What is the Army Fitness Test (AFT)?

The Army Fitness Test (AFT) is an updated fitness assessment that builds on the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) framework. It retains the same core events — Hand Release Push-Ups, Sprint-Drag-Carry, 3-Rep Max Deadlift, Standing Power Throw, and 2-Mile Run — but adjustments to standards, scoring tables, and MOS-specific requirements are being phased in as part of the Army's 2024–2025 holistic health and fitness evolution. Always verify current standards with official Army sources.

How does the AFT differ from the ACFT?

The AFT and ACFT share the same 5 core events (the AFT drops the Plank from ACFT's 6 events in some implementations). The key differences are in scoring standards, which may be adjusted based on MOS requirements, deployment readiness criteria, and updated research. The AFT also incorporates updated guidance from FM 7-22 (Holistic Health and Fitness) that emphasizes long-term soldier readiness over short-term test performance.

What is the passing score for the AFT?

The AFT requires a minimum score of 60 points per event and a total score of at least 300 points across all 5 events to pass. Failing any single event results in overall test failure. Soldiers should confirm current minimum standards with their unit chain of command, as standards are subject to change during the ongoing rollout.

Are AFT standards different for different MOSs?

Yes. One of the key features of the AFT evolution is the potential for MOS-specific (Military Occupational Specialty) performance standards. Combat arms MOSs may have higher minimum standards than non-combat support roles. Special operations MOSs have separate, more demanding selection standards. This approach recognizes that different jobs have different physical demands. Check with your unit S1 or battalion physical training officer for MOS-specific requirements.

How should I prepare for the AFT events?

Training for the AFT should address all 5 events systematically. For the deadlift, focus on compound strength training and progressive overload over 8–12 week cycles. For the power throw, incorporate explosive movements like medicine ball slams, kettlebell swings, and jump training. For push-ups and the Sprint-Drag-Carry, build functional endurance through circuit training and interval sprints. The 2-mile run benefits most from consistent aerobic base building combined with tempo and interval sessions.

What happens if you fail the AFT?

Failing the AFT results in an unsatisfactory fitness rating, which triggers mandatory enrollment in the Army Body Composition Program or the Holistic Health and Fitness remediation pathway. Soldiers have a prescribed period — typically 60–90 days — to retest. Multiple AFT failures can affect promotion eligibility, retention, and assignment to certain schools or special duty positions. Soldiers with a legitimate medical condition may receive a temporary profile that defers testing for specific events.

How is the AFT scored?

Each AFT event is scored on a 0–100 scale using age- and sex-adjusted performance tables. The minimum per-event score is 60 points; scoring below 60 on any event fails the test regardless of total score. Maximum total score is 500 points (5 events × 100 max). Gold-tier performance (total ≥ 450, average 90+) and Silver-tier (total ≥ 400) may be recognized by units as performance distinctions, though tier definitions can vary by Army command.

How long does the AFT take to complete?

A full AFT administration takes approximately 90–120 minutes including event setup, rest periods between events, and administrative time. The recommended event order minimizes fatigue: Deadlift → Power Throw → Push-Ups → Sprint-Drag-Carry → 2-Mile Run. Rest periods between events are at least 10 minutes. Soldiers should arrive adequately fueled and hydrated — the aerobic demand of the 2MR at the end of the test is substantial, and performance is affected by the cumulative fatigue of the prior four events.

AFT Calculator — Army Fitness Test Score

Calculates Army Fitness Test score for 5 events — HRP, SDC, Deadlift, Power Throw, and 2-Mile Run — with pass/fail by age group and sex.

About the Army Fitness Test (AFT)

This AFT calculator scores all five Army Fitness Test events and provides per-event scores, a total, and a pass/fail result. The Army Fitness Test represents the next evolution of Army physical readiness assessment, building on the foundation of the ACFT while incorporating lessons learned from its initial rollout. The AFT is being phased in as part of the broader Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) initiative.

Note: The AFT scoring standards are actively evolving. The values in this calculator are based on current Army guidance but may be updated. Always verify passing standards with your unit chain of command or official Army publications before using this tool for official preparation.

