Promotion Point Adjustments with the AFT – What Soldiers Need to Know
As the U.S. Army continues to evolve its fitness standards to better prepare Soldiers for the demands of modern warfare, 2025 marks a pivotal year for enlisted promotions. The introduction of the Army Fitness Test (AFT)—replacing the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) on June 1, 2025—brings significant adjustments to how physical fitness contributes to promotion points. These changes are designed to enhance readiness, reduce injuries, and align with Executive Order 14168 on sex-neutral standards for combat roles, while ensuring fairness across the force. For Soldiers eyeing promotion to Sergeant (E-5) or Staff Sergeant (E-6), understanding these updates is crucial. This article breaks down the new standards, scoring system, point allocation, implementation timeline, and practical advice to help you maximize your promotion potential.
The Shift from ACFT to AFT: Why It Matters for Promotions
The ACFT, implemented in 2020, revolutionized Army fitness by emphasizing combat-relevant tasks. However, data from nearly one million tests, combined with RAND Corporation analysis, revealed opportunities for refinement—particularly in reducing injury risks from events like the Standing Power Throw (SPT) and tailoring standards to physiological realities. Enter the AFT: a streamlined five-event test that becomes the official record on June 1, 2025. No administrative actions (like flagging for failure) will occur until January 1, 2026, giving Soldiers a grace period to adapt.
For promotions, physical fitness falls under the “Military Training” category in Army Regulation (AR) 600-8-19, Enlisted Promotions and Reductions. The AFT’s scores directly influence the up-to-120 promotion points available here, competing with categories like weapons qualification, education, and civilian skills. Unlike the ACFT’s blanket scoring, the AFT introduces dual standards: a “general” benchmark for most Soldiers and a tougher “combat” standard for those in high-risk Military Occupational Specialties (MOSs). This ensures Soldiers in combat roles (e.g., Infantry, Armor) meet elevated thresholds, while others benefit from age- and sex-normed scoring.
Critically, ACFT scores taken before May 31, 2025, remain valid for promotion cutoffs through September 30, 2025. Starting October 1, 2025, however, AFT scores must be entered into the Digital Training Management System (DTMS) to earn points—using the general standard initially, then shifting to combat standards by January 1, 2026, for applicable MOSs.
Related: How to Prepare for AFT in 8-12 Weeks?
AFT Scoring Standards: General vs. Combat
The AFT’s scoring is points-based, with each of the five events contributing to a total. To pass, Soldiers need at least 60 points per event and a minimum overall score: 300 for general standards or 350 for combat standards. These minima ensure baseline proficiency without overly penalizing older or female Soldiers in non-combat roles.
| Standard Type | Applies To | Minimum Per Event | Minimum Total Score | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General | All Soldiers not in combat MOSs; initial transition phase for all | 60 points | 300 points | Sex- and age-normed (e.g., easier for ages 42+); focuses on overall readiness |
| Combat | 21 specific MOSs (e.g., 11B Infantry, 19D Cavalry Scout, 13F Fire Support Specialist); effective Jan. 1, 2026 (Active Component) | 60 points | 350 points | Sex-neutral and age-normed; same standards regardless of gender or current assignment |
Combat MOSs include branches like Infantry (11), Armor (19), Field Artillery (13), Air Defense (14), Special Forces (18), and Aviation (15A/15B). Soldiers in these roles must hit the 350-point mark for promotion eligibility post-transition, but they can still earn partial points below that during the grace period. Notably, a score of 465+ on the AFT exempts Soldiers from body fat tape tests, indirectly supporting promotion by avoiding height/weight flags.
Promotion points are awarded based on your total AFT score, normalized against peers in your MOS. The exact table—updated in May 2025—maps totals to points (e.g., 500+ might yield 120 points, while 300-349 could net 60-80). Centralized promotions (e.g., to E-7 and above) remain unaffected.
The Five AFT Events: What to Expect
Gone is the SPT; the AFT emphasizes sustainable, low-injury movements. Each event tests multiple fitness domains, with scoring tables available in the May 15, 2025, AFT Scoring Standards (effective June 1, 2025).
