‍The Ultimate Guide to AFT Grading: Essential Tips for NCOs and AFT Graders

When it comes to the Army Fitness Test—often referred to as the AFT—precision matters. As an NCO or certified AFT grader, your role isn't just about enforcing standards—it's about shaping military readiness, maintaining fairness, and ensuring soldiers are combat-ready. But let’s face it: grading this physical readiness training can be complex and stressful. Mistakes could affect promotions, assignments, and overall unit morale. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to master AFT grading effectively and accurately.

What You’ll Learn in This Guide:

• How to accurately grade each AFT event
• Common mistakes graders make—and how to avoid them
• Detailed strategies for fairness and consistency
• Essential preparation tips for AFT graders
• How the ArmyFit App simplifies the grading process

Understanding the AFT: Why Accurate Grading Matters

The AFT isn't just another Army PT test; it evaluates soldiers’ ability to perform critical physical tasks in combat. With promotions and career opportunities on the line, accurate grading isn’t optional—it’s mission-critical. A high level of military readiness depends on verifying that soldiers can meet rigorous performance benchmarks.

Event-by-Event Grading Standards

To grade accurately, you must deeply understand each event and its scoring nuances. This knowledge ensures physical readiness training aligns with Army standards and promotes combat readiness:

1. 3-Repetition Maximum Deadlift (MDL)

The MDL is a muscular strength test representing movements required to lift heavy loads from the ground, jump, bound, and tolerate landing. It’s also a strong predictor of a soldier’s ability to lift and carry a casualty on a litter and move personnel or equipment. Well-conditioned back and leg muscles help avoid injuries to the upper and lower back—essential for load carriage and lifting heavy objects.

• Phases of the MDL (adapted from the AFT Field Testing Manual):
  1. Preparatory Phase: The soldier steps inside the hex/trap bar with feet roughly shoulder-width apart, locating the midpoint of the handles. On the command “GET SET,” the soldier bends at the knees and hips, grasps the bar handles (lower handles for dual-handled bars, if directed), and positions arms fully extended, back flat, head in line with the spine, and heels on the ground.
  2. Upward Movement Phase: On the command “GO,” the soldier lifts the bar by extending hips and knees, ensuring the hips do not rise above the shoulders. Once the soldier reaches an upright stance with hips and knees fully extended, there is a slight pause at the top.
  3. Downward Movement Phase: The soldier lowers the bar under control by flexing hips and knees, maintaining a flat-back position. The weight plates must touch the ground before starting the next repetition—no bouncing.
• Repetitions and Attempts:
  • The soldier executes three continuous repetitions with the same weight. If unable to complete three in control, they can attempt a lower weight after resting up to two minutes.
  • If successful on the first attempt, the soldier may choose to attempt a higher weight with a rest of up to two minutes.
  • Each soldier has a maximum of two record attempts, and the heaviest weight successfully lifted three times is recorded.
  • Graders will stop the attempt if they observe a clear risk of injury (e.g., hips rising above shoulders, excessive back rounding). A stopped attempt to prevent injury does not count as a record attempt.
• Key Mistakes to Avoid: Incorrectly counting repetitions, unclear communication with soldiers.
• Best Practices: Always confirm the soldier’s grip and position before each attempt. Clearly announce successful or failed attempts to maintain transparency.
• Common Faults:
  • Failing to fully extend the hips at the top of the movement.
  • Bouncing the bar between repetitions or not maintaining control during the descent.
  • Dropping or letting go of the bar mid-repetition.
  • Allowing knees to cave in or back to round excessively.
  • Resting in the down position with no effort to lift.

2. Hand-Release Push-Up - ARM EXTENSION (HRP)

The Hand-Release Push-Up Arm Extension (HRP) measures upper body endurance, trunk stability, and proper alignment during a push-up from the ground. Below is a more detailed breakdown of how this event is performed, adapted from the AFT Field Testing Manual:

Starting Position (on the command "GET SET"):

• Assume the prone position facing the start line with hands flat on the ground and index fingers inside the outer edges of the shoulders.
• The chest, front of the hips, and thighs rest on the ground.
• Toes touch the ground with feet together or up to a boot’s width apart, ankles flexed.
• The head does not have to be on the ground.
• Feet remain no more than a boot’s width apart throughout the event. Soldiers may adjust foot positioning as long as the feet do not lift off the ground.

