ACFT Is Out: What the New Army Fitness Test Means for Your Score, Career, and Readiness

The U.S. Army is replacing the ACFT with a new, more combat-focused test: the Army Fitness Test (AFT). Set to take effect June 1, 2025, the AFT brings tougher scoring standards, permanent profile adjustments, and career-impacting consequences for Soldiers across all MOSs. From combat arms to non-combat roles, every Soldier will feel the effects of this change. Here’s what the new test means for your fitness, your career—and how the Army.Fit app is evolving to help you stay ahead.

The Transition from ACFT to AFT

The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), initially designed to measure comprehensive soldier fitness, is now evolving into the Army Fitness Test (AFT). According to the U.S. Army, the new test emphasizes overall Soldier readiness by incorporating tasks more aligned with actual combat scenarios, ensuring Soldiers are mission-ready and lethal on the battlefield (U.S. Army, 2024).

It helps to understand how the Army’s approach to fitness testing has evolved over time. Let’s look at the transition from the APFT to the ACFT and now to the AFT.

Comparing the APFT, ACFT, and AFT

To better understand the evolution of Army fitness standards, it's helpful to look back at the progression from the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) to the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), and now to the Army Fitness Test (AFT).

• APFT (1980–2022): Focused primarily on endurance with three events: push-ups, sit-ups, and a 2-mile run. While simple and easy to administer, the APFT was often criticized for not reflecting the physical demands of modern combat. Standards were age and gender-specific, with minimum and maximum requirements for each event clearly outlined. A detailed breakdown of APFT standards can be found at USArmyBasic.com.
• ACFT (2022–2025): Introduced six events, including the deadlift, standing power throw, hand-release push-ups, sprint-drag-carry, leg tuck/plank, and 2-mile run. The goal was to improve functional fitness and reduce injuries. However, concerns about gender neutrality, standardization, and equipment requirements led to further revision.
• AFT (JUNE 2025): The newly introduced AFT builds on lessons learned from the ACFT. While the full details are still emerging, the AFT aims to better align with combat readiness and realistic physical tasks. It streamlines assessment while maintaining a focus on functional, battlefield-relevant performance.

This progression highlights the Army’s commitment to evolving its standards in line with operational demands, Soldier feedback, and scientific research.

Army.Fit: The Evolution of the ACFT App

In alignment with this significant shift, the ACFT App, a popular tool among Soldiers for fitness tracking and preparedness, will undergo rebranding to become Army.Fit. The rebranding better reflects the app’s broader mission beyond merely supporting the ACFT. Army.Fit embodies Troopsy's commitment to empowering troops through cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions.

Currently, the ACFT App offers a wide range of tools and resources, including:

• Body-weight fitness plans
• Official ACFT standards and instructions
• Scoring calculators for each event
• Personalized fitness plans

You can find the current version of the app on the App Store, but major updates will begin rolling out by June 1st to reflect the transition to the AFT. These updates will align with final scoring tables and guidance from the Army.

Most core features from the ACFT App will remain unchanged in the new Army.Fit, including:

• AI Assistant/PT Guru: Your intelligent training assistant for personalized, adaptive workouts.
• Built-in Stopwatch: Ideal for timing events during practice or official AFT tests.
• Detailed Progress Dashboard: Track your fitness journey with easy-to-read charts

Only a few key updates will be introduced to support the new AFT:

• Enhanced Scorechart: Updated to reflect AFT-specific scoring benchmarks.
• Updated Content Library: Full integration of AFT event standards, prep guides, and transition timelines.
• AFT Grader: Evaluate your performance based on the new AFT scoring structure.
• Bulk DA 705 Export: Generate and export digital fitness scorecards efficiently for your unit or platoon.

These targeted updates ensure that Army.Fit remains mission-ready and relevant as the Army transitions to the AFT.

What Soldiers Are Saying

The rollout of the AFT has sparked a range of reactions from Soldiers across the force. On platforms like Reddit, Soldiers are actively discussing the implications of the switch from the ACFT to the AFT. Feedback can be grouped into a few key themes:

• Positive Response to Event Changes:
  • Many are relieved to see the removal of the ball throw.
  • The ball throw was widely viewed as lacking real-world combat relevance.
• Uncertainty Around Standards:
  • Soldiers are concerned about the lack of finalized guidance.
  • Training for an undefined standard creates confusion and inefficiency.
• Call for Transparency and Communication:
  • Clearer updates from leadership are a frequent request.
  • Some are unsure how the transition will impact evaluations and promotions.
• Frustration Over Timing and Intent:
  • Some Soldiers speculate the AFT rollout is more about optics and performance bullets than real readiness.
  • Comments suggest the timing aligns too conveniently with leadership evaluation cycles.

"Another change with no actual clarity — just another bullet for someone’s OER." – Reddit user

"Still waiting for final guidance. Can't train for something that isn't defined yet." – Reddit user

• Overall Sentiment:
  • There is cautious optimism about a test more aligned with combat realism.
  • However, many want solid answers on how it will impact careers, standards, and unit readiness.
  • Soldiers emphasize the importance of updates like Army.Fit to help navigate the transition.

This open dialogue highlights the importance of listening to Soldier feedback as the Army refines its approach, and emphasizes the value of tools like Army.Fit in adapting to these evolving standards.

