The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) was launched a little over half a year ago, replacing the previous Physical Fitness test. 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). A two-minute plan is an allowed alternative to leg tucks. The tests were designed to test flexibility, agility, endurance and strength. However, recent data shows that 44% of women failed the ACFT in comparison to 7% of men since October 1, 2021.
The ACFT remains in the testing phase, and scores will not be counted on record for promotion or career progression until March of 2022. The data demonstrating that almost half of women are failing shows that there may be a need to amend the testing for women.
The data from the United States Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) collected the 106,000 test results from the ACFT, breaking down the failure rate of each event by gender.
Failure Rate for Men:
- 3 repetition maximum deadlift: Less than 1%
- Standing power throw: Less than 1%
- Hand release push-up – arm extension: Less than 1%
- Spring-drag-carry: Less than 1%
- Leg tuck: 2%
- Two-mile run: 5%
Failure Rate for Women:
- 3 repetition maximum deadlift: 6%
- Standing power throw: 15%
- Hand release push-up – arm extension: 2%
- Spring-drag-carry: 12%
- Leg tuck: 22%
- Two-mile run: 22%
In comparison to last year, the pass rate is up 12%. Among enlisted women, the failure rate is at 53% and among female officers, the failure rate is 23%.
The passing score for the ACFT is 360 with a maximum score of 600. Per the data, only 66 female soldiers scored 500 points or higher in comparison to their male counterparts with 31,978 who had the same score. Data is added weekly to the FORSCOM database which will assist in shaping the program.
While this data is new, it appears that the data will continue to be analyzed to determine steps forward. While it does show a high failure rate, it is a lower rate than the previous year and this is movement in the positive direction.
*Appearance of DoD imagery does not constitute federal endorsement.
Women need to step it up and train to be combat-ready to be in this profession. It is a physically demanding job. I am a former military and had 7 children–ran 6 min mile pace for my run and did 72 push ups in a minute, and 50 sit ups. I eat healthy and run 6 days a week and do strength training at least 2 days per week. If this isn’t your lifestyle, you shouldn’t be in the military.
Other explanations to consider in this high failure rate: (missing data):
The article needs to also include the percentage of these women that are also failing the height/weight standard–that is very relevant data to consider, especially when you are looking to propose modifications. Are you or are you not leading a lifestyle conducive to having the ability to perform these standards as part of serving in the military? You had to meet weight standards to get in—what percentage of these women who have failed, no longer meet the entry to military standards??? That needs to be priority first.
What percent of the women who passed also meet the height/weight standards? What were other factors that led to their success passing—let’s talk about the “recipe for success” to pass. That is what needs to also be considered in helping the failing services members PASS. When I was AD we I gathered my until MWF and we took off our BDU blouses and did push ups/core TOGETHER. We collectively sought to improve.
If you have encountered medical challenges along the way such as post-surgery/combat limitations or other medical conditions–seek rehabilitative services (the military has a vast array of amazing health programs for AD members). And if necessary, obtain appropriate medical/physical waivers while you are working to remedy your challenges and/or change MOS. Waivers render you exempt from these tests until you have had a chance to rehabilitate.
This is actually what I do for a living now. If you eat healthy, maintain healthy weight, and exercise/strength train regularly, your statistical probability of passing rises significantly. The inverse is also true.
The ‘ol Chief asks…
OK, over 50 percent of enlisted women fail the new Army Fitness Test. I have to ask, who established the criteria for the new test? How many women were involved in establishing the new test criteria? If women were involved, were they run-of-the-mill enlisted women, pulled from the ranks, or were they the top performers, the ones applying to join the elite forces (Green Berets, Night Stalkers, and the Rangers)? Add one more test, have the candidate back completely up to a wall, then have them bend over and touch their toes, now you will see a 100 percent male failure…