular stamina. Hill described the SDC as a