ACFT vs APFT: A Complete Comparison

The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) and the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) are both physical fitness assessments used by the U.S. Army. However, they differ significantly in structure, scoring, and the types of exercises included. Understanding the differences between these two tests is important, whether you’re preparing for the ACFT, reflecting on the APFT, or simply trying to understand how the Army measures fitness.

Here we’ll compare the ACFT and APFT in detail, explaining the major differences in test structure, scoring, and the benefits of each.

What is the APFT?

The Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) was the Army’s standard physical fitness assessment for many years. It focused on three main events:

  1. Push-ups – Tests upper body endurance and strength.
  2. Sit-ups – Tests core strength and endurance.
  3. 2-Mile Run – Tests cardiovascular endurance.

The APFT was used to assess a soldier’s physical fitness level, providing a score that reflected overall physical readiness. The test was scored based on the number of push-ups, sit-ups, and the 2-mile run, with soldiers required to achieve a minimum score in each event to pass.

What is the ACFT?

The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) replaced the APFT in 2020 as the official test for measuring soldier fitness. Unlike the APFT, the ACFT is designed to be more comprehensive and combat-focused, reflecting the physical demands soldiers face in real-world situations. It includes six events that assess a soldier’s strength, endurance, power, and agility:

  1. Deadlift – Tests lower body strength.
  2. Standing Power Throw – Tests explosive power.
  3. Hand-Release Push-ups – Tests upper body strength and endurance.
  4. Sprint-Drag-Carry (SDC) – Tests speed, agility, and strength.
  5. Leg Tuck – Tests core strength.
  6. 2-Mile Run – Tests cardiovascular endurance.

Key Differences Between the ACFT and APFT

1. Test Structure

APFT:

  • Three events: Push-ups, sit-ups, and the 2-mile run.
  • Simple and straightforward, focusing mainly on upper body strength, core endurance, and cardiovascular fitness.

ACFT:

  • Six events: It includes Deadlift, standing power throw, hand-release push-ups, sprint-drag-carry, leg tuck, and 2-mile run.
  • More comprehensive, testing a wider range of physical fitness qualities such as strength, endurance, agility, explosive power, and flexibility.

2. Fitness Domains Tested

APFT:

  • Primarily focuses on muscular endurance (push-ups, sit-ups) and cardiovascular endurance (2-mile run).
  • Less emphasis on full-body strength, explosive power, agility, or flexibility.

ACFT:

  • Tests a wider range of fitness domains, including:
    • Strength (Deadlift, Hand-Release Push-ups)
    • Power (Standing Power Throw)
    • Endurance (2-Mile Run, Leg Tuck)
    • Speed and Agility (Sprint-Drag-Carry)

3. Scoring System

APFT:

  • The APFT used a scale of 0-100 points per event.
    • A passing score was 60 points in each event.
    • The maximum score in each event was 100 points.
  • Soldiers needed a total score of 180 points to pass, with at least 60 points in each event.

ACFT:

  • The ACFT also uses a 0-100 points scale for each event.
    • Minimum/least passing score for each event is 60 points.
    • The maximum score in the ACFT is 600 points (100 points per event).
    • Soldiers must score at least 60 points in each event, with a total of 360 points to pass.

4. Event Intensity

APFT:

  • The events in the APFT were considered easier to perform, especially for younger soldiers.
  • The focus was on endurance rather than overall strength, agility, and power.

ACFT:

  • The ACFT is significantly more intense and challenging, designed to better reflect the physical demands of combat.
  • The inclusion of events like the Deadlift and Sprint-Drag-Carry makes the test more physically demanding, requiring higher levels of strength, power, and agility.

5. Gender and Age Adjustments

APFT:

  • The APFT had separate standards for male and female soldiers, but the standards didn’t vary based on age.
  • The events were the same for all age groups, and the scoring was adjusted only by gender.

ACFT:

  • The ACFT has separate standards for male and female soldiers and different age groups, from 17 years old to 42+ years old.
  • The age and gender-based scoring adjustments ensure that soldiers are evaluated fairly based on their age and biological differences.

6. Event Format and Execution

APFT:

  • Push-ups and sit-ups were performed in sets, with a fixed time for each set (2 minutes for push-ups, 2 minutes for sit-ups).
  • The 2-mile run was a timed event with a set distance, typically completed outdoors.

ACFT:

  • The Deadlift is a max-effort lift, where soldiers have to lift a specified weight.
  • The Standing Power Throw involves throwing a medicine ball as far as possible.
  • Hand-Release Push-ups are different from regular push-ups, requiring soldiers to lift their hands off the ground between each repetition.
  • The Sprint-Drag-Carry tests speed, strength, and agility with multiple movements in a short time.
  • The Leg Tuck requires soldiers to hang from a pull-up bar and raise their legs to their chest.
  • The 2-Mile Run remains the same as in the APFT.

Advantages of the ACFT Over the APFT

1. Better Assessment of Combat Fitness

The ACFT is designed to be more reflective of the physical demands soldiers face in combat situations. The inclusion of strength, power, and agility tests like the Deadlift and Sprint-Drag-Carry make it a better indicator of a soldier’s readiness for combat.

2. More Comprehensive Fitness Evaluation

With six events covering a wide range of physical capabilities, the ACFT provides a more well-rounded assessment of a soldier’s fitness. It takes into account strength, endurance, agility, and power — key attributes for military operations.

3. Fairer Across Age Groups

By adjusting the scoring based on age and gender, the ACFT aims to provide fairer assessments for soldiers of all ages, unlike the APFT, which had a uniform standard regardless of age. This makes it more inclusive and better suited to soldiers at different stages of their careers.

Which Test is Better: ACFT or APFT?

The choice between the ACFT and APFT largely depends on the context:

  • The ACFT is a more modern and comprehensive test that evaluates a wider range of physical abilities. It is better suited for assessing overall combat readiness.
  • The APFT, while easier and simpler, doesn’t provide as complete an evaluation of a soldier’s physical fitness, especially in terms of strength and agility.

For those looking to prepare for the current standards of the Army, the ACFT is the test to focus on. However, many soldiers may still have memories of the APFT, and its simpler format made it easier to train for and pass.

Conclusion: ACFT vs APFT

While the APFT was the standard for decades, the ACFT has now taken over as the primary physical fitness test for soldiers in the U.S. Army. The ACFT offers a more comprehensive, combat-focused assessment of a soldier’s physical abilities, incorporating strength, power, agility, and endurance.

Understanding the differences between the two tests is key for any soldier looking to stay in top physical shape. Whether you’re transitioning from the APFT to the ACFT or starting from scratch, adapting to the new standards will help ensure you’re ready for whatever physical challenges come your way.

Stay prepared, stay fit, and keep improving your physical readiness for the ACFT!

Check Our Most Up to date ACFT Calculator Now!

Leave a Comment