The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) is a key assessment designed to measure a soldier’s physical readiness for combat. To pass the ACFT, soldiers must meet certain standards, which are set by the U.S. Army. These standards are designed to ensure that soldiers have the strength, endurance, agility, and mental toughness required for military operations.
Here we’ll go over the official ACFT standards, explain how the test is scored, and offer tips to help you meet or exceed the Army’s physical readiness requirements.
ACFT Standards for Each Event
The official standards for each ACFT event are broken down by gender and age group. While each soldier must complete all six events, the scoring for each event varies based on the soldier’s age and gender. Here’s a breakdown of the official ACFT standards for each event:
1. Deadlift
The Deadlift tests a soldier’s lower body strength. For this event, soldiers must lift a specific weight from the ground to a standing position.
Official Standards:
- Minimum: 140 pounds (for all soldiers)
- Maximum: 340 pounds (for all soldiers)
Scoring:
- Soldiers are graded based on how much weight they can lift, with higher weights earning more points.
- For example, a soldier who can lift 140 pounds will get a lower score, while someone who lifts 340 pounds will receive the highest score.
2. Standing Power Throw
The Standing Power Throw measures explosive power and coordination. Soldiers must throw a 10-pound medicine ball backward as far as possible.
Official Standards:
- Minimum: 4.5 meters (about 14.8 feet)
- Maximum: 12.5 meters (about 41 feet)
Scoring:
- Soldiers are scored based on the distance they can throw the ball, with further throws earning higher scores.
3. Hand-Release Push-Ups
The Hand-Release Push-Up tests upper-body strength and endurance. Unlike traditional push-ups, soldiers must fully lower their chest to the ground and lift their hands off the ground before pushing back up.
Official Standards:
- Minimum: 10 push-ups (for all soldiers)
- Maximum: 60 push-ups (for all soldiers)
Scoring:
- Soldiers are graded based on the number of correct push-ups they can perform, with more push-ups leading to a higher score.
4. Sprint-Drag-Carry (SDC)
The Sprint-Drag-Carry (SDC) measures agility, strength, and stamina. Soldiers must sprint, drag a sled, and carry kettlebells while maintaining speed and form.
Official Standards:
- Minimum: 3:35 minutes (for all soldiers)
- Maximum: 2:30 minutes (for all soldiers)
Scoring:
- The time it takes to complete the entire SDC course determines the score, with quicker times receiving higher scores.
5. Leg Tuck
The Leg Tuck measures core strength and endurance. Soldiers must hang from a pull-up bar and raise their knees to their chest.
Official Standards:
- Minimum: 1 rep (for all soldiers)
- Maximum: 20 reps (for all soldiers)
Scoring:
- Soldiers are graded based on the number of leg tucks they can complete, with more reps earning a higher score.
6. 2-Mile Run
The 2-Mile Run tests cardiovascular endurance. Soldiers must complete a 2-mile course as quickly as possible.
Official Standards:
- Minimum: 21:00 minutes (for males) and 23:00 minutes (for females)
- Maximum: 12:30 minutes (for males) and 14:00 minutes (for females)
Scoring:
- The time it takes to complete the 2-mile run determines the score, with faster times earning a higher score.
ACFT Scoring System: How It Works
The ACFT uses a scoring scale to evaluate performance in each event. For each event, soldiers are assigned points based on their performance. Points are awarded as follows:
- Deadlift: A score is given based on how much weight the soldier can lift.
- Standing Power Throw: Points are awarded based on how far the soldier can throw the medicine ball.
- Hand-Release Push-Ups: Soldiers are scored based on the number of correct push-ups they can perform.
- Sprint-Drag-Carry: The soldier’s time is used to determine the score.
- Leg Tuck: The number of successful leg tucks is used to calculate the score.
- 2-Mile Run: The soldier’s time is used to determine the score.
For each event, soldiers earn between 0 to 100 points. The total score for the ACFT is out of 600 points, with 100 points available for each event.
Scoring Breakdown:
- Minimum Passing Score: To pass the ACFT, soldiers must earn a minimum of 60 points in each event.
- Total Minimum Passing Score: The minimum total score for passing is 360 points out of 600.
ACFT Standards for Different Age Groups
The ACFT scoring standards differ slightly depending on age. The Army has set different age categories for each soldier, and the standards for each event are adjusted based on age to ensure fairness. Here is a general breakdown of the ACFT age categories:
- 17-21 years old
- 22-26 years old
- 27-31 years old
- 32-36 years old
- 37-41 years old
- 42+ years old
For each age group, the minimum and maximum standards for each event remain the same, but the number of reps or the time for each event may differ slightly.
Tips for Meeting ACFT Official Standards
- Train Regularly: To meet the ACFT standards, consistency is key. Make sure to train for all six events, focusing on strength, endurance, agility, and core stability.
- Use a Structured Plan: A well-rounded workout plan that includes strength training, running, and agility drills will help you improve your performance in each ACFT event.
- Focus on Weak Areas: Identify areas where you struggle the most and dedicate extra time to improving those events. Whether it’s the leg tuck, push-ups, or the 2-mile run, extra practice will make a significant difference.
- Track Your Progress: Regularly test yourself to see how much you’ve improved. Perform mock ACFTs and track your times, reps, and weights to measure your progress.
- Recovery is Important: Proper rest, nutrition, and recovery are crucial to building strength and endurance. Be sure to set rest days into your routine.
- Stay Hydrated and Eat Right: Proper nutrition and hydration will help you perform at your best. Ensure you’re fueling your body with the right nutrients for strength and endurance.
Conclusion: Striving for Success
Meeting the official ACFT standards is an important goal for soldiers, and with the right preparation, it is achievable. Focus on building strength, improving endurance, and mastering the skills required for each event. By training smart, staying consistent, and monitoring your progress, you’ll be ready to excel on test day.
Good luck with your ACFT preparation, and remember: every step you take in training brings you closer to meeting and exceeding the Army’s physical readiness standards!
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