APFT vs ACFT vs AFT – Army Fitness Test Timeline

If there’s one thing the U.S. Army has always valued, it’s physical fitness. But as times change, so do the demands of warfighting—and with that, the Army’s fitness standards. From the traditional APFT to the challenging ACFT, and now the modern AFT, fitness testing has gone through a full transformation. Let’s take a step back and trace this evolution.

APFT vs ACFT vs AFT – Army Fitness Test Timeline

Physical training in the Army dates back to the early 20th century, where soldiers focused on marching, calisthenics, and endurance. These methods worked for their time, but as combat changed, the Army needed structured testing to track readiness.

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1. The Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT)

Introduction to the APFT

The APFT was the official Army fitness test from 1980 until 2020. For four decades, it was the gold standard for measuring soldier readiness. Its simplicity made it easy to implement across all units.

APFT Events

The test had three events:

1. Push-ups (2 minutes) – measured upper body endurance.
2. Sit-ups (2 minutes) – tested core strength and endurance.
3. Two-mile run – assessed cardiovascular endurance.
4. Scoring System

How the APFT Was Scored?

• Each event was scored from 0 to 100 points based on age and gender standards.
• A minimum passing score was 60 points per event and 180 total.
• A perfect score required 300 points (100 per event).

Key Features

• Fairness by demographic: Adjusted for male/female and age differences.
• Uniform standards across MOS: A cook and an infantryman needed the same minimums.
• Promotion points: Higher scores directly boosted career progression.

Strengths of the APFT

The APFT was easy to administer, required no equipment, and gave a clear number to measure performance. For decades, it was the backbone of Army fitness standards.

• Simple and quick: No equipment required.
• Standardized: Easy to compare soldiers’ performance.
• Cost-effective: Could be done anywhere.

Limitations of the APFT

Simplicity had drawbacks. The APFT didn’t measure strength, power, agility, or combat-related movements. A soldier could score high yet still struggle with tasks like carrying heavy gear or dragging a wounded comrade. Didn’t account for job-specific demands. A desk MOS and a combat MOS were held to the same fitness standard, even though their roles were drastically different.

• Lacked realism: Did not reflect combat tasks.
• Unbalanced: Focused mainly on endurance, ignored strength and agility.
• Injury concerns: Sit-ups often caused back injuries.

Why the Army Needed a New Test

Modern combat required more than endurance—it demanded strength, power, and quick bursts of energy. Rising injury rates also showed the APFT wasn’t preparing soldiers properly. This called for a complete overhaul.

2. The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT)

Introduction to the ACFT

The ACFT was first piloted in 2019 and officially implemented in 2020 as a replacement for the APFT. It aimed to measure combat readiness by incorporating movements that simulated real battlefield tasks.

ACFT Events

The ACFT originally had six events:

1. 3-Repetition Maximum Deadlift (MDL) – tests lower body and grip strength.
2. Standing Power Throw (SPT) – measures explosive power.
3. Hand-Release Push-Ups (HRP) – strengthens upper body endurance.
4. Sprint-Drag-Carry (SDC) – assesses speed, agility, and muscular endurance.
5. Leg Tuck (LTK) – tested core and upper body strength (later replaced with plank).
6. Two-Mile Run (2MR) – cardiovascular endurance.

Scoring System

• Each of the six events (deadlift, standing power throw, push-ups, sprint-drag-carry, leg tuck/plank, 2-mile run) scored up to 100 points.
• Maximum possible: 600 points.
• Initially, scoring was gender- and age-neutral — the same standard for everyone.

MOS-Based Scoring Tiers

This was the big shift. Instead of age and gender, standards were tied to MOS categories:

1. Heavy (e.g., Infantry, Armor, Combat Engineers)

   • Highest standards: stronger deadlifts, faster sprint-drag-carry, higher power throw distances.

2. Significant (e.g., Military Police, Signal, Aviation)

   • Moderate standards: still demanding, but less than heavy combat MOS.

3. Moderate (e.g., Clerks, Finance, Chaplain Assistants)

   • Lower minimums, more accessible fitness requirements.

