MDL – 3 Rep Max Deadlift
Weight lifted (lbs)
SPT – Standing Power Throw
Distance thrown (meters)
HRP – Hand-Release Push-Ups
Total repetitions
SDC – Sprint-Drag-Carry
Time (seconds)
PLK – Plank Hold
Time (seconds)
2MR – Two-Mile Run
Time (seconds)
Master Each Challenge: Understanding the ACFT Events and Scoring System
The ACFT test categorizes military personnel into three physical demand categories based on MOS. Each Military Occupational Specialty requires different fitness levels.
Heavy (Black) roles need maximum strength. Significant (Gray) positions require moderate capability. Moderate (Gold) jobs demand basic physical standards. This color-coded classification helps soldiers understand their requirements.
The scoring system provides a tailored assessment for each category. Performance evaluation considers your specific role’s demand. Training should focus on meeting these standards through proper preparation.
Stay informed about the latest update from 2025. Unlock your potential by using this guide for better achievement. Strive for excellence in every evaluation to reach your goals.
Heavy (Black) Standard
- Minimum Score: 440 points
- Per Event: At least 70 points
Significant (Gray) Standard
- Minimum Score: 440 points
- Per Event: At least 65 points
Moderate (Gold) Standard
- Minimum Score: 360 points
- Per Event: At least 60 points
The ACFT test features six events, each worth 100 points. Total maximum points possible reach 600 for complete assessment. Military personnel must meet specific standards.
Soldiers need to exceed the minimum score for their MOS category to pass. This classification system ensures proper evaluation of physical fitness based on job requirements.
Performance goals vary by demand level. The scoring system provides fair achievement measurements for all personnel. Understanding these standards helps with effective preparation and training.
Repetition Maximum Deadlift (MDL)
Description:
The Maximum Deadlift serves as a critical assessment of overall muscular strength. This pivotal event evaluates soldiers’ ability to handle physically demanding tasks through proper muscle power development.
Focusing on lower body, grip, and core conditioning helps with injury prevention. The exercise targets hip, knee, and back safety while minimizing risk during military operations.
Proper training and preparation improve performance in this test. Physical fitness evaluation ensures soldiers meet required standards for their roles.
Action:
Soldiers perform three maximum weight deadlifts emphasizing proper technique. Military personnel execute repetitions using correct form for safety.
Required training helps maximize strength and muscle power. This exercise assessment evaluates physical fitness through controlled lift movements.
Performance evaluation measures conditioning standards. The test ensures requirements are met through focused preparation.
Equipment:
The equipment includes a 60-pound hex bar with additional weight plates.
Standing Power Throw (SPT)
Description:
The Standing Power Throw evaluates explosive power and dynamic strength. This military assessment involves coordination, balance, and flexibility while focusing primarily on upper and lower body muscle development.
The event serves as a testament to each soldier’s ability to generate quick movements with proper force. Physical fitness training improves agility and motion control through targeted exercise routines.
This test measures performance through comprehensive evaluation of conditioning levels. Proper preparation enhances overall capabilities.
Action:
Soldiers must perform a overhead and backward throw of the medicine ball, measure the distance achieved for scoring
Equipment:
A 10-pound medicine ball.
Hand-Release Push-Up (HRP)
Description: This event tests your upper body and core strength, making it essential for building robust performance. It’s an excellent indicator of a soldier’s muscular endurance and flexibility.
Action:
Soldiers are tasked with completing hand-release push-ups in a two-minute timeframe, demonstrating strength and endurance as much as possible.
Equipment: Zero equipment needed.
Sprint / Drag / Carry (SDC)
Description:
The SDC is a composite event that assesses a soldier’s muscular endurance, anaerobic power, strength, and stamina. It further tests balance, agility, coordination, mobility, and response speed.
Action: This event comprises 5 50-meter (164 ft) shuttles with activities like sprinting, dragging, carrying, lateral movement, and sprinting again.
Equipment:
includes kettlebells for carrying and dragging sleds.
