Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) 2025: Comprehensive Guide to Standards, Scoring, and Training
Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) 2025: Comprehensive Guide to Standards, Scoring, and Training
The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) has undergone significant updates in 2025, reflecting the U.S. Army’s commitment to enhancing soldier readiness and operational effectiveness. This comprehensive guide delves into the latest ACFT standards, scoring system, and training strategies to help soldiers and fitness enthusiasts prepare effectively.
Table of Contents
- Introduction to the ACFT
- ACFT Events Overview
- 2025 ACFT Scoring Standards
- Training Strategies for ACFT Success
- Gender-Neutral Standards and Policy Changes
- FAQs on the ACFT
- Conclusion and Call to Action
Introduction to the ACFT
The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) is the U.S. Army’s physical fitness assessment designed to evaluate a soldier’s physical readiness for combat. Introduced to replace the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), the ACFT aims to provide a more comprehensive measure of a soldier’s physical capabilities, aligning fitness testing with the demands of modern warfare.
ACFT Events Overview
The ACFT comprises six events, each targeting different aspects of physical fitness:
- Three-Repetition Maximum Deadlift (MDL): Assesses lower-body strength.
- Standing Power Throw (SPT): Measures explosive power.
- Hand-Release Push-Up (HRP): Evaluates upper-body endurance.
- Sprint-Drag-Carry (SDC): Tests anaerobic capacity and agility.
- Plank (PLK): Assesses core strength and endurance.
- Two-Mile Run (2MR): Measures aerobic endurance.
Each event is scored individually, contributing to a total score that determines overall performance.
2025 ACFT Scoring Standards
To pass the ACFT, soldiers must achieve a minimum total score of 360 points, with at least 60 points in each event. The maximum score per event is 100 points, totaling 600 points for all six events.
Minimum and Maximum Standards:
- Three-Repetition Maximum Deadlift (MDL):
- Minimum: 140 lbs
- Maximum: 340 lbs
- Standing Power Throw (SPT):
- Minimum: 6.0 meters
- Maximum: 12.6 meters
- Hand-Release Push-Up (HRP):
- Minimum: 10 repetitions
- Maximum: 57 repetitions
- Sprint-Drag-Carry (SDC):
- Minimum: 2 minutes 28 seconds
- Maximum: 1 minute 29 seconds
- Plank (PLK):
- Minimum: 1 minute 30 seconds
- Maximum: 3 minutes 40 seconds
- Two-Mile Run (2MR):
- Minimum: 22 minutes
- Maximum: 13 minutes 22 seconds
Note: The Standing Power Throw (SPT) has been removed from the ACFT as of April 2025.
Training Strategies for ACFT Success
Achieving high scores on the ACFT requires targeted training strategies:
- Strength Training: Incorporate deadlifts, squats, and bench presses to build overall strength.
- Cardiovascular Conditioning: Engage in running, cycling, and interval training to improve aerobic capacity.
- Core Stability Exercises: Perform planks, Russian twists, and leg raises to enhance core endurance.
- Agility Drills: Practice shuttle runs, ladder drills, and cone drills to boost agility and speed.
Consistent training, proper nutrition, and adequate rest are essential components of a successful ACFT preparation plan.
Gender-Neutral Standards and Policy Changes
In 2025, the U.S. Army implemented gender-neutral standards for combat roles, ensuring that all soldiers, regardless of gender, meet the same physical requirements for specific military occupational specialties (MOS). This policy aims to maintain operational effectiveness and fairness across the force.
FAQs on the ACFT
Q1: What is the passing score for the ACFT?
A1: Soldiers must score at least 60 points in each event, totaling a minimum of 360 points to pass the ACFT.
Q2: How often is the ACFT administered?
A2: Active-duty soldiers are required to take the ACFT twice a year, while Reserve and National Guard soldiers take it once a year.
Q3: Are there alternate events for soldiers with medical profiles?
A3: Yes, the Army provides alternate aerobic events, such as a stationary bike test, for soldiers unable to perform the two-mile run due to medical conditions.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The 2025 updates to the Army Combat Fitness Test reflect the evolving demands of military readiness and the commitment to maintaining a physically capable force. By understanding the test components, scoring standards, and training strategies, soldiers can effectively prepare and excel in the ACFT.Army
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