Understanding the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT)
The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) is a physical fitness test that was introduced by the United States Army in 2018 to replace the previous Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). The ACFT is designed to measure a soldier’s physical readiness and ability to perform tasks that are critical to their job in the Army.
The ACFT consists of six events that are designed to test a soldier’s strength, endurance, and mobility. These events include the deadlift, standing power throw, hand-release push-up, sprint-drag-carry, leg tuck, and two-mile run. Each event is scored on a 100-point scale, with a maximum possible score of 600 for the entire test.
The deadlift event measures a soldier’s lower body strength, while the standing power throw assesses their upper body power. The hand-release push-up event tests a soldier’s upper body endurance, and the sprint-drag-carry event measures their overall strength and endurance. The leg tuck event evaluates a soldier’s core strength and endurance, while the two-mile run is a test of cardiovascular endurance.
The ACFT is designed to be gender-neutral and age-neutral, meaning that all soldiers are required to perform the same events regardless of their gender or age. This is in contrast to the previous APFT, which had different standards for male and female soldiers and different age brackets.
The ACFT is a more demanding test than the previous APFT, and it is designed to better prepare soldiers for the physical demands of their job. The test requires soldiers to be in excellent physical condition, and it is designed to push them to their limits.
In conclusion, the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) is a physical fitness test that is designed to measure a soldier’s physical readiness and ability to perform tasks that are critical to their job in the Army. The test consists of six events that are designed to test a soldier’s strength, endurance, and mobility, and it is gender-neutral and age-neutral. The ACFT is a more demanding test than the previous Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), and it is designed to better prepare soldiers for the physical demands of their job.
What is on the ACFT scorecard?
The ACFT scorecard is a document that provides a detailed breakdown of an individual’s performance during the Army Combat Fitness Test. It contains six main sections, each of which is designed to assess a specific aspect of physical fitness:
1. Strength Deadlift: This section measures an individual’s maximum weightlifting capacity using a hexagonal bar. The score is based on the amount of weight lifted in pounds.
2. Standing Power Throw: This section measures an individual’s explosive power by throwing a 10-pound medicine ball as far as possible. The score is based on the distance thrown in feet.
3. Hand-Release Push-Ups: This section measures an individual’s upper body strength and endurance through performing push-ups. The score is based on the number of push-ups completed within two minutes.
4. Sprint-Drag-Carry: This section measures an individual’s speed, strength, and endurance through a series of exercises that involve sprinting, dragging, and carrying weights. The score is based on the time taken to complete the exercises.
5. Leg Tuck: This section measures an individual’s core strength and endurance by performing a hanging leg tuck. The score is based on the number of repetitions completed.
6. Two-Mile Run: This section measures an individual’s cardiovascular endurance through a two-mile run. The score is based on the time taken to complete the run.
Overall, the ACFT scorecard provides a comprehensive overview of an individual’s physical fitness, allowing Army personnel to identify areas for improvement and track progress over time.
How is the ACFT Scorecard Scored?
The ACFT Scorecard is scored based on the performance of the individual in each of the six events. Each event is worth a maximum of 100 points, with a total possible score of 600 points.
To score each event, the tester will use a standardized scoring table that takes into account the individual’s gender, age, and the number of repetitions or distance achieved for each event. For example, in the deadlift event, the score is based on the maximum weight lifted for three repetitions. The more weight lifted, the higher the score.
In addition to the individual event scores, there are also three categories of performance: Black, Gray, and Gold. These categories are based on the total score achieved and are designed to give an overall assessment of the individual’s fitness level.
A Black performance is achieved by scoring 540-600 points, indicating a high level of fitness. A Gray performance is achieved by scoring 450-539 points, indicating a moderate level of fitness. A Gold performance is achieved by scoring 360-449 points, indicating a basic level of fitness.
It’s important to note that the ACFT is a pass/fail test, meaning that individuals must achieve a minimum score of 360 points to pass. However, achieving a higher score can lead to better career opportunities and increased physical fitness.
ACFT Scorecard Standards for Each Event
The Army ACFT Scorecard is a standardized tool used to measure individual performance on each event of the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT). Each event has specific standards that must be met in order to earn the maximum possible score.
The following are the ACFT Scorecard Standards for each event:
1. Deadlift: The deadlift event measures lower body strength. The maximum score for the deadlift is 100 points. To earn the maximum score, a soldier must lift 340 pounds for three repetitions.
2. Standing Power Throw: The standing power throw measures upper body power. The maximum score for the standing power throw is 100 points. To earn the maximum score, a soldier must throw a 10-pound medicine ball 12.5 meters.
3. Hand-Release Push-Up: The hand-release push-up measures upper body endurance. The maximum score for the hand-release push-up is 100 points. To earn the maximum score, a soldier must complete 70 repetitions in two minutes.
4. Sprint-Drag-Carry: The sprint-drag-carry event measures total body strength and endurance. The maximum score for the sprint-drag-carry is 100 points. To earn the maximum score, a soldier must complete the event in 1 minute and 33 seconds.
5. Leg Tuck: The leg tuck event measures core strength. The maximum score for the leg tuck is 100 points. To earn the maximum score, a soldier must complete 20 repetitions.
6. Two-Mile Run: The two-mile run measures aerobic and muscular endurance. The maximum score for the two-mile run is 100 points. To earn the maximum score, a soldier must complete the run in 13 minutes and 30 seconds.
It is important for soldiers to train and prepare for each event in order to meet or exceed the ACFT Scorecard Standards and earn the maximum score.
Strategies for Improving Your ACFT Scorecard Results
Improving your ACFT scorecard results can be a challenging task, but with the right strategies in place, it is achievable. Here are a few strategies that you can implement to improve your ACFT scorecard results:
1. Train Regularly: The more you train for the ACFT, the better your results will be. Develop a training plan that targets each event and stick to it. Make sure to include exercises that improve your strength, endurance, speed, and agility.
2. Practice Proper Form: Proper form is essential for each event of the ACFT. Take the time to learn the correct form for each event and practice it regularly. Improper form can lead to injury and lower scores.
3. Focus on Weaknesses: Identify your weaknesses in each event and focus on improving them. If you struggle with the leg tuck, for example, practice exercises that target your core muscles.
4. Use Proper Equipment: Make sure that you have access to the proper equipment for each event. Using improper equipment can affect your performance and scores.
5. Get Adequate Rest and Recovery: Rest and recovery are essential for optimal performance. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, and allow your body time to recover between workouts.
6. Work on Mental Toughness: Mental toughness plays a significant role in the ACFT. Develop a mindset that is focused, determined, and resilient. Stay positive and motivated, even when faced with challenges.
By implementing these strategies, you can improve your ACFT scorecard results and achieve your fitness goals. Remember to be patient and consistent, and always strive for improvement.