What is the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT)?
The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) is the U.S. Army's official test of physical fitness, replacing the older Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). Designed to be a more comprehensive assessment of a soldier's physical readiness for combat, the ACFT measures 10 components of fitness: muscular strength and endurance, power, speed, agility, aerobic endurance, balance, flexibility, coordination, and reaction time. It consists of six events that are designed to simulate the physical demands of a combat environment. This ACFT calculator allows soldiers to input their raw scores for each event to see their total points and determine if they meet the Army's standards.
The Six Events of the ACFT
Each event is designed to test a different aspect of a soldier's physical capabilities:
- 3 Repetition Maximum Deadlift (MDL): Measures lower-body strength and simulates lifting heavy loads from the ground.
- Standing Power Throw (SPT): A backward overhead throw with a 10-pound medicine ball, testing explosive power.
- Hand-Release Push-Up (HRP): An upper-body endurance event that requires lifting the hands from the ground in the down position for each repetition.
- Sprint-Drag-Carry (SDC): A 250-meter shuttle event involving sprinting, dragging a 90-pound sled, and carrying two 40-pound kettlebells. It is a comprehensive test of strength, endurance, and agility.
- Plank (PLK): A core-strength event that replaces the old sit-up. Soldiers must hold a proper plank position for as long as possible.
- Two-Mile Run (2MR): The final event, this is a classic test of aerobic endurance. To train effectively for this event, a runner might use a Pace Calculator to plan their training runs.
Understanding the ACFT Scoring System
The ACFT uses a gender- and age-neutral scoring system. Each of the six events is graded on a scale from 0 to 100 points. To pass the test, a soldier must achieve a minimum score of 60 points in each event, for a total minimum passing score of 360.
The scoring standards are tiered based on the physical demands of a soldier's Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). While a score of 60 is the minimum standard for all soldiers, those in more physically demanding roles may be required to achieve a higher standard. This calculator uses the baseline scoring standards to provide a clear pass/fail result. For the most up-to-date and official scoring standards, it is always best to consult the official U.S. Army ACFT website. To supplement physical training, understanding your nutritional needs is also key. A Calorie Calculator can help you determine the right energy intake to fuel your workouts and recovery.