Plank (PLK)
Description: The Plank event is a straightforward yet challenging test of core strength and endurance. It also assesses balance, making it a fundamental component of a soldier’s fitness regime.
The Plank event provides a straightforward yet challenging test of core strength and endurance. This fundamental component assesses balance and stability for every soldier’s fitness regime.
Military assessment making physical evaluation through isometric hold exercise. The training focuses on abdominal and trunk muscle conditioning to meet performance standards.
Duration and stamina determine success in this requirements-based challenge.
Action: Soldiers are required to maintain proper plank position as long as possible. This showcasing of core strength and endurance challenges military personnel through isometric hold technique.
The form demands stability and muscle conditioning. Physical fitness training improves abdominal and trunk stamina for better performance during the assessment.
Duration and time determine evaluation results. This test measures standards and requirements through focused exercise.
Equipment: No equipment needed.
Two-Mile Run (2MR)
Description: The Two-Mile Run serves as the ultimate test of aerobic endurance and cardiovascular fitness. This event gauges each soldier’s ability to sustain long periods of physical activity while maintaining proper pace and speed.
Military assessment focuses on stamina and respiratory capacity. The training helps soldiers recover quickly during repetitive tasks through improved heart and lung conditioning.
This running exercise measures performance over distance and duration. Evaluation determines cardio capabilities for operational readiness.
Action: Soldiers run two miles with time taken as the key metric for assessment. Military personnel complete this distance running test to measure cardiovascular endurance and stamina.
The duration serves as the primary measurement for evaluation. Performance depends on pace, speed, and timing during the exercise. Physical fitness training improves aerobic conditioning.
This test ensures standards and requirements are met through focused preparation.
Equipment:
No specific equipment needed for this test. The assessment is performed on a measured, generally flat outdoor course with proper surface conditions and level terrain.
Running takes place on a track, path, or route at designated location. The field area provides adequate space for distance measurement and safe environment.
Setup requirements include standards-compliant venue and site preparation for optimal performance.
Frequently asked questions
What is ACFT 3.0?
ACFT 3.0 represents the latest evolution of the Army Combat Fitness Test, introduced in April 2021. This iteration incorporates key changes based on soldier feedback and independent RAND Corporation assessment.
The most significant updates include gender-normed scoring standards and the 2.5-mile walk as an alternate aerobic event. The plank became the sole core-strength exercise, replacing the leg tuck.
This military version features revision and modification for improvement. The evaluation measures performance through updated requirements, physical training criteria, and system enhancements.
Is the ACFT currently in effect?
Absolutely. The ACFT is the official physical fitness assessment for all soldiers, having replaced the long-standing Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) in October 2020. This comprehensive evaluation better prepares troops for the rigors of modern combat.
The military standard aims to reduce preventable injuries through improved training and conditioning. This examination ensures personnel meet performance requirements for health and safety.
Service members benefit from enhanced readiness and preparation for force deployment.
Is the ACFT hard?
Without a doubt. Unlike the APFT’s standardized push-ups, sit-ups, and running, the ACFT events like deadlift, hand-release push-ups, and sprint-drag-carry mimic real combat scenarios. These functional movements create a formidable challenge.
Coupled with stricter scoring standards, this military test proves demanding even for the fittest soldiers. The comprehensive assessment features rigorous physical exercises that provide realistic battlefield simulation.
Training and conditioning improve performance in this challenging evaluation with tough requirements.
What is the primary purpose of the ACFT?
The ACFT primary purpose is to ensure soldiers are battle-ready and resilient. It pushes troops to their limits with a variety of tests that measure strength, endurance, and agility, mirroring physical demands of combat.
This comprehensive approach marks a significant shift from the APFT’s focus on aerobic fitness. The military assessment improves training and conditioning through enhanced evaluation methods.
Performance requirements meet readiness standards and objectives for better preparation and capabilities development.
Why was the ACFT created?
The Army crafted this assessment to forge soldiers who are truly fit and battle-ready. Unlike traditional tests, the ACFT emphasizes functional fitness – preparing troops for the real, gritty demands of combat.