Movement 1 (on the command "GO"):

• Push the whole body up from the ground as a single unit to the up position by fully extending the elbows (front leaning rest).
• Maintain a generally straight body alignment from the top of the head to the ankles. This straight position must be maintained for the duration of the HRP.
• The front leaning rest is the only authorized rest position. Bending or flexing the knees, hips, trunk, or neck while resting is not authorized.

Movement 2:

• After reaching the up position, bend the elbows to lower the body back to the ground in a controlled manner.
• The chest, hips, and thighs should touch down at the same time. The head or face does not need to contact the ground.

Movement 3 (Hand Release):

• Without moving the head, body, or legs, fully extend both arms into a T position until the arms are generally straight out to the sides.
• Arms and hands may slide on the ground during this movement.

Movement 4:

• Immediately move the hands back on the ground to the starting position to complete the repetition.
• Frequent Mistakes: Counting incomplete push-ups, ignoring hand release errors, or failing to maintain a generally straight alignment.
• Best Practices: Closely watch for full arm extension and proper hand release. Communicate loudly and clearly if a repetition doesn't meet standards.

Common Faults:

• Not lifting hands completely off the ground during the release.
• Failing to keep the body straight (hips sagging or rising excessively) during the push-up.
• Not achieving full elbow extension at the top of the movement.
• Resting any part of the body (other than hands or feet) on the ground during repetitions.

3. Sprint-Drag-Carry (SDC)

The Sprint-Drag-Carry (SDC) assesses speed, endurance, and agility while performing movement under load. It consists of five segments—two sprints, one drag, one lateral movement, and one carry—over a 25-meter lane. The total distance covered is 250 meters.

Detailed Execution Steps (adapted from the AFT Field Testing Manual):

1. Starting Position
   • On the command “GET SET,” one Soldier in each lane assumes the prone position, top of the head behind the start line.
   • The grader positions themselves to view both the start line and the 25m line. A battle buddy or another Soldier may be positioned at the 25m line to ensure compliance.
2. Sprint
   • On the command “GO,” Soldiers stand and sprint 25m.
   • They must touch the 25m line with both hand and foot, then turn and sprint back to the start line.
   • If a Soldier fails to touch the 25m line with hand and foot, the grader at the 25m line calls them back.
3. Drag
   • The sled, with strap handles positioned behind the start line, is grasped by the Soldier.
   • The Soldier drags the sled backward until the entire sled crosses the 25m line.
   • They then turn the sled around and pull it back until the entire sled crosses the start line.
   • If the entire sled does not cross the 25m or start line, the grader calls the Soldier back.
4. Lateral
   • Once the sled completely crosses the start line, the Soldier performs a lateral (side-step) 25m, touches the 25m turn line with foot and hand, and then laterals back.
   • The Soldier faces the same direction going out and back, so each foot leads once.
   • If the Soldier fails to touch the 25m line with foot and hand, the grader calls them back.
   • Graders correct Soldiers if they cross their feet.
5. Carry
   • The Soldier then grasps two 40-pound kettlebells and runs to the 25m line.
   • One foot must step on or over the 25m line, then the Soldier turns and runs back to the start line.
   • If a Soldier drops a kettlebell, they resume from the point it was dropped.
   • If the Soldier fails to step on or over the 25m line, the grader calls them back.
6. Sprint (Final)
   • After stepping on or over the start line, the Soldier places the kettlebells on the ground.
   • They turn and sprint 25m, again touching the 25m line with hand and foot, and sprint back to the start.
   • If the Soldier fails to touch the 25m turn line, the grader calls them back.
   • Time stops once the Soldier crosses the start line after the final sprint.

• Mistakes to Watch For: Improper lane usage, timing inaccuracies.
• Best Practices: Clearly designate and mark lanes. Use accurate timing equipment, and clearly signal start and end times. Position battle buddies or graders at the 25m line to verify hand/foot touches.

Common Faults:

• Failing to place the sled or kettlebells entirely behind the start/finish line before switching events.
• Running outside the assigned lane or crossing into another lane.
• Dropping the kettlebells mid-lane instead of placing them down under control.
• Allowing the sled rope to slip from the Soldier’s hands or carrying the kettlebells improperly (e.g., hooking them in elbows if restricted).

