Introduction to the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT)
The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) is a new physical fitness exam that has been executed in the United States Army. The ACFT was intended to substitute the previous fitness exam, the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), and has been introduced to better equip soldiers for the physical demands of combat. The ACFT comprises six events that evaluate a soldier’s power, agility, and stamina. These events include the deadlift, standing power throw, hand-release push-up, sprint-drag-carry, leg tuck, and two-mile run. The ACFT has been in development since 2013 and was originally examined in 2018. The exam is intended to be more demanding than the APFT, and soldiers are required to fulfill minimum standards in all six events to pass. The ACFT has been fully executed in the United States Army as of October 2020 and is expected to be the standard fitness exam for all soldiers by 2022. This new exam is part of the Army’s extensive effort to enhance the physical readiness of its soldiers and guarantee they are ready for the demands of modern warfare.
Changes in ACFT Standards for 2022
The Army has declared significant alterations in the ACFT (Army Combat Fitness Test) standards that will become effective in 2022. These revisions are aimed at enhancing the general effectiveness of the test and making sure that soldiers are better equipped for the physical demands of combat.
One of the most substantial changes is the inclusion of a new event called the “Standing Power Throw”. This event will assess a soldier’s capability to produce power and explosiveness by throwing a 10-pound medicine ball as far as achievable. This event will substitute the present “Standing Long Jump” event, which some soldiers have criticized for being too challenging.
Another change is the reduction of the number of leg tucks required in the “Leg Tuck” event. As opposed to necessitating soldiers to finish a minimum of 20 leg tucks, the new standard will require a minimum of five repetitions. This change was made in response to feedback from soldiers who found the previous standard to be too strenuous.
The “Hand-Release Push-Up” event will also see some modifications. Soldiers will now be required to perform the push-ups with their hands shoulder-width apart, instead of the previous standard of hands being placed outside the shoulders. This change is intended to make the event more demanding and better reflect the physical demands of combat.
Finally, the ACFT scoring system will also see some revisions. The maximum score for the test will be 600 points, with a minimum passing score of 360 points. This new scoring system is intended to better reflect a soldier’s overall fitness level and provide a more accurate assessment of their physical readiness for combat.
Overall, these alterations to the ACFT standards for 2022 are intended to better equip soldiers for the physical demands of combat and ensure that they are physically fit and ready to serve. While some soldiers may find the new standards more demanding, it is hoped that these changes will ultimately lead to a stronger, more capable Army.
Overview of ACFT Events and Scoring System
The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) is a physical fitness test intended to measure the fitness level of soldiers in the United States Army. The ACFT comprises six events designed to evaluate soldiers’ physical abilities in diverse areas like strength, flexibility, agility, and endurance. The six events that make up the ACFT are the deadlift, standing power throw, hand-release push-up, sprint-drag-carry, leg tuck, and two-mile run.
The deadlift event measures a soldier’s strength as they raise a weight off the ground and lower it back down. The standing power throw event measures a soldier’s explosive power as they throw a weighted ball as far as feasible. The hand-release push-up event measures a soldier’s upper body strength and endurance. The sprint-drag-carry event measures a soldier’s speed, agility, and endurance as they fulfill a sequence of tasks that involve sprinting, dragging a sled, carrying two kettlebells, and sprinting again. The leg tuck event measures a soldier’s core and grip strength as they complete a sequence of leg tucks. The two-mile run event measures a soldier’s endurance as they run two miles as quickly as possible.
Each event is evaluated based on the number of repetitions completed or the time taken to complete the event. Soldiers must accomplish a minimum score in each event to pass the overall ACFT. The minimum passing score for the ACFT fluctuates based on the soldier’s job in the Army, with higher minimum scores for positions that demand greater physical demands.
The scoring system for the ACFT is intended to motivate soldiers to strive for excellence in all six events. Soldiers are granted points based on their performance in each event, with higher scores granted for better accomplishments. The total number of points earned across all six events determines the soldier’s overall ACFT score.
