The Army will build your strength and character. Develop fortitude and resilience you never thought possible.
Understanding the Army Combat Fitness Test
The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) evaluates your physical and mental abilities every year, starting at Basic Training for enlisted Soldiers and during initial training for those commissioning as Officers.
Periodically Tested
You’ll take the ACFT several times a year and have your scores recorded twice a year as an active duty Soldier in the Army, or once a year as a member of the Army Reserve and Army National Guard.
Keeps Soldiers Prepared
As part of the Army's Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F), the ACFT helps maintain Soldiers’ physical and mental well-being, and plays a big role in the Army’s fitness culture.
Perception vs. Reality
I’m not in good enough shape.
Everyone comes to basic training at different levels. THE ARMY PREPARES THEM TO BECOME SOLDIERS.
The Six Events That Make Up the ACFT
Each event is designed to assess and improve your physical strength, mental toughness, coordination, and flexibility, while reducing preventable injuries.
3 Repetition Maximum Deadlift (MDL)
In this event, you will lift the maximum weight possible three times using a 60-pound hex bar and plates.
Standing Power Throw (SPT)
In this event, you will throw a 10-pound medicine ball backward and overhead as far as possible.
Hand Release Push-Up—Arm Extension (HRP)
In this event, you will complete as many hand-release push-ups as possible in two minutes, using the proper technique:
- Start with the body face-down on the ground
- Push the body up as one unit
- Lower it back down as one unit
- Extend both arms out in a T- formation without moving any other body part
- Bring arms back to push-up position
- Repeat
Sprint-Drag-Carry (SDC)
Do five 50-meter shuttles (sprint, drag, lateral, carry, sprint) as fast as possible using two 40-pound kettlebells, and a 90-pound sled.
Plank (PLK)
During this event, you will maintain a plank for as long as possible, in the proper position:
- Position hands no more than one fist-width apart
- Position feet no more than one boot-width apart
- Position elbows under the shoulders
- Push up the body as one unit and hold the body in a straight line from head to ankles
Two-Mile Run
During this event, you will run for two miles on a generally flat outdoor course while being timed.
A Scoring Scale Based on Gender and Age
The ACFT is scored using different requirements depending on gender and age.
- You’ll need to score a minimum of 60 points on each of the six events in order to pass the ACFT with a minimum total score of 360
- The maximum score per event is 100 points, with a total maximum ACFT score of 600
- What you’ll need to achieve in each event to earn 60-100 points varies according to gender and age—see your details in the scoring scale below
Download ACFT Scoring Scale
Train for Army Physical Fitness
Being prepared to meet Army fitness standards will give you the peace of mind you need to feel more confident. Here are some tips to ensure you’re physically fit for any challenge:
- Pace yourself and slowly increase your activity
- Focus on cardio, strength and endurance, flexibility, and body composition
An Emphasis on Your Total Wellbeing
The Army’s Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) System focuses on your total health and wellness as a Soldier, combining your physical fitness with proper sleep, nutrition, and spiritual health.
Prevention and Recovery
Athletic and training facilities are not only available to help you stay physically fit and prepared, but also to help prevent injury and improve rehabilitation.
Mental and Spiritual Health
With counseling, spiritual services, and retreats, there are a variety of opportunities available to ensure you feel good both mentally and spiritually.
Activities to Stay Physically Fit
Besides running and biking trails, some facilities have parks, pools, lakes, and hiking trails that you can enjoy, to maintain good health and wellbeing.
Sleep and Nutrition
The Army makes it a priority to ensure that you get the proper amount of sleep and nutrition to feel energized every day.
Fitness on the Job
No matter what career field you’re in, whether you’re in infantry or the medical field, you’ll need to maintain your mental health and physical fitness.
Fitness as Part of Army Life
Physical fitness is ingrained in the DNA of every Soldier. It’s not just a necessary part of Army career training, but a passion that becomes part of every Soldier’s lifestyle.
Unit Physical Training (PT)
Unit physical training, or Unit PT, is a foundational part of the daily Army experience and ensures all Soldiers are ready to perform their jobs, and stay at a minimum fitness level, while building key relationships among team members.
Fitness Centers
Most centers provide athletic and training facilities that include exercise and weight rooms, and various sports-related courts.
Recreational Sports Leagues
The Army has several sports leagues to participate in, from football, basketball, and golf, to bowling, fishing, and more.
