AFT vs ACFT: What Changed With the New Army Test

Soldier performing a heavy trap bar deadlift on a track during a fitness test

If you are confused about whether it is the ACFT or the AFT, you are not alone. The Army renamed and reshaped its fitness test, and the change came with more than a new name. Here is what is different.

The name change

As of June 2025, the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) became the Army Fitness Test (AFT). The test of record carried over, but it was trimmed and the standards were tightened for some soldiers.

One event was removed

The Standing Power Throw, the backward medicine-ball toss, is gone. The AFT now has five scored events instead of six:

3-Repetition Maximum Deadlift
Hand-Release Push-Up
Sprint-Drag-Carry
Plank
Two-Mile Run

A tougher combat standard

This is the biggest change. Soldiers in close-combat specialties now have to meet a higher, sex-neutral standard: a minimum of 60 points in every event and at least 350 points total. Miss 60 on any single event and you fail the whole test, no matter the total. Soldiers outside those combat roles continue on the age and sex-normed general standard with the 60-per-event minimum.

When it takes effect

The combat standard phased in over time. For the Regular Army and active-duty Guard and Reserve soldiers on longer orders, it carries administrative consequences starting January 1, 2026, with the rest of the Reserve component following by June 1, 2026. Always confirm the timeline that applies to your component.

What it means for your training

The events you train have not changed much, the bar just moved. Focus on the deadlift, a fast two-mile run, and a strong plank, since those are where soldiers gain or lose the most points. Run your numbers on our ACFT and AFT calculator, learn the day-of rules in our ACFT rules guide, then follow our complete training plan.