The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) has replaced the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) as of April 1, 2022. The testing of the new test was completed this year and is now the accepted fitness test for the Army. The idea behind this change is to improve individual and unit readiness, enhance stamina and change the fitness culture within the U.S. Army. In addition, the combat fitness test has been modified in a way to reduce preventable injuries which in turn will help with soldier attrition.
The ACFT was made of six events: 3 repetition maximum deadlift (MDL), standing power throw (SPT), hand release push-up – arm extension (HRP), spring-drag-carry (SDC), leg tuck (LTK), and 2-mile run (2MR).
The MDL was designed to work on and develop muscular strength, balance, and flexibility. The equipment used is a 60-pound hex bar and plates. A minimum of 140 pounds is required for a score of 60 and a maximum of 340 pounds is listed for a score of 100. This exercise was chosen to work on the skills of lifting and moving heavy loads from the ground and extracting a casualty if needed.
The SPT event is completed by throwing a 10-pound medicine ball backward and overhead for a distance. The minimum requirement is 4.5 meters is required for a score of 60 and the max is 12.5 meters for a score of 100. The exercise is working on explosive power, balance, and flexibility
The HRP is to complete as many push-ups as possible in a two-minute period to work on muscular endurance. The muscles utilized with HRP are used to move obstacles, push away opponents when in hand-to-hand combat, execute evasion maneuvers, and push disabled vehicles. The minimum is 10 for a score of 60 and the maximum is 60 for a score of 100 points.
The SDC is a test of strength, endurance, and anaerobic capacity by completing 5 x 50-meter shuttles for a time period. A 90-pound sled or 2 40-pound kettlebells are used. The SDC uses and builds muscles needed to extract a casualty from a vehicle, getting to fighting positions and reacting as needed. A minimum score of 60 is achieved if the exercises are completed in 3:00 minutes. The maximum score of 100 points is achieved if the exercises are completed in 1:33 minutes.
The LTK core exercise is to complete as many left tucks as possible to build strength and endurance allowing for climbing walls and obstacles and rope climbing. The minimum is 1 rep or a 2:09 plank hold for a score of 60. A maximum of 20 reps or 4:20 plank hold for a score of 100 points.
The 2MR is completed on a generally flat outdoor course to test and build aerobic endurance. Running is necessary for marching, running or any movement required as part of the training or tasks at hand. The minimum is 21:00 minutes will gain a score of 60 points and the maximum is 13:30 minutes for a score of 100 points.
Details on specific lifting techniques and which muscle groups are used with each exercise are located on the Army ACFT website.
I thought there was no difference in the standards for men and women. They twisted themselves into knots just to come back to the fact that men and women are not the same when it comes to physical abilities. More points for promotion are given to women for doing less. How is that equal? Typical hypocrisy from those in charge.