The AFT is the U.S. Army’s updated physical readiness measure for Soldiers. It ensures combat readiness.
New Fitness Standards and Implementation
The test includes three-repetition maximum deadlift (3), hand-release push-up arm extension, sprint-drag-carry, plank, and two-mile run (two). Phased implementation begins June 1, 2025 (1, 2025). New scoring standards for Soldiers in 21 combat military occupational specialties (MOSs) start January 1, 2026 (1, 2026), for active component and June 1, 2026 (1, 2026), for Reserve, National Guard.
AFT combat standard is sex-neutral, age-normed. Combat specialties need a minimum 60 points per event, overall minimum score 350. AFT general standard, performance-normed by sex, age groups, requires combat-enabling specialties to attain 60 points per event, overall minimum score 300.
Scroll down for Army Fitness Test (AFT) Scoring Tables
Maximum Deadlift (MDL) and Hand-Release Push-up (HRP) Scoring Table
Sprint/Drag/Carry (SDC) Scoring Table
Plank (PLK) Scoring Table
2-Mile Run (2MR) Scoring Table
Army Fitness Test (AFT) Event Execution Standards
3-Repetition Maximum Deadlift
Phase 1: Preparatory Phase:
- On command of “GET SET,” steps inside the hex bar, feet shoulder width apart.
- For the deadlift, the Soldier must efficiently prepare.
- Then, locates the mid-point of the hex bar handles, bends at knees and hips.
- The Soldier reaches, grasps the center handles with a closed grip.
- Positions arms fully extended, back flat, aligns head with spine (or slightly extended), maintains heels in contact with the ground.
- Each repetition begins from this position.
- This precise setup is crucial for safe, effective lifts.
Phase 2: Upward Movement Phase:
- On the command of “GO,” the Soldier:
- The soldier lifts the bar by straightening hips and knees to reach the straddle stance.
- They maintain a straight back, not rounded or flexed, while feet stay in position.
- The body remains balanced, controlled, with shoulders that don’t rise early in the movement
Phase 3: Downward Movement:
- After reaching the Straddle Stance position, the Soldier:
- The soldier lowers the bar under control, maintaining a straight back.
- They place it on the ground, not dropped.
- This ensures weight plates touch to complete the repetition.
Attempt Rules
- Soldiers execute three continuous repetitions with the same weight.
- If a Soldier fails to complete three continuous repetitions under control, one retest at a lower weight is permitted.
- If successfully completes three repetitions on the first attempt, a higher weight additional attempt is elected.
- Maximum attempts on MDL are two.
Hand-Release Push-Up
Starting Position:
- On the command of “GET SET,” the Soldier:
- Assumes a prone position facing the start line
- Places hands flat on the ground
- Positions index fingers just inside the outer edges of the shoulders
- Rests chest, front of hips, and thighs on the ground
- Toes touch the ground with feet together or up to a boot’s width apart
- Flexes ankles
- Head does not need to touch the ground
- Maintains feet generally together throughout the movement
- May adjust feet, but must not lift them off the ground
Movement 1:
- On command “GO,” the Soldier pushes their whole body from the ground as a single unit to the up position.
- Elbows must be fully extended, maintaining a generally straight body alignment from head to ankles.
- This straight position must be maintained for the duration of the HRP; failing to do so means the repetition will not count.
- The front leaning rest is the only authorized rest position; bending or flexing the knees, hips, trunk, or neck is not allowed.
Movement 2:
- After reaching the up position, the Soldier bends elbows to lower their body back to the ground.
- They must ensure chest, hips, and thighs touch down at the same time.
- Note: The head or face do not have to contact the ground.
Movement 3:
- For the hand release, without moving head, body, or legs, the Soldier fully extends both arms into the T position until arms are generally straight out to the side.
- Note: Arms and hands may touch or slide along the ground during this movement.
Movement 4:
- The Soldier immediately moves hands back to the ground, to return to the starting position.
- This completes one repetition.
Sprint-Drag-Carry
Starting Position
- On the command “GET SET,” the Soldier:
- The Soldier assumes a prone position with the top of head behind the start line.
- Note: The grader is positioned to see both the start line and 25m line.