Preparing for the Transition

Soldiers should proactively engage with available resources, including the Army.Fit app, to familiarize themselves with upcoming changes. Adapting early ensures optimal readiness, keeping you ahead of the curve in physical fitness standards.

Stay Informed, Stay Ready

Key Takeaways from Army Directive 2025-06:

• Event Removal: The standing power throw event (commonly known as the 'yeet') has been removed from the AFT.
• Combat Arms Standardized: Soldiers in combat arms must score a minimum of 60 points per event, with a total score of at least 350. This means Soldiers can't just meet the minimum in every event (e.g., 60 x 5 = 300 won't pass); they must compensate with higher scores in some events (e.g., 100/100/60/60/60 = 380).
• Age-Normed and Sex-Neutral: The AFT standards for combat arms are both age-normed and gender-neutral, with further clarification expected.
• Pending Clarification: It’s currently unclear if the Army is shifting to a universal 'male standard' or developing a new scoring chart. More details are expected soon.
• Profile Scoring Requirements: Soldiers in combat roles on a permanent profile who are exempt from certain events must average 70 points across the events they can perform (e.g., 70/70/70 or 60/60/90).
• Reclassification Risk: Failing the AFT twice may result in a Soldier being reclassed into a different MOS.
• 13B Not Combat MOS: According to the memo, the 13B MOS (Cannon Crewmember) is not classified as a combat MOS—units should be informed accordingly.
• Scoring Updates: Soldiers—especially those in combat roles—must now perform more push-ups, lift heavier deadlifts, and complete the two-mile run up to 3 minutes faster than previous standards.
• Higher Stakes: Non-combat MOS Soldiers also face increased expectations, though with slightly reduced run requirements (approximately 2 minutes faster). Repeated failure—specifically failing the AFT twice—could result in reclassification into a different MOS.
• Passing Standard: To pass the AFT, combat Soldiers must score at least 350 points overall, which averages to 60–70 points per event.
• Official Replacement: The AFT is now the official test of record, replacing the ACFT.
• Focus on Readiness: The AFT places stronger emphasis on movements and exercises tied to combat tasks.
• Implementation Timeline: Soldiers and units are expected to transition by June 1, 2025, with guidance to follow as updates are issued.

In line with the ongoing updates to the Army’s fitness standards, recent discussions at the Department of Defense level signal a potential shift toward more unified, gender-neutral physical fitness standards across all military branches. According to a March 2025 memo from Pete Hegseth, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, the Pentagon is examining new policies that could standardize physical fitness requirements regardless of gender. This potential change could influence future updates to the AFT and how readiness is assessed across the force (Military.com, 2025).

These developments underline the Army’s adaptive approach to fitness, making tools like Army.Fit even more vital for staying up-to-date and mission-ready.

The Army has also launched a dedicated AFT website, army.mil/aft, which provides centralized access to official documents, event standards, and training videos. This resource is intended to ensure transparency and consistency across all commands as Soldiers prepare for the June 1 transition.

Change is an integral part of growth, and with the new AFT, the Army is making a clear statement about the importance of comprehensive, realistic fitness assessments. Army.Fit will be an indispensable partner in this journey, supporting Soldiers every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the minimum score required to pass the AFT?
Combat Soldiers must achieve a minimum score of 350 overall, averaging at least 60 points per event.

Q2: How does the AFT differ from the ACFT?
The AFT removes certain events like the ball throw and enforces stricter minimums for combat arms Soldiers. It also introduces age-normed, sex-neutral standards.

Q3: What happens if I fail the AFT?
Failing the AFT twice may lead to reclassification into a different MOS.

Q4: Can Soldiers on profile still take the AFT?
Yes, but combat Soldiers on a permanent profile must average 70 points across the events they are eligible to perform.

Q5: Where can I find the official AFT score tables?
Visit the Army’s official AFT site at army.mil/aft for up-to-date scoring charts and standards.

Stay Ready with Army.Fit

Don't wait to adapt—stay mission-ready with the Army.Fit app. As the AFT evolves, Army.Fit is your all-in-one tool for tracking standards, preparing smarter, and staying fit for your MOS. Download it now to get ahead of changes, streamline your training, and lead from the front.

References

Department of the Army. (2025). Army Directive 2025-06: Army Fitness Test (AFT). Retrieved from https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN43586-ARMY_DIR_2025-06-000-WEB-1.pdf

Military.com. (2025, March 31). Hegseth inches closer to gender-neutral fitness standards in military with latest memo. Retrieved from https://www.military.com/daily-news/2025/03/31/hegseth-inches-closer-gender-neutral-fitness-standards-military-latest-memo.html

RAND Corporation. (2023). Army Combat Fitness Test: Analyses of Predictive Validity, Gender Differences, and Test Alternatives. Retrieved from https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA2005-1.html

U.S. Army. (2024). Army establishes new fitness test of record to strengthen readiness and lethality. Retrieved from https://www.army.mil/article/284799/army_establishes_new_fitness_test_of_record_to_strengthen_readiness_and_lethality

U.S. Army. (2025). Army Fitness Test (AFT) Official Website. Retrieved from https://www.army.mil/aft

USArmyBasic.com. (n.d.). APFT Standards. Retrieved from https://usarmybasic.com/army-physical-fitness/apft-standards/