ACFT Rules: What's Allowed on the Army Fitness Test (Gloves, Shoes, Chalk and More)
If you have searched the ACFT rules lately, here is the first thing to know: as of June 2025 the Army Combat Fitness Test was renamed the Army Fitness Test (AFT). Most soldiers still call it the ACFT, and the core rules carry over, but the test now has five scored events instead of six.
The five events on the test
- 3-Repetition Maximum Deadlift (MDL)
- Hand-Release Push-Up (HRP)
- Sprint-Drag-Carry (SDC)
- Plank (PLK)
- Two-Mile Run (2MR)
The Standing Power Throw was removed when the test became the AFT. Each event is scored from 0 to 100 points.
Can you wear gloves on the ACFT?
No. Under the current standard, extra gear such as gloves or a weightlifting belt is not authorized unless a medical provider has prescribed it. Plan to grip the bar, the sled straps, and the kettlebells with bare hands.
Can you change your shoes during the test?
Yes. There is nothing in the standard that stops you from switching footwear between events. Many soldiers wear a flatter, more stable shoe for the deadlift and change into lighter running shoes for the two-mile run. Just be ready when your lane is called.
Can you use chalk?
Chalk for the deadlift is often provided or allowed at the test site, but that is up to the unit running the test. Do not assume it will be there. Confirm with your grader ahead of time rather than showing up expecting it.
Can you take the ACFT in the rain?
Usually yes. The test is built to run in normal outdoor conditions, and rain by itself is not a reason to cancel. Graders only stop a test for genuine safety hazards such as lightning. Wet conditions affect grip and footing, which is one more reason to train when the weather is less than perfect.
What is a good ACFT score?
The minimum passing score is 60 points per event. With five events, that is 300 points out of a possible 500. Around 90 points per event, or roughly 450 total, is a strong and competitive score, though standards vary by age and the demands of your job. Run your numbers on our Army ACFT calculator to see exactly where you stand.
How many promotion points is the test worth?
Physical fitness feeds into promotion points for enlisted soldiers, and a higher score helps your standing. The exact conversion is set by current Army policy and changes over time, so confirm the latest values with your readiness NCO.
What should you eat before the test?
Keep it simple. Eat a light, familiar meal two to three hours out, focused on easy carbohydrates and a little protein, and avoid anything heavy or new. Hydrate the day before, not just the morning of.
Train for the standard, not just to pass
The rules are simple once you know them. The training is the hard part. If you want a plan, read our guide to maxing the ACFT, then load up and get to work.
The Raider Training Sandbag
The AFT rewards raw strength and carries. The Raider sandbag (60 to 80 lbs) builds the deadlift power, sprint-drag-carry strength, and grip the test demands.
Shop now →Always confirm event rules with your official grader and the current Army standard, since policies are updated periodically.
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