Army Fitness Test (AFT): Standards, Requirements, and Implementation

The Army is undergoing significant changes in how it measures soldier fitness. The Army Fitness Test (AFT) will become the official physical fitness test of record for all Soldiers on June 1, 2025, replacing the Army Combat Fitness Test. This transition marks a normal evolution of Army fitness standards that occur every 3-5 years. The AFT is designed to increase warfighting readiness, reduce injury risk, and enhance the physical performance of the force.

Overview of the Army Fitness Test (AFT)

The AFT consists of five events designed to assess different components of fitness:

Three-Repetition Maximum Deadlift (MDL)
Hand-Release Push-Up - Arm Extension (HRP)
Sprint-Drag-Carry (SDC)
Plank (PLK)
Two-Mile Run (2MR)

Key Objectives of the AFT

Improve Soldier and unit readiness
Transform the Army's fitness culture
Reduce preventable injuries and attrition
Enhance mental toughness and stamina

AFT Standards and Scoring

The AFT introduces different scoring standards based on the Soldier's military occupational specialty (MOS).

Combat Standard

Applies to Soldiers in 21 combat MOSs.
Sex-neutral, age-normed.
Requires a total score of 350, with a minimum of 60 points per event.

General Standard

Applies to Soldiers in combat-enabling specialties.
Performance-normed by sex and age.
Requires a total score of 300.

Combat MOSs for AFT Purposes

The following MOSs are classified as combat for AFT purposes:

11A. Infantry Officer
11B. Infantryman
11C. Indirect Fire Infantryman (Mortarman)
11Z. Infantry Senior Sergeant
12A. Engineer; General Engineer
12B. Combat Engineer
13A. Field Artillery Officer
13F. Fire Support Specialist
18A. Special Forces Officer
180A. Special Forces Warrant Officer
18B. Special Forces Weapons Sergeant
18C. Special Forces Engineer Sergeant
18D. Special Forces Medical Sergeant
18E. Special Forces Communications Sergeant
18F. Special Forces Intelligence Sergeant
18Z. Special Forces Senior Sergeant
19A. Armor Officer
19C. Bradley Crew member
19D. Cavalry Scout
19K. M1 Armor Crewman
19Z. Armor Senior Sergeant

Rationale Behind the Changes

Sex-Neutral Scoring for Combat MOSs

Higher fitness standards are strictly aligned with the unique physical demands of specific roles, maintaining readiness, and mission effectiveness. Standards will be sex-neutral and therefore the same for both “men” and “women,” as those terms are defined in Executive Order 14168, “Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government.”

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Higher Standards

These updates stem from the Army's ongoing assessment of physical fitness. Higher standards ensure Soldiers are prepared for wartime missions. Scientific analysis shows that higher fitness standards reduce injury risk.

Removal of the Standing Power Throw (SPT)

The SPT was removed due to its technical nature and injury risk. RAND analysis supports this decision.

Impact on Readiness

The AFT enhances readiness by ensuring Soldiers are better prepared for the demands of combat. Performance data from nearly one million ACFTs and RAND analysis informed this decision. The combat MOSs were selected based on roles in close combat and high physical demands.

Monitoring and Support

An HQDA convening board and unit-level reporting will monitor impacts. The Army Reserve will have the time, support, and resources needed to succeed.

Age-Normed Scoring

The Army Fitness Test maintains or raises fitness standards for all soldiers, utilizing age-normed scoring to acknowledge the force's demographics and the physiological demands on soldiers throughout their careers. This approach balances the need for experienced personnel with performance expectations, recognizing older soldiers often serve in less physically demanding roles. Leadership expectations remain unchanged, with leaders of all ages expected to lead by example. The Army continues to evaluate and refine fitness standards based on data and performance analysis.

Implementation Timeline

APRIL 23, 2025: Army Directive published on Army Publishing Directorate
MAY 1, 2025: Execution Order published with implementation guidance
JUNE 1, 2025: AFT becomes official test of record
JANUARY 1, 2026: New scoring standards for Soldiers in 21 combat military occupations (MOS) take effect for the active component
JUNE 1, 2026: New scoring standards for Soldiers in 21 combat military occupations (MOS) take effect for the Reserve and National Guard

AFT Events in Detail

1. Three Repetition Maximum Deadlift (MDL)

The MDL assesses the Muscular Strength component of fitness by measuring a Soldier’s lower body, grip and core muscular strength. It requires well-conditioned back and leg muscles and helps Soldiers to avoid hip, knee and lower back injuries. Flexibility and balance are secondary components of fitness assessed by the MDL. Deadlift the maximum weight possible three times.