- A Soldier/battle buddy can be positioned on the 25m line to ensure compliance with test event standards.
Sprint
- On the command “GO,” the Soldier:
- The Soldier Stands and sprints 25m.
- They Touches the 25m line with foot and hand, then Turns and sprints back to the start line.
- Note: If a Soldier fails to touch the 25m line with hand and foot, the grader watching the 25m turn line will call them back.
Drag
- The Soldier:
- The Soldier Grasps each strap handle, positioned and resting on the sled behind the start line.
- They pull the sled backwards until the entire sled crosses the 25m line.
- The Soldier Turns the sled around and pulls back until the entire sled crosses the start line.
- Note: If the entire sled does not cross the 25m or start line, the grader watching the 25m turn line will call them back.
Lateral
- After the entire sled crosses the start line, the Soldier:
- Performs a lateral for 25m
- Touches the 25m turn line with foot and hand
- Performs the lateral back to the start line
- Faces the same direction moving back to the 25m start line and returning to the start line so they lead with each foot
- Note: If the Soldier fails to touch the 25m turn line with hand and foot, the grader watching the 25m turn line will call them back
- Note: Graders will correct Soldiers if they cross their feet
Carry
- The Soldier:
- The Soldier Grasps handles of two 40-pound kettlebells, then Runs to the 25m turn line.
- They Steps on or over the 25m turn line with one foot, then Turns and runs back to the start line.
- Note: Dropping kettlebells means the carry will resume from the point they were dropped.
Sprint
- After stepping on/over the start line, the Soldier Places kettlebells on the ground.
- They Turns and sprints 25m, Touches the 25m turn line with foot and hand, then Turns and sprints back to the start line.
- Note: If the Soldier fails to touch the 25m turn line, the grader will call them back.
- Note: The time is stopped when the Soldier crosses the start line after the final sprint (250 meters total).
Plank
Starting Position
- On command “GET READY,” the Soldier Places hands on the ground, either in fists (pinky side touching ground) or Lying flat (palms down).
- They Position hands no more than grader’s fist-width apart.
- The Soldier Bends elbows, aligned with shoulders, forearms flat on ground, forming a triangle.
- They bend hips with one or both knees resting on the ground.
Execution
On command, “GET SET,” the Soldier Lifts both knees off the ground, Moves hips to a straight line with legs, shoulders, and head.
- They Focuses eyes on the ground, similar to the Front Leaning Rest.
- Feet may be up to the grader’s fist-width apart.
- The Soldier Aligns elbows, forming a triangle with forearms.
- They flex ankles, with the bottom of toes on the ground, and Maintains body straight alignment.
- Note: fingers on the left hand are not interlocked, interlaced, or touching with fingers on the right hand, and hands are no more than a boot width apart.
On command “GO,” the Soldier Moves into proper plank position.
- They maintain head, shoulders, back, hips, and legs in a straight-line position throughout the event.
- The Soldier Keeps feet, forearms, and fists/palms in contact with the floor throughout the event.
- Note: As long as the hands remain in contact with the ground, Soldiers may change hand position from the fist-pinky side down to palms down during the plank.
Termination Rules:
- The Plank event is terminated if the Soldier Touches ground with any part of their body other than their feet, forearms, or fists/palms.
- It also terminates if the Soldier Raises a foot or hand off the floor, or Fails to maintain a straight-line position from head to heels.
- Graders Give one verbal warning to correct failure to maintain the proper plank position or if the hands/feet slide.
- They will Terminate the Soldier’s performance if they are unable to correct a deficiency or maintain the proper plank position.
Note: Shaking or trembling as a result of maximum exertion is permitted as long as the proper plank position is maintained.
Two-Mile Run
Course Requirements
- The two-mile run can be completed on an indoor track, outdoor track, or improved surface like a road or sidewalk.
- Note: The 2MR is not tested on unimproved terrain.
- Note: The start and finish line will be near the same location as the test site for the other five test events.
- Out-and-back or lap track courses are authorized.
Execution
- On command, “GO,” the Soldier Begins running at their own pace.
- They complete the designated two-mile course.
- The Soldier Crosses the finish line, where their time is recorded.