4. Plank (PLK)

The Plank (PLK) is designed to measure core strength and endurance, ensuring that Soldiers can maintain proper spinal alignment during physically demanding tasks. Below is an expanded breakdown of this event, adapted from the AFT Field Testing Manual:

Starting Position (on the command “GET READY”):

• Hands must be on the ground, either in fists with pinky side touching the ground or lying flat with palms down, no more than the grader’s fist-width apart.
• Elbows are bent and aligned with the shoulders, with forearms flat on the ground forming a triangle.
• Hips should be bent with one or both knees resting on the ground.

Execution (on the command “GET SET”):

• Lift both knees off the ground and move the hips into a straight line with the legs, shoulders, and head, eyes focused on the ground (similar to the Front Leaning Rest position).
• Feet may be up to the grader’s boot-width apart, ankles flexed with the bottoms of the toes on the ground.
• Elbows are aligned with the shoulders, and the forearms form a triangle.
• Maintain a straight alignment from the head to the ankles. Hands may not be interlocked, interlaced, or touching if they belong to opposite arms; keep them no more than a boot’s width apart.
• On the command “GO,” the Soldier moves into the proper plank.

Maintaining Proper Plank:

• The head, shoulders, back, hips, and legs must remain in a straight-line position from head to heels.
• Feet, forearms, and fists/palms must remain in contact with the floor throughout the event.
• Soldiers may switch hand position from fists (pinky side down) to palms flat as long as the hands do not leave the ground.

Event Termination:

• The event ends if the Soldier touches the ground with any body part other than the feet, forearms, or fists/palms.
• Raising a foot or hand off the floor, or failing to maintain a straight-line position from head to heels, also terminates the event.
• Graders give one verbal warning to correct any deficiency (e.g., hips sagging, hands/feet sliding out of position). If the Soldier cannot correct the deficiency, the performance ends.
• Shaking or trembling is permitted as long as the proper plank position is maintained.
• Common Errors: Allowing improper form, inconsistent timekeeping.
• Best Practices: Maintain clear sightlines to monitor proper plank position (straight body alignment). Use consistent timing methods, and clearly communicate start and end times.

Common Faults:

• Letting hips drop below shoulder level or rise above a straight line.
• Shifting weight onto forearms in a way that breaks alignment (e.g., clasping hands).
• Failing to keep toes in contact with the ground.
• Resting any part of the body on the ground before the event ends.

5. Two-Mile Run (2MR)

The Two-Mile Run (2MR) is a test of aerobic endurance, reflecting Soldiers’ capacity for dismounted movement, ruck marching, and infiltration—critical components of military readiness. It can be completed on an indoor or outdoor track or any improved surface such as a road or sidewalk. The 2MR cannot be tested on unimproved terrain.

According to the AFT Field Testing Manual, the start and finish line will be near the same location as the other five AFT events, and you may utilize out-and-back or lap track courses.

While 2MR graders can be part of the original AFT grading team, separate graders are authorized to streamline operations. The OIC or NCOIC facilitates the transfer of Soldiers and scorecards from the lane graders to the 2MR graders, ensuring every Soldier has at least five minutes’ rest between the previous event and the 2MR.

• Mistakes to Avoid: Miscounting laps, timing mistakes.
• Best Practices:
  • Clearly mark the course path, ensuring it meets distance and elevation standards and is free of obstructions or debris.
  • Use redundant timers and have multiple graders counting laps or recording finish times, especially for large groups.
  • An out-and-back course can reduce the number of graders needed for monitoring.

Grader Tips:

• Verify the 2MR course is measured accurately.
• Additional 2MR graders can speed up testing and reduce total time.
• Facilitate a smooth transition of Soldiers from the previous event (PLK) to the 2MR, ensuring everyone receives the required rest.

Common Faults:

• Starting the run before the official start signal.
• Cutting corners or running off the designated course.
• Failing to complete the full two-mile distance.
• Not adhering to official timing methods, leading to inaccurate or disputed finish times.

