U.S. Army Introduces New Physical Readiness Test

The U.S. Army is set to implement a significant fitness evaluation, but this isn’t just about showcasing new camouflage uniforms.

This month, soldiers will be required to pass a more stringent field test, as stated by Army Chief Dan Driscoll. He mentioned that this change is aimed at ensuring those in the most physically demanding roles possess the specific fitness required for an edge on today’s battlefield.

“We are asking more of our combat arms soldiers,” he noted.

The new standards primarily affect those serving in combat military occupation specialties, which include infantry and combat engineers.

Details of the Test

The annual evaluation must be completed in under 30 minutes while wearing the Army combat uniform, combat boots, and a brown T-shirt. The test consists of:

• 1 mile run.
• 30 dead stop push-ups, which involve touching the ground, lifting hands briefly, then continuing.
• 100-meter run.
• 16 repetitions of lifting a 40-pound sandbag onto a 65-inch platform, simulating loading sandbags into a vehicle.
• Caring two 5-gallon Army water cans (each weighing 40 lbs) for 50 meters.
• A 50-meter drill including a “25-meter high crawl” and a “25-meter lunge” for three to five seconds, mimicking movements of evading gunfire.

The test concludes with another mile run.

If soldiers can successfully complete this evaluation, they are deemed eligible for combat duty. However, this isn’t the only physical fitness assessment they must undertake.

Additional Fitness Test for Combat Units

Those who join combat units are also expected to complete their regular annual Army Physical Fitness Test, a requirement for all active duty and reserve personnel. This test includes:

• 3 deadlifts at maximum weight.
• As many hand-release push-ups as possible in 2 minutes, where soldiers extend their arms to the side upon landing.
• The “Sprint Drag Carry” circuit, where soldiers pull a sled (or weight) and then carry two 40-pound kettlebells.
• A plank position hold until failure.
• A 2-mile run.

Staff Sergeant Michael Weimer emphasized, “This is more than just passing a test. It directly demonstrates our commitment to readiness and ensuring our warfighters can excel in any environment. We demand more from our combat arms soldiers, and this test validates their ability to meet that high standard.”

Priority on Physical Fitness

Since taking office last year, Army Secretary Pete Hegseth has prioritized enhancing physical fitness standards within the military.

Hegseth stated, “It all starts with physical fitness and appearance. If the Secretary of the Army can do tough PT regularly, every member of the joint force can.” This was mentioned during a lecture last October.

The Army has indicated that if a soldier is found unable to meet physical standards, they may be required to voluntarily reclassify to non-combat roles to retain their service.