The Army Combat Fitness Test: Redefining Soldier Strength and Readiness

In 2020, the U.S. Army rolled out a major change in how it evaluates soldier readiness: the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT). This revamped physical fitness test aimed to measure the combat readiness of soldiers in a more practical and performance-based way. The ACFT isn’t just about running and push-ups anymore—it’s about how soldiers perform under the physical demands of warfare.

While it was designed to ensure that troops are physically fit for the challenges they face, the ACFT has also sparked conversation and controversy within military circles, as well as in the public sphere.

Here’s a deeper dive into what the Army Combat Fitness Test is all about, the significance behind it, and how it’s shaping the future of military fitness.

🏋️ What Is the ACFT?

The Army Combat Fitness Test consists of six events, each targeting different aspects of fitness to ensure soldiers are equipped for real-world combat scenarios:

3-Repetition Maximum Deadlift (MDL): Measures lower-body strength, mimicking the lifting and carrying tasks soldiers face in combat.

Standing Power Throw (SPT): Tests explosive power in the legs and core, essential for quick movements and throwing heavy objects in combat situations.

Hand-Release Push-Ups (HRP): Evaluates upper-body endurance, crucial for soldiers who often have to push and lift in physically taxing environments.

Sprint-Drag-Carry (SDC): A combination of sprints, dragging, and carrying heavy equipment, which simulates the movements needed during battle.

Leg Tuck (LTK): Measures core strength and endurance, crucial for maintaining posture and stability while engaging in combat tasks.

2-Mile Run (2MR): A traditional test of cardiovascular endurance, representing a soldier’s ability to endure long-distance physical strain.

🏆 Why the ACFT Was Introduced

The Army decided to overhaul its old physical fitness test, the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), to better align with the modern combat environment. The APFT had become outdated, relying too much on basic exercises like sit-ups and push-ups that did not fully assess the fitness levels needed for combat operations.

With the ACFT, the Army aimed to:

Increase Combat Readiness: The new test is designed to simulate real-life combat situations, ensuring soldiers are physically capable of handling tasks like lifting heavy equipment, sprinting, dragging casualties, or holding defensive positions for extended periods.

Improve Soldier Health and Longevity: By emphasizing strength, endurance, and flexibility across multiple fitness domains, the ACFT promotes long-term health and injury prevention for soldiers.

Create a More Inclusive Fitness Standard: The old APFT relied heavily on upper-body strength and was criticized for not fairly assessing soldiers of different body types and gender. The ACFT aims to level the playing field by incorporating a variety of physical challenges.

⚖️ Controversy and Criticism

Despite its well-intended goals, the Army Combat Fitness Test has faced significant criticism from various quarters. Here are some of the key concerns:

Physical Demands on Soldiers: Some argue that the test is too strenuous, especially for soldiers who have been in the Army for years and may not have had the time to train for the new physical standards. The 3-Repetition Maximum Deadlift and Leg Tuck events, in particular, have been singled out as extremely challenging.

Gender and Age Considerations: The ACFT has been praised for attempting to create a more inclusive standard, but some have questioned whether the physical requirements are truly equitable across all genders and ages. While adjustments in scoring exist for female and older soldiers, the test’s difficulty has still been seen as a barrier for some.

Injury Risk: Because the test emphasizes maximal effort in multiple high-intensity events, there are concerns about soldiers potentially injuring themselves while attempting to perform at their highest capacity. Injuries could sideline soldiers, which contradicts the test’s original purpose of ensuring readiness.

Training and Preparation: Soldiers must dedicate time to preparing for the test, which can detract from their regular duties. In some cases, the shift in training focus may affect other important skills needed for combat or specialized missions.

🚀 The Benefits of the ACFT

Despite the challenges, the ACFT has garnered support due to its more comprehensive approach to soldier fitness. Some of the notable benefits include:

More Realistic Fitness Evaluation: The events of the ACFT closely resemble the physical demands soldiers face in combat. This makes it a more accurate measure of whether a soldier is truly fit for their role.

Holistic Health: The ACFT prioritizes overall health, with a focus on endurance, strength, and explosive power. This comprehensive approach encourages soldiers to maintain a balanced fitness routine that can reduce the risk of injuries.

Encouraging Physical Diversity: The variety of events in the ACFT gives soldiers the chance to excel in different areas. Whether it’s speed, strength, or endurance, the test allows individuals to showcase their unique physical strengths.

Paving the Way for Future Fitness: The ACFT could be the start of a new trend in military fitness. By leading the way with this innovative test, the Army is challenging other branches of the military to rethink their approach to soldier readiness.

🎯 The Future of the Army Combat Fitness Test

As the ACFT becomes fully integrated into the Army, it’s likely that there will be additional tweaks and adjustments. Some of the concerns about injury rates and gender equality may prompt future revisions to the scoring system or the way the test is administered.

Moreover, soldiers’ performance on the ACFT will likely continue to be a key component of their overall evaluation. As such, it will shape the physical culture within the Army and could influence future recruitment and retention strategies.

🌟 Final Thoughts: A Fitness Test for a New Generation of Soldiers

The Army Combat Fitness Test is more than just a physical evaluation—it’s a statement about how the military is evolving to meet the demands of modern warfare. As soldiers face increasingly complex and physically taxing missions, the ACFT ensures they are ready for whatever comes next.

While the test may not be perfect, it represents a significant step forward in aligning military fitness with the realities of combat. It’s a tough test, but in the end, the goal isn’t just to challenge soldiers—it’s to prepare them for the real world.

As the test evolves, the Army will continue to learn, adapt, and refine its standards, but the message is clear: only the fittest will lead the way into tomorrow’s battles.