Overview
The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) replaced the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) as the Army's standard fitness assessment, reflecting a shift from a three-event endurance-focused test to a six-event test covering strength, power, and combat-relevant movement. This comparison breaks down what actually changed between the two.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Dimension | APFT | ACFT |
|---|---|---|
| Number of events | 3 | 6 |
| Events tested | Push-ups, sit-ups, 2-mile run | Deadlift, standing power throw, hand-release push-up, sprint-drag-carry, plank, 2-mile run |
| Physical qualities measured | Muscular endurance, cardio | Strength, power, endurance, agility |
| Scoring structure | Per-event minimum + combined total | Per-event minimum + combined total |
| Equipment needed | None (bodyweight only) | Barbell, kettlebell/dumbbell, sled, medicine ball |
| Combat relevance (stated goal) | General fitness | Combat task-specific movement patterns |
| Status | Historical / legacy standard | Current Army standard |
| Calculator | APFT Calculator | ACFT Calculator |
APFT — Deep Dive
The APFT tested three components: push-ups and sit-ups within a 2-minute window each, and a timed 2-mile run, each scored on an age and sex-adjusted scale. It was straightforward to administer — no equipment beyond a stopwatch and a running course — which made it easy to run for large groups with minimal logistics.
Its main criticism was that it primarily tested muscular endurance and cardiovascular fitness while leaving out strength and power, physical qualities directly relevant to many combat tasks like lifting and carrying heavy loads. A soldier could score well on the APFT without necessarily having the functional strength to perform certain physically demanding combat tasks.
ACFT — Deep Dive
The ACFT expanded to six events: the 3-repetition maximum deadlift, standing power throw, hand-release push-up, sprint-drag-carry, plank hold, and a 2-mile run. This combination is designed to test strength, explosive power, agility, and endurance together, intended to better reflect the physical demands of combat tasks.
The tradeoff is added complexity — the ACFT requires specific equipment (barbell, kettlebell or dumbbell, sled, medicine ball) and more space and time to administer than the APFT's bodyweight-only format, making it more logistically demanding for units to run regularly.
When to Reference the APFT
Use APFT standards only for historical context — reviewing past training records, older award citations that reference APFT scores, or specific legacy administrative situations where the older standard is still cited. It is not the current fitness test standard.
When to Use the ACFT
Use the ACFT for all current fitness assessment purposes — it's the Army's active standard, and the ACFT Calculator reflects the current scoring tables across all six events.
Our Verdict
For any current fitness testing, training planning, or record purposes, the ACFT is the relevant standard — the APFT is retained only for historical reference. If you're comparing your own fitness journey across years that span both tests, don't try to convert scores between them directly; instead, track your ACFT performance against ACFT standards going forward, treating any old APFT results purely as a historical data point.