New Army Fitness Test Set to Launch in 2025
“Army Strong” is more than a slogan; it signifies a soldier’s commitment to duty.
The U.S. Army mandates that all active-duty personnel demonstrate their physical capabilities by passing rigorous fitness tests. Over the years, the format of these tests has evolved, and recently, a new version has been introduced.
Starting June 1, 2025, the Military Division will roll out an updated Army Fitness Test (AFT) as a substitute for the current Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT).
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The Army stated that the new test results from “18 months of data analysis and feedback from thousands of test iterations,” and it will bring new scoring criteria focused on “preparation and combat effectiveness.”
All soldiers must comply with the updated AFT standards by January 1, 2026, without any repercussions for failing to meet them.
The AFT score will be documented during basic training for soldiers, as well as during the initial training phases for officers. Active-duty soldiers are required to take the tests twice a year, while members of the Army Reserve and National Guard will do so annually.
“The goal is to enhance soldiers’ preparation and ensure they meet the physical standards needed for the demands of modern combat,” said Major General Christopher Marinax, a senior leader at Army headquarters.
The new tests have tougher scoring requirements, especially for soldiers in combat roles, who will face the highest standards.
Components of the New Test
The AFT comprises five main events:
1. Maximum Deadlift (3 Repetitions)
In this exercise, soldiers must lift their maximum weight three times using a 60-pound hex bar. This movement gauges muscle strength, balance, and flexibility. Trainers like Miles Hill emphasize the importance of proper technique to prevent injuries.
2. Hand Release Push-Ups
For this event, soldiers must complete as many hand-release push-ups as possible in two minutes. While this task builds upper body strength, experts caution that improper form can lead to shoulder injuries.
3. Sprint-Drag-Carry (SDC)
In the SDC, soldiers navigate a 50-meter shuttle—sprinting, dragging, laterally moving, and carrying weights—using two 40-pound kettlebells and a 90-pound thread. This test challenges both speed and explosive power.
4. Plank
This part of the test assesses muscle endurance and balance, as soldiers must hold a plank position for as long as possible. Maintaining proper form is crucial for core strength and can be surprisingly challenging.
5. Timed 2-Mile Run
Soldiers will complete a two-mile run on a flat outdoor course within a specific time limit. For many healthy individuals, running this distance isn’t overwhelmingly difficult; however, the time constraints add an extra layer of challenge.
Previous test elements, such as standing power throws, have been eliminated due to their limited effectiveness in promoting fitness and increasing injury risk.
Assessment of Difficulty
The difficulty of the AFT largely depends on individual fitness levels, according to experts in sports medicine. While it’s designed to gauge full body strength, endurance, and agility, it also reflects functional fitness relevant to civilians.
Inevitably, the AFT combines various physical aspects into one cohesive assessment, making it more stringent than a typical gym routine. Civilian athletes who regularly participate in functional training might find the test approachable after several weeks of dedicated preparation.
Yet, experts such as Dr. Melamed estimate that only a small percentage of civilians would find it achievable without proper training.
There’s a mental component, too—approaching these tasks requires both physical and strategic preparation. Trying to rush into such a demanding test could lead to injuries, so a gradual training plan is vital.
