New Combat Fitness Test Introduced for U.S. Soldiers

The U.S. Army has announced a new combat fitness test aimed at front-line troops, emphasizing an increased readiness for modern warfare. This change comes amidst ongoing challenges with recruitment.

The Combat Field Test (CFT) is specifically tailored for soldiers in combat roles, regardless of age or gender, and it’s designed to better reflect the physical challenges they face in today’s combat scenarios. This shift marks a move toward more rigorous, role-specific standards as the Army aims to enhance readiness across all ranks.

This initiative is particularly important given that the Army fell short of its recruitment targets by about 15,000 soldiers in 2022. There’s been a concerted effort to bolster enlistment numbers and overall troop strength, according to the U.S. Army Recruiting Command.

While the Army managed to meet its goals for 2025, leaders continue to prioritize long-term preparation.

Recent years have already seen significant changes in the Army’s fitness standards. Following an in-depth analysis and gathered feedback, a new Army Physical Fitness Test is set to replace the previous standards in 2025, focusing on improving readiness and combat effectiveness.

In a statement, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll emphasized the importance of the new CFT: “This is about readiness, lethality and the health of our soldiers.” He notes that this initiative is key for soldiers in physically demanding roles, ensuring they have the fitness required for contemporary battles. Army Secretary Pete Hegseth is also promoting a return to what he terms a “warrior mentality” within the military.

Soldiers will don their Army combat uniforms and boots and will have 30 minutes to complete seven events. At first, they will run a mile, followed by a series of physical challenges including dead-stop push-ups, a 100-meter sprint, and lifting a 40-pound sandbag onto a platform 16 times. They’ll also need to carry two military water cans weighing 40 pounds each over a distance of 50 meters.

The test further includes a 50-meter movement exercise at a high crawl and a brief 25-meter dash before culminating in another mile run.

The new combat fitness test is set to be rolled out this month, with soldiers expected to complete it annually. Notably, in the initial year of implementation, there won’t be penalties for failing as the Army gradually integrates these new standards into training. This appears to be a thoughtful approach to better prepare troops for the physical demands they will face in modern combat situations.