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6d ago

U.S. Army Unveils Gender-Neutral Fitness Test with Phased Rollout

The Army Fitness Test replaces the ACFT, standardizing combat fitness benchmarks and eliminating injury-prone events, with full implementation by mid-2026.

La Quinta High JROTC Audrina Espinoza, 16, applies camouflage face paint as she participates in the Army Career Fair at the Armed Forces Reserve Center near Moreno Valley, Calif., on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023.
The US army is changing its fitness test, according to an internal memo
The US Army will be making changes to its Army Combat Fitness Test.
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Overview

  • The Army Fitness Test (AFT) will replace the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) starting June 1, 2025, with full implementation for all components by mid-2026.
  • The AFT introduces gender-neutral scoring for 21 combat roles, requiring a minimum score of 350, while noncombat roles will maintain a 300-point minimum.
  • Five core events remain: deadlift, hand-release push-ups, sprint-drag-carry, plank, and a two-mile run, while the standing power throw has been removed due to injury risks.
  • The new standards align with congressional directives and aim to address performance disparities, such as the 84% female failure rate seen in 2019 trials under the ACFT.
  • Detailed scorecards and guidance for the AFT are expected in the coming weeks, with the Army monitoring its impact on readiness and retention.