1. What is the New Army Fitness Test (AFT) and Why It Replaced the ACFT in 2025?
The U.S. Army officially retired the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) on June 1, 2025, ushering in the Army Fitness Test (AFT) – a streamlined, combat-focused evaluation that’s already reshaping soldier readiness across all branches. This wasn’t a knee-jerk decision. It stemmed from five years of field data, injury reports, congressional scrutiny, and soldier feedback that exposed the ACFT’s limitations in real-world operations. If you’re an active-duty soldier, reservist, or recruiter, mastering the AFT isn’t optional – it’s your new baseline for promotion, retention, and deployment readiness.
The ACFT’s Rise and Fall: A Quick Recap
Launched in 2020, the ACFT was revolutionary. It replaced the decades-old three-event APFT (push-ups, sit-ups, two-mile run) with six events: 3-rep deadlift, standing power throw, hand-release push-ups, sprint-drag-carry, leg tucks (later modified), and the two-mile run. The goal? Measure functional fitness for modern warfare. But by 2024, cracks appeared:
- Injury Rates Soared: Over 20% of soldiers reported overuse injuries, especially in shoulders and lower backs from leg tucks and power throws.
- Testing Logistics Nightmare: A single company took 3–4 hours to test, eating into training time.
- Scoring Complexity: Gender- and age-based multipliers confused leaders and soldiers alike.
- Combat Relevance Gaps: RAND Corporation studies showed ACFT predicted lab performance but not sustained field endurance.
Enter the AFT – a five-event test designed for efficiency, equity, and battlefield applicability.
The Five AFT Events: What You’re Actually Tested On
- Trap Bar Deadlift (TBD) – 3 reps max, testing lower-body power and grip strength. Simulates lifting casualties or ammo crates.
- Hand-Release Push-Ups (HRPU) – Max reps in 2 minutes. Builds explosive upper-body strength without shoulder strain.
- Sprint-Drag-Carry (SDC) – 5x50m course with sprints, sled drags, lateral shuffles, and kettlebell carries. Measures agility under load.
- Plank Hold – Timed core endurance. Replaced leg tucks to reduce spinal injury risk.
- Two-Mile Run – Classic cardio finisher, now with expanded age-norming.
Each event is scored out of 100 points, with a minimum 60 per event (300 total) to pass. Combat arms MOS require 70+ per event (350+ total).
Why the Army Made the Switch: Data-Driven Decisions
Army Chief of Staff General Randy George cited three pillars in his May 2025 directive:
- Combat Readiness First: AFT events directly correlate with 12 critical soldier tasks (per TRADOC analysis), including ruck marches, obstacle negotiation, and casualty evacuation.
- Injury Mitigation: Early 2025 pilot programs at Fort Liberty and Fort Cavazos reported a 28% drop in musculoskeletal injuries compared to ACFT cycles.
- Operational Efficiency: Testing a platoon now takes under 90 minutes, freeing 2+ hours for mission-essential training.
Sex-Neutral and Age-Normed Standards: Fairness Without Compromise
The AFT uses sex-neutral scoring tables – meaning a 25-year-old male and female in the same MOS face identical point thresholds. However, age-norming provides realistic buffers:
| Age Group | Plank Buffer | Run Buffer |
|---|---|---|
| 17–21 | 0 sec | 0 sec |
| 22–26 | +10 sec | +30 sec |
| 27–31 | +15 sec | +60 sec |
| 32–36 | +20 sec | +90 sec |
| 37–41 | +30 sec | +2:00 min |
| 42+ | +40 sec | +2:30 min |
This keeps seasoned NCOs competitive without lowering combat standards.
How to Transition from ACFT to AFT: 12-Week Prep Plan
Weeks 1–4: Assessment & Foundation
- Take a diagnostic AFT (use ACFT equipment where needed).
- Log weaknesses (e.g., <30 HRPU = upper-body focus).
- 3x/week full-body strength: deadlifts, push-ups, planks.
Weeks 5–8: Event-Specific Intensity
- Monday: Deadlift + SDC circuits
- Wednesday: HRPU + Plank pyramids
- Friday: 2-mile tempo runs + mobility
- Add 10% load/volume weekly.
Weeks 9–12: Peak & Taper
- Mock AFT every Saturday.
- Focus on transitions (SDC handoffs, plank breathing).
- Taper last 5 days: light sessions only.
Real Soldier Feedback: What Units Are Saying
- Fort Campbell, 101st Airborne: “AFT feels like actual PT, not a circus. We’re stronger, not just better at testing.” – SSG Martinez
- Fort Bliss, 1st Armored Division: “Plank saved my back. Leg tucks were killing my L4–L5.” – SPC Lee
- National Guard, Texas: “Age-norming kept my 38-year-old platoon sergeant in the fight. He still out-runs half the joes.” – 1LT Patel
The Bigger Picture: AFT and Army Culture in 2025
The AFT isn’t just a test – it’s a cultural shift. Units now integrate AFT prep into daily PT, with commanders tracking Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) metrics like sleep, nutrition, and recovery. High AFT scores (400+) fast-track promotion boards starting October 2025, while failures trigger mandatory remediation.
Looking ahead, the Army is piloting wearable tech integration – smartwatches that auto-log plank times and run splits by Q3 2026. The AFT is the foundation of a data-driven, resilient force.
Final Thoughts
The AFT isn’t “easier” – it’s smarter. It rewards consistent training, not gaming the system. Whether you’re a private prepping for BCT or a sergeant major defending your record, the message is clear: adapt, train, and dominate. Your next AFT isn’t a hurdle – it’s your proof of readiness.
Resources:
- Official AFT Scoring Tables: Army.mil/AFT
- H2F Training App (free)
- Unit AFT prep templates (DA Form 705-AFT)