Introduction to the New ACFT
The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) is a modern fitness assessment that has substituted the previous Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). The ACFT was crafted to reflect the physical demands of combat and modern warfare. The new test is more comprehensive, challenging, and it is assumed to provide a more precise evaluation of a soldier’s overall fitness level.
The ACFT is a six-event test that measures a soldier’s strength, agility, and endurance. The events include the deadlift, standing power throw, hand-release push-ups, sprint-drag-carry, leg tuck, and a 2-mile run. Each event is intended to resemble a physical task that a soldier may come across in combat, such as carrying heavy equipment or dragging a wounded comrade to safety.
The new test is gender and age-neutral, which indicates that everyone is held to the same standards regardless of their age or gender. The ACFT also includes a new scoring system, which is based on a point system instead of pass/fail. This means that soldiers will receive a score based on their performance in each event, and their overall score will determine their fitness level.
The ACFT is a significant change from the previous APFT, and it is believed to be a more accurate indicator of a soldier’s fitness level. The new test is more challenging, but it is also more pertinent to modern warfare. Soldiers who are well-rounded and physically fit will be better prepared to face the physical demands of combat.
The Six Events of the ACFT
The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) is the new fitness test that replaces the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). The ACFT is designed to measure the physical readiness of soldiers and help prepare them for the physical demands of combat. The ACFT consists of six events that assess a soldier’s muscular strength, endurance, and power. The six events of the ACFT are as follows:
1. Deadlift: The deadlift measures lower body strength. The soldier must lift a barbell from the ground to hip level and lower it back down.
2. Standing Power Throw: The standing power throw measures upper body power. The soldier must throw a 10-pound medicine ball overhead and backward as far as possible.
3. Hand-Release Push-Up: The hand-release push-up measures upper body endurance. The soldier must lower their body to the ground, release their hands, and push back up.
4. Sprint-Drag-Carry: The sprint-drag-carry measures total body fitness. The soldier must sprint, drag a sled, and carry two 40-pound kettlebells over a series of cones.
5. Leg Tuck: The leg tuck measures core and grip strength. The soldier must hang from a pull-up bar and bring their knees to their elbows.
6. 2-Mile Run: The 2-mile run measures cardiovascular endurance. The soldier must complete a 2-mile run as quickly as possible.
Each event is scored on a 100-point scale, with a minimum score of 60 required to pass. Soldiers must complete all six events within a two-hour time limit. The ACFT is a more comprehensive fitness test than the APFT and is designed to better prepare soldiers for the physical demands of combat.
Preparing for the ACFT
Preparing for the ACFT
As the Army transitions to the new ACFT, it is important for soldiers to prepare and train for the new physical fitness test. Here are some tips to help you get ready for the ACFT:
1. Know the test: Familiarize yourself with the test events and standards to understand what you will be tested on and what is required of you.
2. Train specifically: The ACFT requires different exercises and movements than the previous APFT, so make sure to incorporate these into your training regimen. Focus on building strength, power, and endurance in the specific areas tested.
3. Practice regularly: Consistent training is important to improve your performance and build muscle memory. Set a regular training schedule and stick to it.
4. Get proper rest and nutrition: Adequate rest and nutrition are critical for physical performance and recovery. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and fueling your body with nutritious foods.
5. Seek guidance: If you are unsure about how to train for the ACFT or need help developing a training plan, seek guidance from a qualified fitness professional or your unit’s physical training leader.
By following these tips and committing to regular training, you can prepare yourself for success on the new ACFT.
Advantages of the New ACFT
The new Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) has numerous advantages compared to its predecessor, the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). Here are some of the main benefits of the new ACFT:
1. More comprehensive evaluation: The ACFT measures a broad spectrum of physical fitness aspects, such as muscular strength, endurance, power, speed, agility, balance, coordination, and flexibility. This provides a more thorough and precise evaluation of a soldier’s overall fitness level and preparedness for combat.
2. Greater relevance to combat activities: The ACFT comprises exercises that simulate typical combat tasks, such as dragging a casualty, carrying heavy loads, and climbing obstacles. This makes the test more relevant to the physical demands of combat and ensures that soldiers are ready for the challenges of battle.
3. Gender-neutral standards: Unlike the APFT, which had different standards for male and female soldiers, the ACFT has standards that apply to all soldiers, regardless of gender. This eliminates any potential gender bias and ensures that all soldiers are held to the same standards.
4. Increased difficulty: The ACFT is generally considered more challenging than the APFT, which means that soldiers who perform well on the new test are likely to be in better physical shape than those who did well on the old one. This can help improve overall fitness levels and readiness for combat.
5. More opportunities for improvement: The ACFT has multiple events and a wider range of scores, which means that soldiers have more chances to improve their fitness level and overall score. This can help motivate soldiers to train harder and maintain a higher level of fitness throughout their military career.
Implementation of the ACFT in the Army Training Program
The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) has been implemented as the new physical fitness test for soldiers in the United States Army. The ACFT is intended to improve overall readiness and lethality of the force by better reflecting the physical demands of combat.
The implementation of the ACFT in the Army training program has been a gradual approach. The first phase began in October 2019 with the initial rollout to soldiers in Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training. The second phase started in October 2020 with the ACFT replacing the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) as the test of record for all soldiers.
To prepare for the ACFT, the Army has developed a comprehensive training program that includes both individual and unit training. Individual training focuses on developing the specific physical fitness components required to perform well on the ACFT, such as strength, power, agility, and endurance. Soldiers are provided with training resources and guidance on how to improve their performance in each of these areas.
Unit training focuses on building team cohesion and developing the skills required to perform well on the ACFT as a unit. This includes training on the proper techniques for each event and developing strategies for maximizing overall performance.
The Army has also established a scoring system for the ACFT that considers different age and gender groups. This scoring system is designed to ensure that soldiers are held to the same standards regardless of their demographic characteristics.
In addition to the training program, the Army has invested in new equipment and facilities to support the ACFT. This includes the procurement of new equipment such as the deadlift bar, trap bar, and weight sled, as well as the construction of new fitness facilities that are specifically designed to accommodate the ACFT events.
Overall, the implementation of the ACFT in the Army training program represents a significant shift in the way the Army approaches physical fitness. By better reflecting the physical demands of combat and providing soldiers with a comprehensive training program, the ACFT is intended to improve overall readiness and lethality of the force.