Army: About the AFT
The Army Fitness Test (AFT) is the Army’s current assessment of a Soldier’s physical readiness, designed to ensure that every member of the force can meet the physical demands required to deploy, fight, and win. Grounded in the Army’s Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) doctrine, the AFT evaluates multiple domains of fitness rather than focusing on a single attribute. It is intended to measure strength, endurance, power, and the ability to perform repeated high-intensity efforts under fatigue—qualities that directly translate to combat performance.
The AFT consists of five events. The three-repetition maximum deadlift (MDL) measures lower body strength and total-body power, emphasizing the posterior chain including the glutes, hamstrings, and lower back. The hand-release push-up (HRP) assesses upper body muscular endurance, requiring full extension and release of the hands at the bottom of each repetition. The sprint–drag–carry (SDC) is a high-intensity shuttle event that evaluates anaerobic capacity, agility, and muscular endurance through a sequence of sprints, sled drags, lateral movements, and weighted carries. The plank (PLK) measures core endurance and trunk stability, both of which are critical for injury prevention and load-bearing tasks. Finally, the two-mile run (2MR) assesses aerobic endurance and the Soldier’s ability to sustain effort over time. Together, these five events provide a comprehensive picture of a Soldier’s physical readiness.
Scoring on the AFT is standardized across events, with each event worth up to 100 points. Soldiers must achieve a minimum of 60 points in each event to pass, ensuring balanced fitness across all domains rather than allowing strength in one area to compensate for weakness in another. The maximum total score is 500 points. Scores are generally adjusted based on age and gender categories, although certain occupational specialties may require higher or more standardized benchmarks. Performance is often grouped into broad categories such as failing (below 60 in any event), passing (meeting minimum standards), and higher levels of excellence, which may be used for recognition, competition, or career-enhancing opportunities.
In terms of frequency, the AFT is conducted regularly to ensure sustained readiness. Active Duty Soldiers are required to take the test at least twice per year, while Army National Guard and Army Reserve Soldiers are typically required to test annually. However, units may administer diagnostic or practice tests more frequently, especially for Soldiers who are in remediation or preparing to improve their scores.
There are also provisions for exceptions and special considerations. Soldiers with temporary or permanent medical profiles may be authorized alternate events or partial exemptions based on medical guidance, ensuring that injuries or medical conditions are accounted for while still maintaining a standard of fitness. Additionally, during the Army’s transition to the AFT, policies have allowed for temporary exemptions from adverse administrative actions tied to test failure, giving Soldiers time to adapt to the updated test structure and expectations. Beyond medical considerations, commanders retain some discretion in managing testing timelines in operational environments, though the requirement to meet the standard remains unchanged.
Ultimately, the Army Fitness Test is more than just a periodic requirement—it is a reflection of a Soldier’s readiness and commitment to the profession of arms. It reinforces the expectation that every Soldier must be physically prepared to perform under demanding conditions. By training across all domains of fitness and maintaining consistency, Soldiers not only meet the standard but enhance their ability to contribute effectively to their unit and mission.