Phase 1 - Preparatory Phase: On the command of “GET SET,” the Soldier steps inside the hex bar, feet shoulder width apart, and locates the mid-point of the hex bar handles. The Soldier bends at the knees and hips, reaches down and grasps the center of the handles using a closed grip. Arms are fully extended, back is flat, head aligns with the spine or is slightly extended, and heels are in contact with the ground. Each repetition begins from this position.
Phase 2 - Upward Movement Phase: On the command of “GO,” the Soldier lifts the bar by straightening the hips and knees in order to reach the Straddle Stance. The hips should not rise before or above the shoulders. The back should remain straight - not rounded out or flexed. The feet remain in the same position. The Soldier and the weight must remain balanced and controlled throughout the movement.
Phase 3 - Downward Movement Phase: After reaching the Straddle Stance position, the Soldier lowers the bar back to the ground under control while maintaining a straight back. The bar must be placed on the ground and not dropped. The weight plates must touch the ground to complete a repetition.

Execute three continuous repetitions with the same weight. If the Soldier fails to complete three continuous repetitions under control, he or she is permitted one retest at a lower weight. If the Soldier successfully completes three continuous repetitions on the first attempt, he or she may elect an additional attempt at a higher weight. The maximum number of attempts on the MDL is two.

Fitness Components: Muscular strength, balance, and flexibility
Standard Equipment: 60-pound hex bar and plates
How to Train: Sumo Deadlift, Alternate Staggered Squat Jump, Forward Lunge
Application to Common Soldier Tasks: The MDL assesses the Muscular Strength component of fitness by measuring a Soldier’s lower body, grip and core muscular strength. It requires well-conditioned back and leg muscles and helps Soldiers to avoid hip, knee and lower back injuries. Flexibility and balance are secondary components of fitness assessed by the MDL.

2. Hand Release Push-Up - Arm Extension (HRP)

The HRP assesses the Muscular Endurance component of fitness by measuring a Soldier’s upper body endurance. The HRP is a strong driver for upper body and core strength training. Flexibility is a secondary component of fitness assessed by the HRP. Complete as many Hand-Release Push-ups as possible in two minutes.

Starting position: On the command of “GET SET,” one Soldier in each lane will assume the prone position facing the start line with hands flat on the ground and index fingers inside the outer edges of the shoulders. The chest and front of the hips and… The HRP assesses the Muscular Endurance component of fitness by measuring a Soldier’s upper body endurance. The HRP is a strong driver for upper body and core strength training. Flexibility is a secondary component of fitness assessed by the HRP.

3. Sprint-Drag-Carry (SDC)

The SDC assesses the muscular endurance, muscular strength, anaerobic power, and anaerobic endurance components of fitness by measuring a soldier’s ability to sustain moderate- to high-intensity muscular work over a short duration. On the command “GO,” a soldier will stand and sprint 25 meters; touch the 25-meter line with foot and hand; turn and sprint back to the start line. Soldiers will grasp each strap handle, which will be positioned and resting on the sled behind the start line; pull the sled backwards until the entire sled crosses the 25-meter line; turn the sled around and pull back until the entire sled crosses the start line. After the entire sled crosses the start line, they will perform a lateral for 25 meters, touch the 25-meter turn line with their foot and hand, and perform the lateral back to the start line. They will face the same direction moving back to the 25-meter start line and returning to the start line so they lead with each foot. Soldiers will grasp the handles of the two 40-pound kettlebells and run to the 25-meter turn line, step on or over the 25-meter turn line with one foot, turn, and run back to the start line. If they drop the kettlebells during movement, the carry will resume from the point the kettlebells were dropped. After stepping on or over the start line, soldiers will place the kettlebells on the ground, turn and sprint 25 meters, touch the 25-meter turn line with their foot and hand, turn, and sprint back to the start line. A soldier will conduct five 50-meter shuttles-sprint, drag, lateral, carry, and sprint-within a certain time range depending on their age and gender.

