Introduction to Army Combat Fitness Test Regulation
The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) is the fresh physical fitness test that will swap the current Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). The ACFT is intended to better assess the physical readiness of soldiers and to better prepare them for the physical demands of combat. It will also serve as a means to identify soldiers who may be at risk for injury and provide them with the necessary training to prevent such injuries.
The ACFT consists of six events: the 3-repetition maximum deadlift, standing power throw, hand-release push-up, sprint-drag-carry, leg tuck, and 2-mile run. Each event is intended to test different aspects of a soldier’s physical fitness, such as strength, power, speed, and endurance.
The ACFT is required for all active duty, National Guard, and Reserve soldiers, and must be taken twice a year. The test is also required for soldiers who are attending professional military education courses, such as Basic Combat Training, Advanced Individual Training, and Officer Candidate School.
The ACFT regulation outlines the requirements for the test, including the scoring standards, equipment needed, and testing procedures. It also provides guidance on how to conduct the test, such as how to properly administer the events and how to ensure the safety of the soldiers taking the test.
Overall, the ACFT regulation is an important tool for ensuring that soldiers are physically fit and ready to meet the demands of their job. It provides a standardized approach to assessing physical fitness and helps to identify areas where soldiers may need additional training or support.
Overview of the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT)
The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) is an innovative physical fitness test that was enforced in October 2020 to substitute the former Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). The ACFT is devised to more accurately evaluate a soldier’s physical preparedness for combat, and includes six events that examine muscular strength, endurance, and cardiovascular fitness.
The six events of the ACFT are:
1. Deadlift: Soldiers will lift a barbell with weights from the ground to a standing position, utilizing appropriate form and technique.
2. Standing Power Throw: Soldiers will toss a 10-pound medicine ball as far as they can, using explosive power from the legs and hips.
3. Hand-Release Push-Ups: Soldiers will execute push-ups while releasing their hands from the ground between each repetition, ensuring full range of motion.
4. Sprint-Drag-Carry: Soldiers will complete a sequence of sprints, drags, and carries that replicate real-world combat movements.
5. Leg Tuck: Soldiers will hang from a pull-up bar and bring their knees up to touch their elbows, assessing core and grip strength.
6. 2-Mile Run: Soldiers will run two miles as fast as they can, assessing cardiovascular endurance.
The ACFT is an impartial test, meaning that all soldiers are evaluated to the same standards regardless of their gender or age. The test is scored on a point system, with a maximum score of 600 points. Soldiers must attain a minimum score of 360 points to pass the ACFT.
Overall, the ACFT is a more inclusive and challenging fitness test that better prepares soldiers for the physical demands of combat.
Components of the ACFT
The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) is comprised of half a dozen different events that are intended to gauge a soldier’s physical fitness and readiness for combat. These events include the following:
1. Deadlift: This event measures a soldier’s ability to lift and lower weights from the ground. The weight used for this event is determined by the soldier’s gender and body weight.
2. Standing Power Throw: This event measures a soldier’s explosive power by throwing a 10-pound medicine ball as far as possible.
3. Hand-Release Push-Up: This event measures a soldier’s upper body and core strength by performing push-ups that require the soldier to release their hands from the ground between each repetition.
4. Sprint-Drag-Carry: This event measures a soldier’s speed, agility, and muscular endurance by completing a series of sprints, drags, and carries.
5. Leg Tuck: This event measures a soldier’s core and grip strength by performing as many leg tucks as feasible within two minutes.
6. Two-Mile Run: This event measures a soldier’s cardiovascular endurance by completing a two-mile run within a set time limit.
Each event is graded on a scale of 0 to 100 points, with a minimum passing score of 60 points for each event. The overall score for the ACFT is the sum of the scores from each event. The ACFT is intended to be gender and age-neutral, and it is intended to provide a more accurate assessment of a soldier’s physical readiness for combat than the previous Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT).
Importance of the ACFT in the Army
The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) has gained importance in the Army, as it offers a more precise evaluation of a soldier’s physical readiness for combat. The previous Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) put more emphasis on endurance and did not fully represent the physical demands of modern combat.
The ACFT is tailored to assess a soldier’s strength, agility, and endurance through six events: the deadlift, standing power throw, hand-release push-up, sprint-drag-carry, leg tuck, and 2-mile run. These events more accurately mirror the physical demands of combat, like carrying heavy loads and executing complex movements in high-pressure situations.
The ACFT also provides a more inclusive evaluation of a soldier’s overall health and fitness. It evaluates muscular strength, endurance, and power, which are all vital for performing physically demanding tasks in combat. By gauging these factors, the Army can better guarantee that soldiers are physically prepared to execute their duties and decrease the risk of injury or illness on the battlefield.
Furthermore, the ACFT provides a baseline for soldiers to monitor their progress and identify areas for improvement. It encourages soldiers to maintain a healthy lifestyle and prioritize their physical fitness, which ultimately benefits their overall health and well-being.
Overall, the ACFT is an essential regulation for the Army to evaluate a soldier’s physical readiness for combat. By providing a more accurate and comprehensive assessment of a soldier’s fitness, the Army can better equip its soldiers for the physical demands of modern combat and ensure their overall health and well-being.
Implementation and Future of the ACFT Regulation
The execution of the ACFT regulation started in October 2020 and is expected to supplant the current Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) by March 2022. The novel test is aimed at more accurately evaluating soldiers’ physical preparedness for battle and is more closely correlated with the physical requirements of modern warfare.
The ACFT includes six events: the three-repetition maximum deadlift, standing power throw, hand-release push-ups, sprint, drag and carry, leg tuck, and a two-mile run. Each event is rated on a point system, with a maximum score of 600.
To get ready for the execution of the ACFT, the Army has provided extensive training and resources to soldiers, including new equipment and testing protocols. Additionally, the Army has developed a phased execution plan to guarantee a smooth transition from the APFT to the ACFT.
The future of the ACFT regulation is encouraging, as it is expected to improve overall readiness and reduce injuries. However, some concerns have been raised regarding the potential for gender and age disparities in performance and scoring. The Army is committed to addressing these concerns and ensuring that the test is fair and equitable for all soldiers.
In conclusion, the execution of the ACFT regulation is a significant step towards enhancing the physical preparedness of the Army. The new test is designed to more accurately evaluate soldiers’ physical abilities and ensure that they are prepared for the physical requirements of combat. With appropriate training and preparation, soldiers can meet the challenge of the ACFT and continue to serve our country with honor and distinction.