Outdoor Activities on Post
Besides running and biking trails, your post may have parks, pools, lakes, hiking trails, and other fun activities to maintain good health and wellbeing.
Fitness in Basic Training
As an enlisted Soldier, you’ll attend Basic Training where you’ll continue your physical fitness training and be expected to navigate obstacle courses, complete drills, and learn important maneuvering techniques.
Common Questions About Army Physical Fitness
What is a good score on the ACFT?
A minimum passing score for each ACFT event is 60 points, for a total score of 360 for all six events. The required minimum score is the same for all Soldiers, regardless of career field.
What if I can't complete the ACFT due to a medical condition?
After you join, if a permanent medical condition prevents you from completing the ACFT, there are alternate events you can do for your assessment, like walking or swimming instead of the two-mile run.
For temporary medical conditions, you can use alternate events to train. But you won’t take the scored ACFT until you’re medically cleared.
What happens if I don’t pass the ACFT?
If you don’t pass a recorded-score ACFT, the Army will provide you with support and training to improve your score, and you’ll have a chance to retake the ACFT. If you don’t pass two consecutive recorded-score ACFTs, you may be involuntarily separated from the Army.
Do commissioned Officers take the ACFT?
Yes, if you join the Army on a path to commission as an Officer, you will take the ACFT as a cadet,
and every year after.
Don’t worry, there’s no obligation if you reach out.
Thanks for reaching out,
Questions you may have right now
- Who will reach out to me?
One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- Who will reach out to me?
One of our ROTC recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- What will you ask me?
Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
How can the Army help me pay for college?
Do I have to go to Basic Training?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
How can the Army help me pay for college?
What is the time commitment for part-time service?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Can the Army help me pay for medical school?
Do I have to go to Basic Training?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
How do I apply for ROTC scholarships?
How do I join ROTC at the college I want to attend?
- Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?
No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.
KEEP EXPLORING
Explore more topics that may interest you
Thanks for reaching out,
Questions you may have right now
- Who will reach out to me?
One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- What will you ask me?
Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Do I qualify to join the Army?
Can I join as an Officer?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Do I qualify to join the Army?
Can I join as an Officer?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
What type of health care jobs are available in the Army?
Can the Army help me pay for medical school?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Can I join ROTC at my age
Can I join as an Officer?
- Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?
No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.
KEEP EXPLORING
Explore more topics that may interest you
Thanks for reaching out, .
We admire you for considering such a big career decision at your age. Unfortunately, we're unable to directly reach out to you until you are at least sixteen years old and a junior in high school. However, the following ROTC info is something that may interest you now.
Questions you may have right now
- How old do I have to be to serve in the Army full-time?
To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.
- How can the Army help me pay for college?
There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you
- How do I apply for ROTC Scholarships?
Army ROTC has several scholarships available for college-bound high school students. Review your options at ROTC Scholarships, or immediately apply by creating an account at my.goarmy.com to get started.
- How old do I have to be to serve in the Army part-time?
To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.
- What are the ways to serve part-time?
You can serve part-time as a Soldier in the Army Reserve or the Army National Guard. By serving part-time, you are able to continue your college education or work a civilian job, while earning an extra paycheck and maintaining many of the benefits of military service.
- How can the Army help me pay for college?
There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.
- How do I become a health care provider in the Army?
You can serve part-time or full-time as you train in our health care program. Upon graduation of the program, you will enter the Army health care team as a Commissioned Officer.
- What types of medical careers are available in the Army?
There are numerous health care careers available through the Army Medical Education Deparment (AMEDD), including physicians, dentists, nurses, veterinarians, and many more. View your career options.
- How can the Army help me pay for college?
There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.
- What are the benefits of joining ROTC?
ROTC makes it possible to achieve your ambitions. Become a leader and serve your country in one of the nation's top leadership training programs. You can do this while maintaining your college curriculum and earning up to 100% tuition coverage. Upon graduation, you're guaranteed a career as an Army Officer.
- How do I prepare to join ROTC?
When you're at least 16 years old and at least a high school junior, you can reach out to us, or even talk to your high school counselor. Together, we'll talk options and decide if ROTC is the right path for you.
- Will I become an Officer if I complete ROTC?
Yes. After graduation, you are commissioned as a highly respected second lieutenant in the Army, entrusted with leading other Soldiers.