The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) is the fitness test for the U.S. Army. The ACFT was designed to replace the old Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), which is a good thing because the ACFT is designed to test a Soldier’s overall strength, endurance, and fitness to fight while the APFT was limited to push ups, sit ups, and running. This new version of testing is much more in line with modern combat.
All soldiers should train and assess themselves based on Army ACFT standards regardless of age or gender. To simplify tracking performance, you should use the ACFT calculator and the ACFT score chart, both of which will break out individual performance and overall performance.
Why the Army Introduced the ACFT
The U.S. Army designed the ACFT to:
- Make soldiers more combat ready
- Promote a holistic fitness environment to lower the number of injuries.
- Better simulate real combat tasks.
- Consistently implement a fair, gender-neutral standard with unambiguous scoring.
Since the battlefield requires carrying heavy equipment, sprinting under stress, and lifting weight, the Army wanted a test that truly reflects those skills.
ACFT Events Explained
The test is made up of six separate events. Each event measures a different fitness component:
- 3 Repetition Maximum Deadlift (MDL)
Soldiers lift a weighted bar three times. This measures lower-body and grip strength. - Standing Power Throw (SPT)
Throwing a 10-pound medicine ball backward over the head to assess explosive power. - Hand-Release Push-Ups (HRP)
Hand-release during push-ups allows for full chest-to-ground contact, and measures upper-body strength. - Sprint-Drag-Carry (SDC)
Soldiers perform a sprint, then drag a sled, perform side-shuffles, and then carry kettlebells. This test assesses speed, agility, and muscular endurance. - Plank Hold (PLK)
changed the usual core test from the leg tuck. It assesses endurance and core stability. - Two-Mile Run (2MR)
Measures cardiovascular endurance, a vital part of soldier readiness.
ACFT Score Chart 2024
Performance is scored from 0 to 600 points, with each event worth up to 100. The ACFT score chart 2024 outlines standards based on repetitions, weight, distance, or time.
- A passing score requires at least 60 points in each event, totaling 360 points minimum.
- Soldiers aiming for promotion often need higher scores closer to 500–600.
Different age groups may see adjusted expectations, but the Army ACFT score chart 2024 still promotes fairness across the force.
ACFT Score Chart 2025: What to Expect
The Army continues to update its testing. While the ACFT score chart 2025 is expected to remain similar, adjustments may be made to reflect feedback, data on injury prevention, and readiness statistics.
Early indications show:
- Plank times may increase slightly for higher scores.
- Two-mile run cut-offs could tighten for younger age groups.
- The overall structure of the Army ACFT score chart will remain consistent.
ACFT Standards and Requirements
The ACFT requirements are designed to be challenging but achievable. The Army’s 2024 ACFT requirements were especially focused on:
- Uniform passing requirements for men and women.
- Minimums that align with combat readiness tasks.
- Score flexibility based on military occupational specialty (MOS).
By 2025, the updated ACFT standards 2025 will likely continue balancing fairness and combat performance.
Using the ACFT Calculator
The ACFT calculator is a tool that quickly determines scores for each event. Inputting numbers like:
- Deadlift weight,
- Throw distance,
- Push-up reps,
- Sprint-Drag-Carry time,
- Plank duration,
- Two-mile run time,
… gives soldiers their total score.
Online calculators, including the Army ACFT calculator, are updated to reflect the latest scoring tables regularly. This serves as a valuable resource for soldiers and trainers who want to assess readiness prior to the test.
Training Tips to Maximize Your ACFT Score
Improving your ACFT score requires focused training for each event. Here are strategies:
- For the Deadlift: Use squats, romanian deadlifts, and grip strength.
- For the Standing Power Throw: Use medicine ball throws and explosive plyometric exercises.
- For Push-Ups: Add regular, incline, and weighted push-ups to develop endurance.
- The sprint-drag-carry can be mimicked with High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT).
- For Plank Hold: Use side planks, hanging leg raises, and stability ball exercises.
- For Run: Use long runs and sprints for speed and endurance.
Common Mistakes in ACFT Training
- Ignoring mobility and stretching, leading to injury.
- Overtraining one event and neglecting others.
- Failing to simulate the sequence of events, which can cause fatigue surprises.
- Not entering precise numbers into the ACFT score calculator is an example of misuse.
Benefits of the ACFT
The Army ACFT does more than test soldiers:
- Promotes total-body fitness.
- Reduces long-term injuries.
- Increases confidence in real combat tasks.
- Provides measurable goals with the ACFT score chart.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the ACFT?
The ACFT is the U.S. Army’s official fitness test, consisting of six events that measure strength, endurance, and combat readiness.
2. How is the ACFT scored?
The ACFT Score Chart will show the performance-to-point conversions for all six events. Each event is scored out of a maximum of 100 points. To pass the ACFT test, soldiers must score at least 60 points in each of the six events.
3. What are the 2024 ACFT standards?
The ACFT standards for 2024 state soldiers must complete all six events, at least 360 points total in order to be successful. In the 2024 ACFT standards, gender-neutral and age-appropriate criteria are established for fairness amongst soldiers.
4. How do I calculate my ACFT score?
Use the ACFT calculator or Army ACFT calculator by entering results for each event. The tool instantly provides a total score.
5. What will change in 2025?
The standard for the ACFT score chart 2025 may have minor modifications to the plank and run standards, but the six-event framework will stay in place.
Conclusion
The ACFT is a large transition for the Army in how it evaluates fitness. The six different events ensure the soldier is prepared for the physical demands of combat. Soldiers can strive for excellence, by reading the ACFT score chart 2024, preparing for changes to the ACFT score chart 2025, and utilizing the ACFT calculator for practice.
As long as a soldier continues to focus on training, understands the Army ACFT standards and has the mindset to strive for a improvement for their ACFT score, he/she will be prepared not just for the test, but also is capable to take on real world challenges.