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Army Overhauls Fitness Test with New Name, Rules, and Standards Starting June
The U.S. Army is making major changes to its fitness assessment. According to an internal memo obtained by Military.com, the current Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) will be rebranded as the Army Fitness Test (AFT) starting June. The update comes with significant revisions, including the removal of one controversial event and the introduction of new, gender-neutral performance standards across all service members.
These changes will apply to all soldiers, including those in active duty, the Army Reserve, and the National Guard.
What’s New in the Army Fitness Test?
One of the most talked-about changes is the elimination of the Standing Power Throw event. In this task, soldiers were required to toss a 10-pound medicine ball backward over their heads. Critics often pointed out that the event tested more on technique rather than strength or endurance, and was often seen as impractical.
With this event removed, the maximum possible score on the test may be reduced from 600 points to 500.
Why the Army Is Making These Changes
The ACFT, officially launched in 2022 after a decade of trials, was initially designed to be role-specific—meaning different job roles had different fitness expectations. However, this approach led to several challenges in terms of implementation and logistics, ultimately causing the Army to rethink the model.
The new AFT aims to set a universal benchmark for all soldiers, regardless of their military role.
A Shift Toward Gender-Neutral Standards
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth took to his official X (formerly Twitter) account to share his views on the revamped test. “We need to have the same standard, male or female, in our combat roles,” he wrote. Hegseth has been a strong advocate for equal standards across all military branches and has ordered a review of all current fitness requirements.
The AFT reflects this push toward equality by introducing the same fitness criteria for both men and women.
Scoring and Performance Expectations
Although the full scoring chart for the AFT hasn't been released yet, some benchmarks have been outlined. To pass, male soldiers will need to complete a 2-mile run in under 22 minutes and do at least 10 hand-release push-ups.
High scores, however, will require more than just meeting basic standards. Soldiers will be evaluated on strength, technique, and endurance—making top scores attainable only through elite athletic performance.
For combat-role soldiers who are injured and unable to perform certain events, the requirement will be to score at least 70 points in the events they can complete.