AFT Events Overview

The AFT uses 5 events from the ACFT framework:

Hand Release Push-Ups (HRP): Maximum reps in 2 minutes. Tests upper body muscular endurance. The hands must fully release the ground at the bottom of each rep.
Sprint-Drag-Carry (SDC): 250-meter shuttle course timed. Tests anaerobic power, muscular strength, and agility.
3-Repetition Maximum Deadlift (MDL): Maximum weight lifted for 3 reps. Tests posterior chain strength fundamental to load-bearing tasks.
Standing Power Throw (SPT): Overhead backward throw of a 10-lb medicine ball. Tests explosive full-body power.
2-Mile Run (2MR): Timed 2-mile run. Tests aerobic endurance.

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Minimum Standards and Scoring

Each AFT event is scored 0–100 points using age- and sex-adjusted performance tables. The minimum passing score per event is 60 points. The minimum total score to pass is 300 points (5 events × 60 minimum). Soldiers who score below 60 on any event fail the overall test, regardless of total score.

Scoring tables are similar to the ACFT because the events are identical. However, some standards differ due to ongoing refinement and MOS-specific adjustments. For the current ACFT scoring tables that most closely approximate the AFT, use the ACFT calculator.

AFT vs. ACFT: What Changed?

The primary differences between the AFT and ACFT are:

The AFT typically uses 5 events (dropping the Plank from the ACFT's 6 events in some implementations)
Scoring standards may vary by MOS to better reflect job-specific physical demands
The AFT is integrated more tightly with the H2F system, emphasizing year-round readiness over individual test performance
Updated age group brackets and per-sex standards based on post-ACFT performance data

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Training for the AFT

Because the AFT shares events with the ACFT, training programs designed for the ACFT will directly transfer. FM 7-22 provides the official Army training framework, emphasizing movement quality, progressive overload, and recovery. Key training principles for each event:

Deadlift: 2–3 strength sessions per week; focus on hip hinge mechanics and progressive loading
Power Throw: Explosive training 2× per week — medicine ball work, plyometrics, Olympic lifting
HRP: Daily moderate-rep push-up practice (grease-the-groove approach)
SDC: Interval training, sled work, and lateral agility drills 2× per week
2MR: 4–5 runs per week mixing easy distance, tempo, and intervals

Also check the Army body fat calculator and height and weight calculator to ensure body composition standards are met alongside AFT performance.

Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) — The AFT in Context

The AFT is part of the Army's Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) system, a comprehensive approach to soldier readiness that emphasizes long-term health rather than periodic test optimization. H2F identifies five performance domains:

Physical readiness — strength, endurance, mobility, and anaerobic capacity as tested by the AFT
Sleep readiness — the Army now explicitly recognizes sleep as a performance factor; optimal performance requires 7–9 hours per night
Nutritional readiness — fueling for performance; H2F unit programs include dietary counseling and education
Mental readiness — psychological resilience and stress management skills that support performance under combat conditions
Spiritual readiness — purpose, values, and identity as defined broadly to include non-religious sources of meaning

H2F programs embed physical training specialists, occupational therapists, and dietitians directly into brigade-level units. The goal is a shift from reactive injury treatment and test cramming to proactive, year-round readiness. The AFT score is the measurable outcome, but H2F addresses the full range of factors that produce it.

Injury Prevention for AFT Training

The most common AFT-related injuries involve the lower back (deadlift technique errors), knee ligaments (sprint-drag-carry cutting movements), and shoulder (push-up overuse). Evidence-based injury prevention strategies:

Deadlift — learn proper hip hinge mechanics before adding load. A neutral spine under load is non-negotiable. Warm up with lighter weights before maxing. Progress load slowly — overestimating your one-rep max and attempting too much is the primary injury mechanism.
Sprint-Drag-Carry — plant and cut movements at speed put high stress on ACL and knee structures. Lateral agility drills and single-leg strength training reduce injury risk. Ensure footwear provides adequate lateral support.
Push-Ups — overuse injuries (rotator cuff, wrist, elbow) result from excessive volume. Use progressive overload principles; incorporate pulling exercises (rows) to balance push volume and prevent shoulder imbalance.
2-Mile Run — stress fractures from ramping mileage too quickly. Follow the 10% weekly mileage increase rule. Strength training (especially calf and glute work) significantly reduces lower extremity stress fracture risk.

Sources & References

FM 7-22: Holistic Health and Fitness — U.S. Army
Army Combat Fitness Test Information — U.S. Army
Army Fitness Readiness Policy Updates — U.S. Army Human Resources Command

Army Fitness Test (AFT) Calculator