Each event is scored on a scale of 0 to 100, with a total score of 600 possible. The Army has emphasized the importance of physical fitness in overall soldier readiness, making the ACFT an essential component of the promotion evaluation process. The ACFT was officially implemented in October 2020, replacing the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). The new test is designed to better assess a soldier’s physical readiness for combat through six events: the deadlift, standing power throw, hand-release push-up, sprint-drag-carry, plank, and two-mile run.
Through proper training and adherence to standards, the grading process can be streamlined, ensuring that all participants have a fair opportunity to demonstrate their physical capabilities. By following the outlined instructions, maintaining consistent grading practices, and providing constructive feedback, graders can contribute to the success of the ACFT and the fitness of soldiers in the Army. The Army Combat Fitness Test is a vital component of soldier readiness and overall physical fitness. Graders play a crucial role in ensuring the test is conducted fairly and accurately.
Sprint-Drag-Carry: This is a timed event that assesses speed, strength, and endurance. Soldiers will sprint 50 meters, drag a sled for 50 meters, carry two kettlebells for another 50 meters, and sprint back to the start. Graders should time each segment accurately and ensure that soldiers complete the course as prescribed.
The promotion board will consider a soldier’s overall performance, but the acft calculator score can serve as a differentiating factor, particularly in competitive promotion environments. In 2026, the promotion points system will continue to evolve, with a focus on a holistic approach to evaluating soldier performance. The ACFT scores will be a significant component of this evaluation, alongside other factors such as time in service, awards, and military education.
This case study aims to provide detailed instructions for graders to ensure the test is administered fairly, accurately, and consistently across all participants. The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) is a comprehensive assessment designed to evaluate the physical fitness of soldiers in the United States Army. The test consists of six events: the deadlift, standing power throw, hand-release push-ups, sprint-drag-carry, leg tucks, and the two-mile run.
Pre-Test Briefing: Before the test begins, graders should conduct a briefing to explain the events, safety protocols, and grading criteria. This briefing helps set expectations and ensures that all participants understand the standards.
This includes recording the number of repetitions completed, weights lifted, and times achieved. Documentation: Accurate record-keeping is essential. Graders should document each soldier’s performance immediately after each event to avoid discrepancies.
Unlike its predecessor, the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), which primarily focused on push-ups, sit-ups, and a two-mile run, the ACFT encompasses a broader range of physical capabilities. Each event is designed to evaluate different aspects of physical fitness, from strength and endurance to agility and coordination. The ACFT was introduced to better assess soldiers’ physical fitness and readiness for combat. The test includes six events: the deadlift, standing power throw, hand-release push-up, sprint-drag-carry, plank, and a two-mile run.
Moreover, the ACFT 2026 standards are designed to promote a culture of fitness within the Army. The Army recognizes that physical fitness is not only a requirement for operational readiness but also a critical component of overall soldier wellness. This holistic approach to fitness is expected to lead to improved mental health, reduced injury rates, and enhanced performance on the battlefield. As such, the ACFT encourages soldiers to engage in regular physical training and adopt healthy lifestyle choices.
The sprint-drag-carry tests a soldier’s speed, agility, and endurance, while the leg tuck focuses on core strength and stability. The deadlift, for example, evaluates lower body strength and core stability, which are crucial for tasks such as lifting heavy equipment or navigating rough terrain. Finally, the two-mile run remains a staple for assessing aerobic endurance, an essential component of overall fitness. The standing power throw assesses explosive power, which can be vital in combat situations where quick, decisive movements are necessary.
These events include the deadlift, standing power throw, hand-release push-up, sprint-drag-carry, leg tuck, and two-mile run. Unlike the APFT, which primarily assessed aerobic endurance through a two-mile run and muscular endurance through push-ups and sit-ups, the ACFT incorporates six events that simulate the physical challenges soldiers may encounter in the field. Each event is designed to measure different aspects of physical fitness, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of a soldier’s capabilities. One of the key components of the ACFT 2026 standards is the emphasis on functional fitness.