The Army Fitness Test (AFT) has replaced the ACFT to address logistical challenges and better align with combat readiness needs. This five-event test evaluates physical skills crucial for military duties and uses age-adjusted scoring to ensure fairness. Key details:
- Events: 3-Rep Max Deadlift, Hand-Release Push-Ups, Sprint-Drag-Carry, Plank Hold, Two-Mile Run.
- Scoring: Up to 500 points, with 60 points minimum per event.
- Standards: Combat roles require 350 points; non-combat roles need 300.
- Age Adjustments: Standards vary by age and Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).
- Implementation: Combat standards start Jan 1, 2026, for active-duty soldiers.
Success on the AFT affects promotions, deployment eligibility, and career opportunities. Proper preparation is key, with training focused on strength, endurance, and core stability.
The NEW Army Fitness Test (AFT) standards – Did it get easier?
AFT Scoring System and Standards
The AFT scoring system is designed to emphasize combat-relevant skills, ensuring soldiers maintain balanced physical readiness across all events. Your overall AFT score plays a significant role in meeting fitness requirements and advancing your career.
Each of the five AFT events is scored on a 100-point scale, with a maximum possible score of 500 points.
Scoring by Age Groups
The AFT uses age-adjusted standards to account for natural changes in physical performance over time. This ensures a fair evaluation while maintaining the fitness levels needed for military readiness. As soldiers progress in their careers, performance benchmarks are adjusted to reflect these changes. Additionally, scoring standards vary by MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) to align with the physical demands of specific roles.
Combat vs. Combat-Enabling Specialty Scores
The AFT applies two distinct scoring standards based on a soldier’s MOS.
Combat Specialties: Soldiers in combat roles must achieve a minimum total score of 350 points, with at least 60 points in each event [1]. These standards are sex-neutral and age-adjusted, meaning men and women are held to the same expectations, with adjustments only for age. Combat roles include Infantry Officer (11A), Infantryman (11B), Combat Engineer (12B), Field Artillery Officer (13A), Special Forces Officer (18A), Armor Officer (19A), and others. These scoring standards take effect on January 1, 2026, for active-duty soldiers and June 1, 2026, for Reserve and National Guard soldiers.
Combat-Enabling Specialties: Soldiers in these roles follow a general standard requiring a total score of at least 300 points, with a minimum of 60 points per event [1]. Like combat roles, these standards are sex- and age-adjusted. Scoring for promotions based on these standards begins October 1, 2025.
The differences between the two standards are notable. For instance, combat soldiers aged 17–21 must complete 15 hand-release push-ups to earn 60 points, while non-combat female soldiers in the same age group need only 11 [2]. In the two-mile run, all combat soldiers must finish within 19 minutes and 57 seconds, regardless of gender [2]. Additionally, for the 3-repetition maximum deadlift, combat soldiers and all males aged 17–31 must lift 150 pounds, while females in non-combat roles of the same age range are required to lift 120 pounds [2].
"We’ve raised the bar for combat MOSs, ensuring these soldiers are physically prepared for the intense demands of their roles." – Sgt. Major
Soldiers in combat MOSs who fail to meet the 350-point standard but achieve the general standard may face in-service reclassification [1].
How the Point System Works
The point system translates performance in each event into a quantifiable score. Higher performance – whether through heavier deadlifts, more push-ups, or faster times – earns more points. For example, completing the sprint-drag-carry event faster results in a higher score. Similarly, the duration of your plank hold and your two-mile run time directly impact your points. It’s worth noting that plank requirements are consistent across all soldier categories, maintaining uniformity for both combat and combat-enabling roles [2].
This scoring approach ensures soldiers maintain balanced fitness across all areas, avoiding overemphasis on certain disciplines at the expense of others. Training strategies, discussed later, are built around these metrics to promote well-rounded physical readiness.
AFT Preparation: Training Tips and Strategies
Getting ready for the AFT requires a well-rounded plan that aligns with the Army’s Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) System. This approach not only improves overall performance but also helps lower the chances of injuries while boosting readiness[1].
To tackle the AFT effectively, focus on a training routine that balances strength, endurance, and flexibility. Make sure your plan considers the AFT’s scoring standards, which are adjusted by age, and adapt it to suit your personal fitness goals. Starting early with a gradual, structured plan is key to achieving steady progress and maintaining long-term fitness.
Take advantage of official training resources to fine-tune your preparation. These tools can also provide insights into career development opportunities within the Army.
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AFT Resources and Career Advancement
Official Army AFT Resources
The U.S. Army provides a range of official tools to help Soldiers prepare for the Army Fitness Test (AFT) and meet the required standards for their age group. The Army Fitness Test handbook, available on the Army’s website (army.mil/aft) and through the Army Public Affairs portal, is a comprehensive guide. It includes details about event requirements, scoring tables tailored to different age groups, and practical training tips. Soldiers can also find training videos and demonstrations on these platforms, which offer technique advice and point out common mistakes to avoid.