Introducing the ArmyFit App: Created by Troops for Troops

Grading the AFT has never been easier, thanks to the ArmyFit App—developed by soldiers, specifically for soldiers. This intuitive app includes:

• Detailed Instructions: Step-by-step guidelines for each AFT event, including proper grading procedures and common faults.
• Multiple Test Grading: Grade multiple tests simultaneously from start to finish seamlessly.
• Built-in Tools: Integrated AFT calculators, stopwatches, and timers to ensure precise and easy event timing.
• Exportable Forms: Generate and export official DA705 Test forms directly from the app, saving valuable administrative time and reducing paperwork.
• Body Fat Percentage Calculator: Helps you monitor and manage body fat with precision, alongside other essential stats.
• AFT/ACFT Test Grader: Save and manage testers' profiles, including their height, weight, and body fat percentage, and visualize their progress with detailed graphs for both body fat percentage and height and weight trends.
• Enhanced Timing Features: Stopwatch specifically designed for the Sprint-Drag-Carry and Two-Mile Run, and event timers for Maximum Deadlift, Hand-Release Push-Up, and Plank.
• Enhanced Score Chart: Quickly and easily locate AFT/ACFT scores.
• Height and Weight Calculator: Track accurate measurements of soldiers' height and weight.
• Progress Dashboard: Track fitness progress with detailed, easy-to-read charts.
• Precision Score Calculator: Calculate AFT scores accurately, including support for Permanent Profiles. Scores can be saved as Practice or Record.

The ArmyFit App streamlines the entire grading process, making your task quicker, easier, and more accurate. For a full list of event faults to watch out for, refer to the ArmyFit App, which includes them all in one convenient location.

How to Maintain Fairness and Consistency

As a grader, your credibility depends heavily on consistency and fairness. Here’s how to achieve that:

• Know the Standard: Familiarize yourself deeply with FM 7-22 and AFT field manuals, as well as broader Army fitness test protocols. Regularly review standards to prevent mistakes.
• Training: Attend refresher trainings often. Ensure your knowledge is current, especially when AFT standards evolve.
• Communication: Clearly explain expectations to soldiers before each event. This reduces confusion and complaints.

Essential Grader Preparation Tips

A smooth AFT grading experience requires preparation. Here’s a quick preparation checklist:

• Review Standards: Refresh your knowledge regularly.
• Inspect Equipment: Verify all measuring tapes, timers, weights, and lanes in advance.
• Grader Briefing: Conduct a pre-event briefing to align grading criteria among all graders.

AFT Field Testing Manual: A Comprehensive Resource

To further enhance your understanding of this Army fitness test, refer to the AFT Field Testing Manual. This official Army publication provides detailed instructions, official guidelines, and best practices that can help refine your grading methods and ensure you’re applying the most accurate and up-to-date standards during AFT administration.

Final Thoughts

Accurate AFT/ACFT grading reinforces military readiness, morale, and trust in your leadership. Embrace your critical role with confidence, consistency, and clarity. Soldiers depend on your integrity and thoroughness—show them they can rely on you.

Looking forward, leveraging powerful tools like the ACFT App’s grader feature will further simplify your grading responsibilities. This intuitive solution ensures consistent accuracy, saves time, and enhances your effectiveness in maintaining Army combat readiness. With built-in resources like faults lists, calculators, and digital DA 705 exports, the ArmyFit App is built to support your mission today and into the future.

Ready To Enhance Your Grading Skills Further?

Download the ArmyFit App today on your mobile device’s app store to access the AFT/ACFT Grader feature, event timers, body fat calculators, and more—all in one place. Stay updated with the latest AFT/ACFT guidelines and connect with fellow graders regularly for best practices.

References

• ArmyFit App. (n.d.). Features and descriptions. Official ArmyFit App, developed by and for U.S. soldiers. https://www.army.fit/
• Army Times. (2024, July 25). Army combat fitness test threatens to undermine combat effectiveness. https://www.armytimes.com/opinion/commentary/2024/07/25/army-combat-fitness-test-threatens-to-undermine-combat-effectiveness/
• Department of the Army. (2020). FM 7-22: Holistic Health and Fitness. Washington, DC: Headquarters, Department of the Army. https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN30964-FM_7-22-001-WEB-4.pdf
• Department of the Army. (2018). Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) field testing manual (Version 1.4). https://www.army.mil/e2/downloads/rv7/acft/acft_field_testing_manual_final.pdf