Army AFT 2025: New Army Combat Fitness Test Replaces ACFT | Latest Changes & Prep

Army AFT 2025: New Army Combat Fitness Test Replaces ACFT

The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) is officially being replaced.

In 2025, the U.S. Army is rolling out the Army AFT, a new physical standard designed to better reflect real-world demands. This shift marks a major update in how the Army fitness test evaluates readiness, fairness, and performance.

Let’s explore what’s changing, why the switch happened, and how the new test impacts soldiers across the board.

Why the Army is Replacing the ACFT with the New Army Fitness Test

The ACFT, introduced in 2019, aimed to improve on the outdated APFT by introducing functional fitness events.

But over time, it drew criticism.

Soldiers struggled with specific events like the standing power throw. Others cited gender fairness, injuries, and overly technical movements. The test also posed challenges for Army Reserve and National Guard units with limited access to equipment.

So, after studying over 1.7 million test scores, the Army announced a replacement: the Army AFT 2025.

What is the Army AFT? A Modern Army Fitness Test

The Army AFT is a simplified, more practical Army fitness test designed for both active-duty and reserve soldiers.

It focuses on five main events that reflect real combat tasks. These events challenge endurance, core strength, and overall functional ability — minus the controversial elements of the previous ACFT.

The change isn’t just about simplifying the test. It’s about making it smarter, safer, and more aligned with what today’s soldiers actually need to do.

New Army Fitness Test Events: What’s In and What’s Out

Let’s break down the five events in the new Army AFT:

1. Three-Rep Max Deadlift
   Measures strength in the lower body and core. It's controlled and measurable.

2. Hand-Release Push-Up (Arm Extension)
   Targets upper body strength and endurance.

3. Sprint-Drag-Carry
   A fast-paced, explosive event that mimics real battlefield movements.

4. Plank Hold
   Replaces the leg tuck. A safer, more realistic way to assess core strength.

5. Two-Mile Run
   A classic test of endurance, this remains unchanged.

The standing power throw — one of the most controversial ACFT events — is officially gone.

Army Combat Fitness Test vs AFT Army: What’s the Difference?

The ACFT was comprehensive but complex. The AFT Army test simplifies the approach without lowering the bar.

• The Army AFT drops events that didn’t reflect real combat scenarios.

• It keeps the core focus on fitness — just with fewer barriers.

• The new Army combat fitness test is easier to administer across all Army components.

This shift makes the test more accessible, especially for units with limited resources.

Gender-Neutral Standards in the New Army Fitness Test

One major change is the introduction of gender-neutral standards for 21 combat Military Occupational Specialties (MOS), including:

• Infantry

• Special Forces

• Armor

• Artillery

All soldiers in these roles must now meet the same physical requirements — regardless of gender.

For non-combat MOS, the test still considers age- and gender-based scoring, keeping fairness and role requirements in balance.

How the AFT Army Will Be Rolled Out in 2025

Starting April 2025, the Army AFT becomes the official Army fitness test of record.

From April 1 to September 30, active duty and reserve units will begin testing under the new AFT standards. The ACFT will no longer be the benchmark.

Also, elite schools like Ranger School will shift to the AFT Army test as part of their assessment process.

How to Prepare for the Army AFT 2025

Transitioning from ACFT to Army AFT means adjusting your training.

Here’s how soldiers can stay mission-ready:

• Train intentionally. Focus on core strength, functional endurance, and movement control.

• Use official training guides. The Army will release updated materials and digital tools.

• Practice event-specific workouts. Tailor your routine to each of the five new test components.

• Talk to leadership. Units will provide guidance as the test rollout begins.

Soldier Reactions to the New Army Combat Fitness Test

Early feedback has been positive.

Many soldiers say the Army AFT feels more relevant to actual job duties. Others appreciate the removal of events that felt more like obstacles than fitness tests.

The simplified structure also helps Reserve and Guard units, who often struggled to gather the specialized equipment the ACFT required.

Conclusion: Army AFT 2025 Reflects Real Readiness

The Army AFT 2025 is more than a new set of workouts. It’s a rethinking of what it means to be combat-ready in today’s Army.

By retiring the ACFT, the Army is acknowledging the need for a smarter, fairer, and more accessible Army fitness test.

For soldiers across every role and rank, the message is clear:
Be strong. Be ready. And train for what really matters.

Key Takeaways:

• Army AFT 2025 replaces the ACFT starting April 2025

• New test has 5 streamlined events focused on combat readiness

• Standing power throw is removed

• Gender-neutral standards apply to 21 combat MOS

• Easier to administer across active, reserve, and guard components