Each May, the Army releases updated guidance and execution orders to inform Soldiers about any changes to the standards. Additionally, the Army’s social media channels provide interactive tools, such as progress trackers, to support ongoing preparation. For those looking to estimate their scores, the ACFT Calculator at acft-calculator.com can be a helpful tool, though it’s worth noting that it is not officially endorsed by the Army.
Beyond physical fitness, the Army supports Soldiers’ professional growth with targeted career resources.
Career Opportunities with ClearedJobs.Net
Fitness performance plays a key role in career progression, making professional development resources equally important. ClearedJobs.Net, a veteran-owned career platform, connects military professionals with employers in the defense, intelligence, and government sectors. Achieving AFT standards not only boosts readiness but also opens doors to top-tier opportunities in these fields.
The platform simplifies job searches by allowing users to create detailed profiles that showcase their security clearances, military skills, and experience. This helps translate the discipline and expertise gained in the military into civilian careers in areas such as Aerospace, Cybersecurity, IT, and Intelligence.
ClearedJobs.Net also provides personalized job alerts tailored to a user’s clearance level, location, and career goals. It enables direct connections with recruiters and hiring managers from leading defense contractors and government agencies. Beyond job matching, the platform offers career resources like podcasts, job fairs, and updates on security clearance policies and industry trends, making it a valuable tool for career advancement.
AFT Standards 2025: Key Points
The updated AFT standards introduce a five-event structure and a refined scoring system designed to better align with age-specific abilities and the physical demands of various military occupational specialties. These changes aim to enhance combat readiness while ensuring fairness across different roles and age groups.
Age brackets range from 17-21 years to 62+ years, with each group having its own scoring thresholds. Combat roles demand higher scores across all events compared to combat-enabling positions, reflecting the intense physical requirements of frontline duties.
Training strategies should align with age-specific needs. Younger service members are encouraged to focus on building strength and power, while older individuals should prioritize mobility and injury prevention. The scoring system rewards performance, with a maximum of 100 points per event and a total of 500 points possible.
Each event in the AFT – 3-rep max deadlift, hand-release push-ups, sprint-drag-carry, plank hold, and two-mile run – requires targeted training. To excel, avoid common pitfalls like poor form, insufficient recovery, and neglecting to practice transitions between events. Consistent preparation for each event while maintaining overall fitness is key to success.
Achieving high scores on the AFT is critical for career advancement in the military. Strong results not only improve promotion opportunities but also open doors to specialized roles in the defense sector. Employers in top defense and intelligence positions value the discipline, readiness, and commitment demonstrated by strong AFT performance.
The AFT is more than just a fitness test – it’s a benchmark of military preparedness that supports both current service responsibilities and future career prospects in the defense industry.
FAQs
How do age-specific standards in the ACFT promote fairness while maintaining military readiness?
Age-specific standards in the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) aim to strike a balance between fairness and maintaining readiness. These standards acknowledge the natural changes in physical ability that come with age while ensuring that soldiers of all age groups can meet the Army’s fitness expectations.
By adjusting score requirements for different age ranges, the ACFT enables soldiers to showcase their fitness levels without losing sight of the Army’s emphasis on physical preparedness and mission effectiveness. This approach supports a capable and diverse force that prioritizes both performance and fairness.
What are the best training strategies to improve scores in the five ACFT events?
To boost your performance in the five ACFT events, it’s important to follow a well-rounded training plan that emphasizes strength, endurance, and mobility. Include exercises such as deadlifts, sprints, and weighted carries to mimic the physical challenges you’ll face during the test. Regularly practicing the actual test events can sharpen your technique and build your confidence.
Don’t overlook the basics: recovery, nutrition, and hydration are key to staying at your best. Design your workouts to match your current fitness level, and gradually increase the intensity over time. This approach helps you build both strength and stamina while reducing the risk of injury.
How does a high score on the ACFT affect a soldier’s career and opportunities in the Army?
Achieving a high score on the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) can play a crucial role in shaping a soldier’s career. It reflects physical readiness – a key factor when it comes to promotions, assignments, and leadership opportunities. Beyond that, a strong ACFT performance can boost a soldier’s chances of being selected for specialized training programs and advancing within their career.
The ACFT scoring system is designed with age-specific and gender-neutral standards. Soldiers in combat roles are required to score at least 60 points per event and achieve a minimum total score of 350. For those in combat-support roles, the overall minimum score is set at 300. Surpassing these benchmarks not only shows commitment but also underscores a soldier’s readiness – qualities that are highly regarded in the Army.
