Army Combat Fitness Test Standards & Scoring Guide

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The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) is the current physical fitness test for the United States Army, designed to better reflect the physical demands of modern warfare. It replaced the older Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) in 2022, aiming to test a soldier’s functional fitness and readiness for combat roles. The ACFT is mandatory for all active duty, Reserve, and National Guard soldiers.

In this guide, we’ll break down the ACFT’s structure, scoring system, and performance standards and provide tips to help you prepare and succeed.

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What Is the Army Combat Fitness Test?

The ACFT consists of six events that assess muscular strength, endurance, power, agility, and aerobic capacity. These are

1. 3 Repetition Maximum Deadlift (MDL)

2. Standing Power Throw (SPT)

3. Hand-Release Push-Up (HRP)

4. Sprint-Drag-Carry (SDC)

5. Plank (PLK)

6. Two-Mile Run (2MR)

Each event is scored on a scale of 0–100 points, with 60 points being the minimum passing score per event. A soldier must earn a minimum total of 360 points out of 600 to pass the ACFT.

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ACFT Event Breakdown

1. 3 Repetition Maximum Deadlift (MDL)

Purpose: Measures lower body and core strength.

How it’s done: Lift the maximum weight possible for three repetitions using a hex bar.

• Minimum standard (60 pts): 140 lbs

• Maximum (100 pts): 340 lbs

Tip: Focus on form. Engage your glutes and hamstrings, and avoid rounding your back.

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2. Standing Power Throw (SPT)

Purpose: Measures explosive power in the upper and lower body.

How it’s done: Throw a 10-lb medicine ball backward overhead for maximum distance.

• Minimum (60 pts): 4.5 meters

• Maximum (100 pts): 12.5 meters

Tip: Use your legs and hips to generate power. Practice with different medicine ball weights to improve control and range.

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3. Hand-Release Push-Up (HRP)

Purpose: Tests upper body muscular endurance.

How it’s done: Lower your body to the ground, lift your hands off the floor, then push back up. Repeat as many reps as possible in 2 minutes.

• Minimum (60 pts): 10 reps

• Maximum (100 pts): 60 reps

Tip: Keep a steady pace and ensure a full range of motion for each rep to avoid penalties.

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4. Sprint-Drag-Carry (SDC)

Purpose: Tests anaerobic capacity, agility, and muscular endurance.

How it’s done: It involves sprinting, dragging a 90-lb sled, lateral shuffling, carrying two 40-lb kettlebells, and sprinting again—all in a 25-meter lane.

• Minimum (60 pts): 3 minutes

• Maximum (100 pts): 1 minute 30 seconds

Tip: Work on speed and grip strength. Practice transitions between movements to reduce time.

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5. Plank (PLK)

Purpose: Replaced the leg tuck and measures core endurance.

How it’s done: Hold the plank position on elbows for as long as possible.

• Minimum (60 pts): 1 minute 30 seconds

• Maximum (100 pts): 4 minutes 20 seconds

Tip: Focus on engaging your core and glutes. Avoid sagging hips or raised buttocks.

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6. Two-Mile Run (2MR)

Purpose: Measures aerobic endurance.

How it’s done: Complete a two-mile run for time.

• Minimum (60 pts): 21:00 minutes

• Maximum (100 pts): 13:30 minutes

Tip: Train with a mix of long runs, intervals, and tempo workouts to build endurance and speed.

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ACFT Scoring Tables by Category

As of 2023, the Army revised the ACFT scoring based on gender and age group, moving away from the earlier gender-neutral model. Each category has its own scoring standards.

Age groups:

• 17–21

• 22–26

• 27–31

• 32–36

• 37–41

• 42–46

• 47–51

• 52–56

• 57–61

• 62+

To find your exact score for each event, refer to the official Army ACFT score chart. For instance:

Event 22–26 Male (60 pts) 22–26 Female (60 pts)

MDL 160 lbs 140 lbs

SPT 6.5 m 4.5 m

HRP 20 reps 10 reps

SDC 2:10 mins–2:30 mins

PLK 1:30 mins 1:30 mins

2MR 18:00 mins 21:00 mins

Scoring Notes:

• Scores between 60 and 100 points are scaled.

• You can fail the ACFT if you score below 60 on any one event, even if your total is above 360.

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ACFT Pass Requirements

• Minimum total score: 360 points

• Minimum per event: 60 points

• Frequency: Soldiers take the ACFT twice per year (active duty) and once per year (Reserve/Guard).

• Retests: Soldiers who fail an event may retake the test after training.

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How to Prepare for the ACFT

1. Train All Components: Balance strength, endurance, agility, and flexibility training.

2. Use Proper Equipment: Practice with hex bars, sleds, kettlebells, and medicine balls.

3. Recovery Matters: Incorporate rest days, stretching, and proper nutrition.

4. Track Progress: Regularly perform mock ACFTs to monitor improvements.

5. Work on Weak Areas: Focus more on the events you struggle with.

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Conclusion

The Army Combat Fitness Test is more than just a measure of physical strength—it's a reflection of a soldier’s readiness for the challenges of combat. While the six events may seem daunting, with proper training and strategy, you can exceed the minimum standards and improve your overall fitness. Understand the scoring system, tailor your workouts, and stay consistent. Passing the ACFT is not just a requirement—it’s a statement of your resilience and combat readiness.

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Want to improve your ACFT score?

Check out training plans, drills, and tips in our upcoming posts to help you dominate every event of the test.

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