Understanding the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT)
The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) is a recent physical fitness test that has been implemented by the U.S. Army to substitute the former Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). The ACFT is intended to assess a soldier’s entire physical fitness, including their muscular strength, endurance, and power.
The ACFT is split into six events, each of which measures distinct aspects of a soldier’s physical fitness. These events comprise the deadlift, standing power throw, hand-release push-ups, sprint-drag-carry, leg tuck, and two-mile run. Each event is evaluated based on performance standards, with soldiers requiring to achieve a minimum score to pass.
The deadlift event evaluates a soldier’s lower body and back strength, as they are required to lift a barbell from the ground to a standing position. The standing power throw evaluates a soldier’s upper body power, as they are required to throw a 10-pound medicine ball as far as possible. Hand-release push-ups evaluate a soldier’s upper body endurance, as they are required to do as many push-ups as practical within a set time period.
The sprint-drag-carry event evaluates a soldier’s entire endurance and speed, as they are required to sprint, drag a sled, and carry two 40-pound kettlebells over a distance of 50 meters. The leg tuck event evaluates a soldier’s core strength, as they are required to hang from a bar and bring their knees up to touch their elbows as many times as practical. Ultimately, the two-mile run evaluates a soldier’s endurance and cardiovascular fitness, as they are required to run two miles within a set time period.
Overall, the ACFT is intended to evaluate a soldier’s physical fitness in a more comprehensive way than the old APFT. By evaluating a soldier’s strength, power, endurance, and speed, the ACFT provides a more accurate measure of a soldier’s entire fitness and preparedness for combat.
The History and Evolution of the ACFT
The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) was created to supersede the outdated Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). The APFT had been utilized since the 1980s and was planned to compute a soldier’s physical fitness level founded on push-ups, sit-ups, and a two-mile run. However, the APFT did not properly represent the physical demands of present-day warfare.
In 2013, the Army started producing a new fitness test that would prepare soldiers better for the physical demands of combat. The ACFT was created to be more comprehensive and challenging than the APFT, with a concentration on practical fitness and real-world tasks.
The ACFT was initially tested in 2018, with a pilot program concerning over 60 battalions across the Army. The pilot program was effective, and the ACFT was officially accepted as the Army’s new fitness test in October 2019.
The ACFT consists of six events: a three-repetition maximum deadlift, a standing power throw, hand-release push-ups, a sprint-drag-carry, leg tucks, and a two-mile run. The test is planned to be gender- and age-neutral, with different standards for different MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) categories.
The adoption of the ACFT signifies a significant shift in the Army’s strategy to physical fitness. The new test concentrates on practical fitness and real-world tasks, better preparing soldiers for the physical demands of modern warfare.
Preparing for the ACFT
Hrp for the ACFT:
The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) is a grueling and comprehensive test designed to assess soldiers’ fitness levels. To prepare for the ACFT, soldiers should focus on building strength, power, agility, and endurance. Here are some hints for preparing for the ACFT:
1. Start early: It’s significant to begin preparing for the ACFT well in advance to give yourself enough time to build your fitness levels gradually.
2. Focus on strength training: The ACFT is a strength-based test, so it’s critical to focus on developing muscle strength and endurance. Integrate exercises like squats, deadlifts, bench press, and pull-ups into your workout routine.
3. Train for power and agility: The ACFT also measures soldiers’ power and agility, so include exercises like box jumps, sled pushes, and shuttle runs in your training sessions.
4. Improve your endurance: The ACFT includes a two-mile run, so it’s significant to work on your endurance. Integrate cardio exercises like running, biking, and swimming into your routine.
5. Practice the events: Make sure to practice the specific events included in the ACFT, such as the deadlift, standing power throw, hand-release push-ups, and leg tucks.
6. Get enough rest and recovery: Remember to give your body enough rest and recovery time between training sessions to prevent injury and allow your muscles to repair and grow.
By following these hints and consistently training for the ACFT, soldiers can enhance their fitness levels and perform their best on test day.
Breaking Down the ACFT Events and Scoring System
The Hrp Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) is a six-event physical fitness test that measures an individual’s overall fitness level. The ACFT was introduced in 2019 as a replacement for the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) and is designed to be a more comprehensive and challenging assessment of an individual’s physical readiness.
The six events that make up the ACFT are as follows:
1. Deadlift: This event measures an individual’s strength and ability to lift heavy objects from the ground. The weight used for this event varies based on an individual’s gender and body weight.
2. Standing Power Throw: This event measures an individual’s explosive power and ability to generate force. The goal is to throw a 10-pound medicine ball as far as possible.
3. Hand-Release Push-Ups: Hand release push up acft event measures an individual’s upper body strength and endurance. The individual must lower themselves to the ground, lift their hands off the ground, and then push themselves back up.
4. Sprint-Drag-Carry: This event measures an individual’s speed, agility, and muscular endurance. The individual must sprint, drag a sled, carry two kettlebells, and then sprint again.
5. Leg Tuck: This event measures an individual’s core strength and endurance. The individual must hang from a bar and bring their knees up to touch their elbows as many times as possible.
6. Two-Mile Run: This event measures an individual’s cardiovascular endurance and overall stamina. The goal is to complete a two-mile run as quickly as possible.
Each event is scored based on a point system, with a maximum of 100 points available for each event. To Breaking the ACFT, individuals must score a minimum of 60 points in each event. The overall score is the sum of the scores from each event.
The ACFT is designed to be a more comprehensive assessment of an individual’s physical fitness level, and it is a more accurate predictor of an individual’s ability to perform in combat situations. The scoring system is designed to encourage individuals to improve their overall fitness level and to focus on areas where they may be weaker. By breaking down the events and scoring system, individuals can better prepare themselves for the ACFT and improve their overall physical fitness level.
The Future of Fitness in the Army
Hrp has always prioritized the physical fitness of its soldiers, and the introduction of the ACFT marks a significant step towards ensuring that soldiers are prepared for the rigors of combat. However, the future of fitness in the Army is not limited to the implementation of this new test.
In the coming years, the Army is likely to continue exploring new ways to optimize physical training and improve overall soldier health. This may include the integration of wearable technology to track performance and provide real-time feedback, the use of virtual reality simulations to enhance training, and the development of personalized training plans based on individual needs and goals.
Additionally, the Army is likely to place increased emphasis on nutrition and recovery, recognizing that these factors play a critical role in overall fitness and performance. This may include providing soldiers with access to nutritionists and dietitians, as well as resources for optimizing sleep and managing stress.
Ultimately, the future of fitness in the Army will be shaped by ongoing research and innovation, as well as a commitment to ensuring that soldiers are equipped with the physical and mental tools they need to succeed in any situation.