Strengths of the ACFT

This test provided a far more realistic picture of combat fitness. It rewarded overall strength, explosive power, and mobility—qualities essential on the battlefield.

• More realistic: Mimicked battlefield tasks.
• Functional fitness: Tested strength, power, agility, and endurance.
• Reduced injuries: Promoted balanced training instead of repetitive sit-ups.

Challenges of the ACFT

But the ACFT wasn’t perfect. It required specialized equipment, which made it tough for smaller or remote units to implement. The gender-neutral scoring also sparked controversy, as many soldiers struggled to meet the same standards.

• Equipment-heavy: Required hex bars, kettlebells, and medicine balls.
• Logistics issues: Hard to administer in remote or deployed units.
• Scoring controversy: Gender-neutral standards led to lower pass rates among women, sparking debate.

Even ACFT Wasn’t Enough

After years of testing and feedback, the Army introduced the Army Fitness Test (AFT) as a balanced middle ground. The AFT sought to combine fairness, practicality, and combat relevance.

3. The Army Fitness Test (AFT)

After years of testing the ACFT and facing criticism, the Army transitioned to the Army Fitness Test (AFT) in 2023–2024 as a more balanced, practical version. The AFT sought to maintain combat realism while addressing fairness, inclusivity, and logistical challenges.

AFT Events

The AFT includes a mix of endurance, agility, and strength tasks. While details continue to evolve, it generally includes:

1. Strength test – lifting or carrying tasks.
2. Agility event – sprint-drag-carry type movement.
3. Core event – plank or similar hold.
4. Endurance event – two-mile run or alternative cardio.

(Note: Event specifics vary depending on the final structure, but the AFT standards is essentially a streamlined ACFT.)

AFT Scoring System

• Uses age- and gender-specific standards again (similar to APFT).
• Scoring is designed to be clear and inclusive, with tiered performance categories.
• Streamlined compared to the ACFT.
• Each event has a point scale, with passing scores adjusted for demographic factors.
• Focus is on fairness and inclusivity, while still rewarding higher performance with promotion points.

MOS Standards in the AFT

Unlike the ACFT, the AFT does not use MOS tiers. Instead, it:

• Applies one scoring model across the Army.
• Ensures soldiers in all MOS roles can meet baseline standards.
• MOS-specific demands are met through additional training requirements, not the test itself.

Strengths of the AFT

• Balanced: Mixes endurance and strength without overcomplication.
• Practical: Fewer equipment needs than ACFT.
• Fairer scoring: Restored gender and age adjustments.
• Challenges of the AFT
• Still evolving: Not yet as standardized as APFT once was.
• Transition pains: Soldiers and units must adapt to new training focus.

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Key Differences Between APFT, ACFT, and AFT

• APFT: Simple, minimal equipment, endurance-focused
• ACFT: Complex, equipment-heavy, combat-realistic
• AFT: Balanced, practical, inclusive

The Future of Army Fitness Testing

Looking ahead, Army fitness testing may integrate technology—wearable trackers, AI-based scoring, and data-driven injury prevention. One thing is clear: the Army will continue adapting its fitness standards to meet modern demands.

Conclusion

From the APFT’s simplicity to the ACFT’s intensity, and now the AFT’s balance, the Army has shown that fitness isn’t static. It evolves with the needs of soldiers and the realities of combat. The timeline of Army fitness tests tells one story loud and clear: adaptability equals readiness.

FAQs

1. Why was the APFT replaced?
Because it didn’t measure real-world combat readiness and focused too much on endurance.

2. Is the ACFT harder than the APFT?
Yes, the ACFT required more strength, power, and equipment, making it significantly more challenging.

3. What events are in the new AFT?
The AFT includes a mix of endurance, strength, and agility events designed for both fairness and realism.

4. How does scoring work in the AFT?
Scoring is standardized but more flexible than the ACFT, balancing inclusivity with performance measurement.

5. What does the future hold for Army fitness testing?
Expect tech integration, better injury prevention, and continued adjustments to keep pace with modern warfare.