To pass the AFT you need:
- •At least 60 points on every individual event
- •A total of 300 points or above (General standard)
- •A total of 350 points or above (Combat MOS standard)
- !Failing any single event means failing the test regardless of your total score.
What Is the Army Fitness Test?
The Army Fitness Test is the current physical fitness assessment for all US Army soldiers including Active Duty, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard. The AFT replaced the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) on June 1, 2025, and replaced the older Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) that many soldiers trained under for decades.
The AFT has 5 events compared to the ACFT's 6. The Standing Power Throw was removed. Scoring changed from MOS-based tiers to age and gender normed standards, making it simpler and more consistent across units.
The AFT is administered under Army Regulation 350-1 and is part of the Army's broader physical readiness training program. Initial training at locations like Fort Jackson includes AFT preparation as part of basic training.
The 5 AFT Events: What You Need to Know
Understanding each event is the first step to passing. Here is what each event tests and what the minimum passing score looks like for a 22 to 26 year old male on the General standard.
1. 3-Rep Max Deadlift (MDL)
Tests lower-body strength using a hex bar. You perform 3 repetitions at maximum weight. There is no time limit so take your time between reps.
Minimum to pass (age 22-26, male)
150 lbs
Training focus
hex bar deadlifts, Romanian deadlifts, grip strength work
2. Hand-Release Push-Up (HRP)
Tests upper-body muscular endurance. You perform maximum repetitions in 2 minutes, fully releasing your hands from the ground between each rep. This is different from the APFT push-up test which did not require the hand release.
Minimum to pass (age 22-26, male)
14 reps
Training focus
hand-release push-up practice, tricep endurance, calisthenics
3. Sprint-Drag-Carry (SDC)
Tests anaerobic capacity across 5 shuttle runs of 50 meters each: sprint, drag a sled, lateral shuffle, carry kettlebells, sprint. Lower time equals a higher score.
Minimum to pass (age 22-26, male)
2:31 or faster
Training focus
sled drags, kettlebell carries, sprint intervals, lateral movement
4. Plank (PLK)
Tests core strength and isometric endurance. Hold a straight plank position as long as possible. This is the only AFT event with gender-neutral scoring. The APFT used the sit-up event instead, and the ACFT used the leg tuck before transitioning to the plank.
Minimum to pass (age 22-26, male)
1:25
Training focus
progressive plank holds, dead bugs, hollow body holds
5. Two-Mile Run (2MR)
Tests aerobic endurance and cardiovascular fitness over a flat 2-mile course. Lower time equals a higher score. This event has been part of Army fitness testing since the APFT era and remains the primary aerobic assessment.
Minimum to pass (age 22-26, male)
22:45
Training focus
easy base runs, interval training, tempo runs, pacing strategy
How AFT Scoring Works
Each event is worth 0 to 100 points for a maximum total of 500 points. Scoring is age and gender normed, meaning the required performance varies by your age group and gender for most events.
There are two passing standards:
General Standard
300 points minimum
Age and gender normed scoring. Applies to most soldiers.
Combat MOS Standard
350 points minimum
Sex-neutral scoring. Applies to soldiers in one of the 21 designated combat MOS codes including Infantry, Special Forces, Armor, and Cavalry Scout.
Scoring also affects promotion. Soldiers preparing for SGT or SSG boards can earn up to 30 promotion points from their AFT score.
Calculate your promotion points →How to Prepare for the AFT
Start With Your Weak Events
The most effective preparation targets your weakest events first. Because each event is capped at 100 points, improving a weak event from 65 to 80 adds 15 points to your total. Improving a strong event from 90 to 95 adds only 5. Calculate your current scores and identify where you are losing the most points.
Calculate my current score →Build a Physical Readiness Training Routine
The Army's physical readiness training program provides the foundation for AFT preparation. Combine strength training for the MDL with calisthenics for the HRP, sprint and agility work for the SDC, core training for the PLK, and a structured run program for the 2MR.
Practice the Exact Movements
Each AFT event has specific technique requirements. The hand-release push-up requires fully lifting both hands off the ground between reps. The deadlift uses a hex bar not a straight bar. Practicing the exact movement tested prevents technique failures on test day.
Follow Army Body Composition Standards
Soldiers who do not meet Army body composition standards under AR 600-9 must pass a body fat assessment. Meeting Army body composition standards alongside your fitness training gives you the best chance of being test-ready. Soldiers who score 465 or above on the AFT are exempt from body fat screening.
Check your body fat →Taper Before the Test
Reduce training intensity in the 3 to 4 days before your test date. Arriving rested consistently produces better results than last-minute hard training sessions.
AFT Scores and Promotion Points
Passing the AFT is the minimum requirement but higher scores matter for career progression. AFT scores contribute up to 30 promotion points toward SGT and SSG promotion boards:
| AFT Total | Promotion Points |
|---|---|
| 400 or above | 30 promotion points |
| 380 to 399 | 20 promotion points |
| 350 to 379 | 10 promotion points |
| Below 350 | 0 promotion points |
Passing the AFT with 300 points does not earn any promotion points. You need 350 or above to contribute to your promotion score.
Calculate your promotion points →What Changed from the ACFT and APFT?
A brief comparison:
| Feature | APFT | ACFT | AFT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events | 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Removed in transition | None | Sit-ups | Standing Power Throw |
| Scoring | Age/gender normed | MOS-based tiers | Age/gender normed |
| Min passing score | Varied | 360 (Blue) | 300 (General) |
| Effective | 1980s | Oct 2020 | June 2025 |
Key changes soldiers need to know:
- •Sit-ups are gone. The plank replaced the sit-up test from the APFT era.
- •The leg tuck is gone. The ACFT used the leg tuck before switching to the plank.
- •The Standing Power Throw is gone. This was the most controversial ACFT event and was removed entirely for the AFT.
- •Scoring is simpler. The ACFT's complex MOS-based tier system is replaced by consistent age and gender normed scoring.