The ACFT is an extensive test that provides a more precise assessment of a soldier’s physical fitness level than the previous Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). The ACFT is intended to guarantee that soldiers are physically fit to perform their duties and meet the demands of their job in the Army.
Training Tips and Strategies for ACFT Success
The new Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) is a significant change from the previous Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), and it requires a different set of skills and training strategies. To help you prepare for the ACFT, here are some training tips and strategies that can help you succeed:
1. Know the Test: The first step in preparing for the ACFT is to understand the test components and scoring. The test consists of six events: the deadlift, standing power throw, hand-release push-up, sprint-drag-carry, leg tuck, and two-mile run. Each event has a different scoring system, and the minimum passing score is 60 points for each event. Knowing the test’s components and scoring system will help you understand what you need to focus on during your training.
2. Build Strength: The ACFT requires a high level of strength, especially in the deadlift, standing power throw, and leg tuck events. To improve your strength, incorporate exercises like squats, lunges, deadlifts, bench press, and overhead press into your training routine. Aim to lift heavier weights as you progress to build more strength.
3. Improve Power and Explosiveness: The standing power throw and sprint-drag-carry events require power and explosiveness. To improve these skills, include plyometric exercises like box jumps, explosive push-ups, and medicine ball throws into your training routine. These exercises will help you develop the explosive power needed for these events.
4. Focus on Core Strength: The leg tuck event requires a lot of core strength, so it’s essential to include exercises that target your abs and lower back. Exercises like planks, Russian twists, and leg raises can help improve your core strength and make the leg tuck event more manageable.
5. Practice Endurance: The two-mile run event requires a high level of endurance, so it’s essential to incorporate cardio exercises into your training routine. Running, biking, and rowing are great ways to improve your endurance and prepare for the two-mile run event.
6. Train for Multiple Events: To succeed in the ACFT, you need to train for all six events. Make sure to include exercises that target each event in your training routine. You can also practice the events individually to improve your technique and efficiency.
7. Monitor Your Progress: Keep track of your progress by tracking your scores and times for each event. This will help you identify areas where you need to improve and adjust your training accordingly.
In conclusion, preparing for the ACFT requires a combination of strength, power, endurance, and technique. By following these training tips and strategies, you can improve your performance and succeed in the Us Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) 2022.
Benefits of the ACFT for Soldiers and the Army
The novel ACFT standards that the US Army intends to implement in 2022 present a multitude of advantages to soldiers and the Army as a unit. A few of the main advantages comprise:
1. More extensive evaluation of physical fitness: The ACFT is fabricated to render a more thorough appraisal of soldiers’ physical fitness than the present Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). It involves a broader array of exercises that more accurately depict the physical demands of combat, such as deadlifts, hand-release pushups, and sled drags. This means that soldiers will be better equipped for the challenges of combat, as well as for the demands of training and day-to-day life in the military.
2. Enhanced injury prevention: By integrating exercises that concentrate on functional fitness and injury prevention, such as the leg tuck and the standing power throw, the ACFT can aid soldiers in avoiding common injuries that can arise during training or combat. This can result in fewer medical disqualifications and a more effective and prepared fighting force.
3. Better overall health and well-being: The ACFT lays emphasis on strength, agility, and endurance, which are all crucial components of overall health and fitness. By ensuring that soldiers are physically fit and healthy, the Army can diminish healthcare costs and enhance overall quality of life for soldiers and their families.
4. More precise evaluation of physical readiness: As the ACFT is a more comprehensive test of physical fitness, it provides a more precise assessment of soldiers’ readiness for combat and other military duties. This can assist commanders in making better decisions about personnel assignments, training needs, and overall force readiness.
Overall, the new ACFT standards for the US Army offer significant advantages to soldiers and the Army as a unit. By underscoring functional fitness, injury prevention, and overall health and well-being, the ACFT can ensure that soldiers are ready for the physical demands of combat and can execute their duties to the best of their abilities.