Background on the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT)
The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) is a physical fitness test that was developed by the United States Army in 2018. The ACFT was designed to replace the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), which had been in use since the 1980s. The APFT was a three-event test that consisted of push-ups, sit-ups, and a two-mile run. While the APFT was effective in measuring a soldier’s physical fitness, it had some limitations.
One of the major drawbacks of the APFT was that it did not accurately measure a soldier’s functional fitness. Functional fitness refers to the ability to perform everyday tasks, such as carrying heavy loads, climbing stairs, and jumping over obstacles. The APFT did not test these skills, and as a result, some soldiers were not adequately prepared for the physical demands of combat.
The ACFT was developed to address these shortcomings. The new test consists of six events that are designed to measure a soldier’s strength, power, and endurance. The events include a deadlift, a standing power throw, hand-release push-ups, a sprint-drag-carry, leg tucks, and a two-mile run. The ACFT is more challenging than the APFT, and it requires soldiers to be in excellent physical condition.
The Army began implementing the ACFT in 2019, and it is now the standard physical fitness test for all soldiers. The test is designed to be gender- and age-neutral, and it is scored on a scale of 0-600. Soldiers are required to pass the test with a minimum score of 360. The ACFT is an important part of the Army’s overall fitness program, and it is designed to ensure that soldiers are physically ready to meet the demands of their duties.
Changes from the Previous Physical Fitness Test
Changes from the Previous Physical Fitness Test
The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) replaces the previous Physical Fitness Test (PFT) and brings a number of changes to the way soldiers are evaluated for physical readiness. Here are some of the key differences between the ACFT and the PFT:
1. New events: The ACFT includes six events, whereas the PFT had only three. The new events are the deadlift, standing power throw, hand-release push-up, sprint-drag-carry, leg tuck, and two-mile run.
2. Increased difficulty: The ACFT is generally considered to be more challenging than the PFT. For example, the leg tuck requires soldiers to bring their knees up to their elbows while hanging from a bar, which is more difficult than the sit-up portion of the PFT.
3. Scoring system: The ACFT uses a point system, with different weights assigned to each event based on its importance to overall physical readiness. Soldiers must achieve a minimum score in each event and an overall score of at least 60 points to pass the test.
4. Gender-neutral standards: The ACFT has the same standards for all soldiers, regardless of gender. This means that male and female soldiers will be held to the same standards on each event.
5. Age-based standards: The ACFT has different standards for soldiers of different ages, with older soldiers being allowed to achieve lower scores on some events. This recognizes that physical abilities tend to decline with age.
Overall, the ACFT is a more comprehensive and challenging test than the PFT. It is designed to better assess soldiers’ overall physical readiness and ensure that they are prepared for the demands of modern warfare.
Overview of the ACFT Events and Scoring
The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) is a physical fitness assessment that measures a soldier’s ability to perform various tasks that are essential for combat readiness. The test consists of six events that are designed to evaluate a soldier’s strength, endurance, and overall physical fitness.
The first event is the deadlift, which measures a soldier’s ability to lift a heavy weight from the ground. The second event is the standing power throw, which measures a soldier’s explosive power by throwing a 10-pound medicine ball as far as possible. The third event is the hand-release push-up, which measures a soldier’s upper body strength and endurance.
The fourth event is the sprint-drag-carry, which measures a soldier’s ability to move quickly and efficiently while carrying heavy weights. The fifth event is the leg tuck, which measures a soldier’s core strength by performing a hanging knee-up movement. The sixth and final event is the two-mile run, which measures a soldier’s endurance and cardiovascular fitness.
Each event is scored based on a maximum number of points, and the total score is used to determine a soldier’s overall physical fitness level. The ACFT replaces the previous Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) and is designed to better prepare soldiers for the physical demands of combat.
Overall, the ACFT is a comprehensive assessment of a soldier’s physical fitness and readiness for combat. It provides a more accurate measure of a soldier’s abilities and helps to ensure that soldiers are prepared to meet the physical demands of their duties.
Preparing for the ACFT
Preparing for the ACFT
The Army’s new fitness test, the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), is designed to better assess soldiers’ physical fitness and combat readiness. To prepare for the ACFT, soldiers need to focus on strength, endurance, and agility training. Here are some tips to help you prepare for the ACFT:
1. Start early: The ACFT is a challenging test that requires a high level of physical fitness. Don’t wait until the last minute to start training. Give yourself plenty of time to prepare.
2. Get a baseline: Before you start training, take the ACFT to get a baseline of your current fitness level. This will help you identify areas where you need to improve.
3. Focus on strength training: The ACFT includes six events that test your strength, including the deadlift, standing power throw, and hand-release push-up. Incorporate strength training exercises into your workout routine to improve your performance in these events.
4. Build endurance: The ACFT also includes events that test your endurance, such as the two-mile run and the leg tuck. Incorporate cardio and endurance training into your workout routine to improve your performance in these events.
5. Work on agility: The ACFT includes events that test your agility, such as the sprint-drag-carry and the shuttle run. Incorporate agility training exercises into your workout routine to improve your performance in these events.
6. Practice form: Proper form is essential for performing well on the ACFT. Take the time to practice the proper form for each event to maximize your performance.
7. Stay motivated: Preparing for the ACFT can be challenging, but staying motivated is essential. Set goals, track your progress, and celebrate your achievements along the way.
By following these tips, you can prepare yourself for the ACFT and improve your physical fitness and combat readiness.
Implementation Timeline and Resources for Soldiers and Leaders
Implementation Timeline and Resources for Soldiers and Leaders:
The implementation of the new Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) will be a gradual process, with a specific timeline for each unit. Soldiers and leaders should be aware of the following deadlines and resources:
1. Initial implementation: All active-duty and Reserve soldiers will be required to take the ACFT as a diagnostic test by October 2020. During this phase, units will be required to conduct two diagnostic ACFTs (one in the first quarter and one in the third quarter of fiscal year 2020).
2. Full implementation: Starting October 2020, the ACFT will replace the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) as the Army’s official physical fitness test. Soldiers will be required to pass the ACFT in order to graduate from Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training.
3. Resources: The Army has made resources available to assist soldiers and leaders in preparing for the ACFT. These resources include training videos, a mobile app, and a field test manual. Soldiers can also participate in the Army’s Physical Readiness Training program, which includes exercises and drills designed to improve ACFT performance.
4. Leadership: Leaders at all levels play a critical role in the successful implementation of the ACFT. They should ensure that soldiers are trained and equipped to meet the new standards, and that the ACFT is incorporated into unit training plans. Leaders should also provide feedback to soldiers on their performance and encourage them to take advantage of available resources.
Overall, the implementation of the ACFT represents an important step in the Army’s efforts to improve physical fitness and readiness. Soldiers and leaders should take advantage of available resources and work together to ensure a smooth transition to the new test.