Army Fitness Test Standards (AFT) — 2026
These Army Fitness Test standards explain the current five-event AFT, General and Combat requirements, age- and sex-normed scoring, permanent-profile alternate aerobic events, and the exact 300- and 350-point thresholds in effect through September 2026.
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What Is the Army Fitness Test (AFT)?
The Army Fitness Test is the Army's physical fitness test of record. It replaced the six-event ACFT on June 1, 2025 and scores five events: 3-Repetition Maximum Deadlift, Hand-Release Push-Up, Sprint-Drag-Carry, Plank and Two-Mile Run.
The official Army AFT page explains that data from nearly one million ACFT administrations and RAND analysis informed the change. It also publishes the current Combat-specialty list, implementation dates, event instructions and scoring resources.
AFT Standards by Event (MDL, HRP, SDC, PLK, 2MR)
The core test battery consists of five continuous physical events administered in a strict sequence with mandatory rest intervals:
| Event Code | Event Name | Primary Physical Component | General scoring | Combat scoring |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MDL | 3-Rep Max Deadlift | Lower body absolute muscular strength | Exact weight varies by age and sex | Sex-neutral published table |
| HRP | Hand-Release Push-Up | Upper body pushing endurance | Exact repetitions vary by age and sex | Sex-neutral published table |
| SDC | Sprint-Drag-Carry | Anaerobic capacity & power endurance | Exact time varies by age and sex | Sex-neutral published table |
| PLK | Plank Hold | Isometric core stabilization | Exact time varies by age and sex | Sex-neutral published table |
| 2MR | 2-Mile Run | Aerobic cardiovascular endurance | Exact time varies by age and sex | Sex-neutral published table |
AFT Standards by Age and Gender
General-standard points use male and female scales across ten age groups: 17–21, 22–26, 27–31, 32–36, 37–41, 42–46, 47–51, 52–56, 57–61 and 62+. Soldiers in a designated Combat specialty use the sex-neutral Combat tables. Always look up the raw performance in the applicable published table; AFT points are not created by linear interpolation between a few benchmark examples.
The Army AFT Scoring Scales approved May 15, 2025 are effective from June 1, 2025 and contain the complete point-by-point tables used by this site's calculators.
To inspect exact point scales for your specific demographic bracket, utilize our interactive Master AFT Score Chart or the AFT Passing Standards Cheat Sheet.
Combat vs General AFT Standards
The current AFT applies two standards:
- General standard: At least 60 points in every event, for a minimum total of 300 out of 500.
- Combat standard: For the Army's 21 designated combat MOSs/AOCs, at least 60 points in every event and at least 350 total points, using sex-neutral tables. The active-component standard took effect January 1, 2026; the Reserve and National Guard standard took effect June 1, 2026.
Alternate AFT Event Standards
Soldiers with permanent medical profiles documented on DA Form 3349 who are medically exempted from the 2-Mile Run must complete one of four authorized alternate aerobic cardiovascular events:
| Alternate Event | Distance / Modality | Passing Time (GO / NO-GO) | Score Awarded |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5,000m Row | Concept2 Ergometer Rower | Varies by age, sex and standard | 60 Points |
| 1,000m Swim | Swimming Pool (Any stroke) | Varies by age, sex and standard | 60 Points |
| 12,000m Bike | Stationary Ergometer Bicycle | Varies by age, sex and standard | 60 Points |
| 2.5-Mile Walk | Flat outdoor certified course | Varies by age, sex and standard | 60 Points |
How to Prepare for the AFT: Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F)
Preparation should cover the movement and energy-system demands of all five events while respecting the Soldier's current medical profile and unit training plan:
- Prioritize Posterior Chain Strength: Deadlifts, Romanian deadlifts (RDLs), kettlebell swings, and barbell hip thrusts build the hip drive essential for both the 3RM Deadlift and the 90-lb sled drag in the Sprint-Drag-Carry.
- Incorporate Anaerobic Interval Conditioning: Train the phosphagen and glycolytic energy systems with high-intensity shuttle runs, sled pushes, farmer's carries, and 400-meter track repeats to build tolerance against lactic acid accumulation.
- Master Pacing on the 2-Mile Run: Use our Run Pace Calculator to establish consistent 400m track lap times, avoiding early cardiovascular burnout.
- Recover between hard sessions: Build workload gradually, include easier days, and seek qualified medical or performance-nutrition guidance for individual recovery and fueling needs.
Frequently Asked Questions: Army Fitness Test Standards
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