- 3-Repetition Maximum Deadlift (MDL): Lift a 60-pound hex bar as many times as possible for three reps. Measures lower-body power. Max points: 100+ pounds lifted.
- Hand-Release Push-Ups (HRP): Two minutes of push-ups with full arm extension at the bottom. Targets upper-body endurance. Max points: 50+ reps.
- Sprint-Drag-Carry (SDC): A 250-meter shuttle with sprints, a 90-pound sled drag, lateral run, and kettlebell carries. Builds anaerobic capacity. Max points: Under 1:40 time.
- Plank (PLK): Hold a forearm plank. Assesses core stability. Max points: 3+ minutes.
- Two-Mile Run (2MR): Timed run on a flat course. Gauges cardio. Max points: Under 13:30 for general standards.
Events are administered twice yearly (or more for high-risk units), with alternates for injuries (e.g., swim for run). Scores auto-populate in DTMS via the Army’s Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) system.
Earning Promotion Points: The Mechanics
Under AR 600-8-19, the AFT category caps at 120 points—30% of the 798 total possible for semi-centralized promotions (E-5/E-6). Points are calculated post-test and added to your Enlisted Distribution and Assignment System (EDAS) record for monthly cutoffs.
- Eligibility: Must pass (300+ general or 350+ combat) and record in DTMS. Legacy ACFT scores bridge the gap until September 30, 2025.
- Point Allocation: Scaled by total score. For example:
- 599-600: 120 points
- 500-598: 110-119 points
- 400-499: 90-109 points
- 300-399: 60-89 points (partial credit for passing)
- MOS Competition: Points are relative; a 450 in a fit-heavy MOS like Infantry might score lower than in Admin (42A).
Failure to record or pass disqualifies points until retested (90 days for Active/AGR; 180 for Guard/Reserve). No double-dipping with ACFT—it’s AFT or bust after October 1, 2025.
Related: Best Workouts for AFT Tests Training?
Timeline: Key Dates for 2025 and Beyond
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| June 1, 2025 | AFT official; new tests use AFT scoring. ACFT valid through Sept. 30. |
| September-December 2025 | Voluntary reclassification window for PVT-SSG in combat MOSs failing 350 points. |
| October 1, 2025 | AFT general scores required in DTMS for all promotions. |
| January 1, 2026 | Combat standard (350) mandatory for Active Component promotions in 21 MOSs. No admin actions until then. |
| June 1, 2026 | Combat standard for Reserve/Guard. |
Handling Failures: No Immediate Penalties, But Plan Ahead
The transition is forgiving: No flagging for general standard failures until 2026, superseding AR 350-1 and AR 600-8-2. Combat MOS Soldiers below 350 but passing general (300+) may reclassify voluntarily (no impact on promotion points during window). Officers can request branch transfers. Post-2026, persistent failures could lead to separation boards, but H2F teams provide tailored training to prevent this.
Preparation Strategies: Maximize Your Score
- Train Smart: Leverage H2F advisors for personalized plans. Focus on weak events—e.g., deadlifts for lower-body strength.
- Track Progress: Use the AFT calculator to track your progress; aim 50-100 points above minima.
- Nutrition and Recovery: H2F emphasizes sleep, diet, and mental resilience—key to hitting 500+.
- Unit Support: Commanders must schedule tests; request alternates if injured.
Higher scores not only boost points but correlate with lower injury rates and better mission performance.
Conclusion: Stay Fit, Promote Fast
The AFT’s 2025 rollout refines the Army’s fitness ecosystem, tying promotion points more tightly to combat-ready standards without punishing the transition. By recording your AFT in DTMS on time and targeting 400+ points, you’ll position yourself ahead of peers. Check HRC’s portal or your S1 for personalized cutoffs—your next stripe depends on it. For official scoring tables, visit army.mil/aft. Train hard, Soldier; the force needs you at your best.
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