ACFT Standards 2024
The United States Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) has undergone multiple evolutions since its inception. By 2024, the standards are set to reflect a blend of past insights and new adaptations.
Overview of the ACFT
The ACFT was introduced to better gauge soldiers’ physical readiness. Unlike its predecessor, the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), the ACFT incorporates tasks that mimic real battlefield scenarios.
Why the Change?
Traditional physical fitness tests emphasized endurance but lacked in evaluating overall strength and agility. The ACFT aims to create a holistic fitness profile for soldiers. This shift provides a more relevant measure of capabilities essential in modern combat environments.
Six Core Events
- Three-Repetition Maximum Deadlift
- Standing Power Throw
- Hand-Release Push-Up
- Sprint-Drag-Carry
- Leg Tuck or Plank
- Two-Mile Run
Three-Repetition Maximum Deadlift
Soldiers lift weights ranging from 140 to 340 pounds. This event measures lower body, core strength, and grip. Proper form reduces injury risk.
Standing Power Throw
Participants hoist a 10-pound medicine ball overhead. The goal is to achieve maximum distance. This tests explosive power and coordination.
Hand-Release Push-Up
Push-ups involve lifting hands off the ground with each repetition. This ensures full range of motion, targeting upper body strength.
Sprint-Drag-Carry
This involves sprints, dragging and carrying weights, and lateral movements. The event combines speed, agility, and muscular endurance.
Leg Tuck or Plank
Solders choose between leg tucks (hanging knee raises) or a forearm plank. Both options measure core strength. Recent changes allowed alternatives due to mixed feedback on specificity and accessibility.
Two-Mile Run
The longstanding run remains. It assesses cardiovascular endurance, an essential component of soldier fitness.
Scoring System
ACFT uses a points system rather than a strict pass/fail metric. Scores range from 0-100 per event, with a maximum score of 600. Different standards apply based on military occupational specialties (MOS).
- Moderate demand: 60-70 points per event
- Significant demand: 65-80 points per event
- Heavy demand: 70-90 points per event
The varied scoring can accommodate soldiers in diverse roles, from administrative positions to combat-focused jobs.
Training and Preparation
The ACFT demands comprehensive physical readiness programs. Training regimens include strength training, endurance activities, and flexibility exercises. Soldiers are encouraged to focus on functional fitness, simulating the test’s rigor.
Coaches and physical training programs play crucial roles. Personalized plans help address individual weaknesses, aiming for balanced development. Resources like the Army Training Management System provide guides and tracking tools.
Impact on Soldiers
The ACFT has influenced training philosophies, placing a higher emphasis on total fitness. Units have adapted routines to ensure consistent preparation. Equipment availability, such as deadlift weights and sleds, became standard in facilities.
Feedback and Adjustments
Since introduction, the ACFT faced scrutiny and feedback. Gender-neutral standards raised debates about fairness. Adjustments like the plank option aimed to address concerns while upholding test integrity. Data collection continues to refine the test.
Looking Forward
The 2024 standards reflect informed adjustments. The Army remains committed to creating a relevant, challenging, and equitable fitness assessment. Ongoing developments and feedback loops ensure that the test evolves with military needs.
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