Picture this: you’re sprinting to aid a fallen comrade under fire, then dragging them to safety. This approach enhances both physical conditioning and mental resilience, both crucial for modern warfare scenarios.
ACFT or APFT: Which test is currently used?
The U.S. Army replaced the APFT with the ACFT for physical fitness assessment. This evolution in the Army’s physical training enhances soldier’s combat readiness. I’ve personally witnessed this shift improve readiness.
How long does it take to complete the ACFT?
The ACFT involves six events, completed in 70 minutes with efficient timing. This allows soldiers to focus on performance with minimal downtime, ensuring a thorough assessment without consuming the entire day. I found this timing incredibly effective for maximizing individual output.
What qualifies as a good score on the ACFT?
The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) assesses soldiers’ performance across distinct tiers and Performance Categories. A minimum passing score is 360 points, with 60 points per event to pass. Achieving a higher category reflects greater physical readiness and combat preparedness. My experience shows this system truly motivates excellence and higher fitness levels.
| Category | Army-Wide Percentile | Score Range |
| Platinum | Top 1% | 600 points |
| Gold | Top 10% | 570 – 599 points |
| Silver | Top 25% | 525 – 569 points |
| Bronze | Top 50% | 480 – 524 points |
| Green | 360 points to 50% | 360 – 479 points |
For current information, updates, and ACFT standards, always refer to the official U.S. Army ACFT page to understand the total scores system.
What do ACFT scores look like for different genders and ranks?
Women’s ACFT Scores by Rank: For Women, an article by the Reserve & National Guard showed average scores: Enlisted averaged 343, Noncommissioned Officers 363, Officers 389, and Warrant Officers 370. These scores reflect consistent progress through higher ranks, demonstrating an increase in average scores with rank progression.
Men’s ACFT Scores by Rank: For Men, the same article indicated average scores of 461 for Enlisted, 478 for Noncommissioned Officers, 500 for Officers, and 454 for Warrant Officers. Male officers achieved the highest average score of 500. Generally, men score higher across different ranks, with a clear progress in scores as they move to higher ranks.
Is participation in the ACFT mandatory for all personnel?
Yes, ACFT participation is mandatory for all Army personnel. Soldiers must pass a record ACFT to graduate from Professional Military Education courses starting October 1, 2022, or later, and take the test once a year or when seeking career advancement.
Who is qualified to grade the ACFT?
To ensure the ACFT fairness and accuracy, ACFT Graders and NCOIC/OIC must have specific qualifications. The U.S. Army implements rigorous training programs, requiring 8-24 hours of instruction and taking the ACFT themselves to properly administer and score the test.
Can I wear gloves during the ACFT?
Yes, soldiers are permitted to wear gloves during the ACFT. They must conform to AR 670-1, ensuring no unfair advantage or compromise to the test’s integrity. The primary purpose is to protect hands during events that may cause abrasions or minor injuries.
Where are ACFT test centers located?
ACFT test centers are situated at various Army installations and facilities across the United States, serving both active-duty soldiers and reservists. Your local unit or base will provide the most up-to-date information on where you can take the ACFT.
Where are ACFT scores posted?
ACFT scores are promptly posted in the Digital Training Management System (DTMS) within a week of completing the test. This system allows both you and your commanders to access and review performance details, which is crucial for tracking physical fitness progress.
What are the guidelines for the ACFT during pregnancy?
Soldiers are exempt from taking a record physical fitness test while pregnant and for 365 days postpartum. During this time, they are encouraged to participate in the Pregnancy Postpartum Physical Training (P3T) program, focusing on recovery and safe physical activity.
How can I prepare for the ACFT?
Preparing for the ACFT demands a strategic, full-body training approach. Focus on functional exercises that mimic ACFT’s events, like deadlifts, sprints, and carries, to build strength, endurance, and agility. I’ve found a comprehensive training plan is key. Utilize fitness professionals or resources like your site . With the right knowledge and preparation, you can excel and rise to the challenge, conquering the ACFT.