4. Plank (PLK)

The PLK tests the muscular endurance component of fitness by measuring core strength and endurance. On the command “GET READY” a soldier’s hands must be on the ground, either in fists with the pinky side of the hand touching the ground or lying flat with palms down, no more than fist-width apart. Elbows will be bent, aligned with shoulders and forearms flat on the ground forming a triangle. A soldier must maintain a proper plank in the straight-line position for as long as possible, with different benchmarks for time depending on your age and gender.

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5. Two-Mile Run (2MR)

The 2MR assesses the aerobic endurance component of fitness. The 2MR can be completed on an indoor or outdoor track, or an improved surface like a road or sidewalk. A soldier will run two miles on a measured, generally flat outdoor course with different benchmarks for time depending on their age and gender.

Policy Changes

Transition Period

Soldiers who fail to meet the AFT General Standard during the transition period will not be flagged. HQDA G-1 and HQDA G-3 Exceptions to Policy supersede AR 350-1 and AR 600-8-2.

Reenlistment

Soldiers who meet retention eligibility will be allowed to continue to remain in service based on options available at the time of reenlistment.

Reclassification

Soldiers in combat MOS/AOCs who do not meet the AFT combat standard but achieve the AFT general standard is subject to in-service reclassification. No administrative action will be taken against personnel prior to January 1, 2026 for Regular Army, Active Guard Reserve, and Reserve Component Soldiers on active-duty orders for more than 60 days must achieve the AFT combat standard beginning January 1, 2026. Soldiers serving in the Army Reserve component not listed above will have until June 1, 2026 to meet the AFT combat standard.

During the voluntary reclassification phase (SEP-DEC 2025), Soldiers serving in a combat MOS/AOCs who do not meet the minimum 350 AFT combat standard score will be able to request voluntary reclassification if they are in the rank of PVT-SSG and under 18 years total active federal service.

Officers are offered voluntary branch transfer prior to January 1, 2026, like enlisted personnel.

Promotions

Soldiers will compete for promotion based on their MOS regardless of the combat or general standard. 120 points is still the maximum points authorized, there will be a revised promotion points table, and scores will normalize as the AFT is implemented. The AFT will not have any impact on centralized promotions.

ACFT scores recorded before May 31, 2025, will be valid for promotion considerations until September 30, 2025. The AFT general standard will be used for promotion actions beginning October 1, 2025. The AFT Combat standard will be used for promotion actions beginning January 1, 2026. To receive promotion points for the AFT category under military training, starting October 1, 2025, all AFT general scores must be recorded in DTMS for promotion points. AFT Combat scores must be recorded in DTMS starting January 1, 2026.

Height/Weight Exception

A new policy is being drafted to grant a similar HT/WT exception to policy based on AFT standards.

Tracking and Reclassification

An IPPS-A generated report will be produced monthly. Unit S1 will verify their personnel monthly and DMPM will conduct a mis-match report review.

Training

Commanders and Soldiers will receive a toolkit to guide them through AFT Combat implementation. Additionally, town halls will be held to address any questions about AFT guidance.

Officer Reclassification

BOLC-qualified officers between 2LT and CPT who have not achieved the minimum AFT (combat standard) score of 350 may request a voluntary branch transfer through an ETP to VTIP. BOLC-B qualified officers between 2LT and CPT who do not achieve the minimum AFT (combat standard) score of 350 by December 31, 2025, will be involuntarily branch transferred.

Meeting the Standard

Active-duty, Active Guard Reserve, and Reserve Soldiers on 60-day orders must retest within 90 days after their first record failure to achieve the new standard; National Guard and Reserve Soldiers within 180 days.

Special Circumstances

Current policy remains in effect for Soldiers undergoing a process such as the Military Occupational Specialty Administrative Retention Review (MAR2) or Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) process. Future changes will be communicated as needed. There is no change to the temporary profile policy. Soldiers will train and test according to profile guidance and recovery timelines.

Advice for Soldiers

Focus on consistent physical training, not just test preparation. The AFT is designed to reflect and support battlefield fitness, ensuring Soldiers are better prepared to fight and win.

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