The U.S. Army has unveiled a new physical test, called the Army Fitness Test (AFT), which will replace the previous Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT).
This new test is designed to better reflect the physical demands of combat environments and to ensure that all soldiers, regardless of gender, meet the same standards in combat roles.
What Does the New Test Include?
The AFT consists of five exercises:
Three-rep maximum deadlift
Hand-release push-ups with arm extension
Sprint-drag-carry
Plank
Two-mile run
The previous “Standing Power Throw,” which involved throwing a 10-pound medicine ball backward, has been removed due to concerns about injury risk and the influence of height and technique on performance.
New Standards and Implementation
For soldiers in 21 combat specialties, “gender-neutral” standards will apply—meaning everyone, regardless of gender, must meet the same physical requirements.
To pass the test, soldiers must score at least 60 points on each event and a minimum total of 350 points.
The new test will be implemented starting June 1, 2025, with the new standards becoming mandatory on January 1, 2026, for active-duty soldiers, and on June 1, 2026, for the National Guard and Reserves.
Impact on Female Soldiers
Under the new standards, female soldiers in combat roles will be required to meet the same benchmarks as their male counterparts.
For instance, a 17- to 21-year-old female soldier will have to lift 140 pounds in the deadlift—up from the previous 120-pound requirement.
While many female soldiers already meet or exceed current standards, there are concerns that the new requirements could impact pass rates, particularly among younger women.
This shift reflects the Army’s effort to build a physically capable force ready to meet operational demands in challenging environments.
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