The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) has become a crucial component of soldier evaluations and career progression.
As of 2024, the ACFT plays a significant role in determining promotion points for those seeking advancement to Sergeant and Staff Sergeant ranks. The Physical Fitness Test now carries a maximum of 120 points for promotion to both SGT and SSG, emphasizing the importance of physical readiness in Army career development.
The integration of the ACFT into the promotion point system has led to adjustments across various categories.
For Sergeant aspirants, these changes affect multiple domains of their evaluation.
To be eligible for ACFT promotion points, soldiers must achieve a minimum passing score in each required ACFT event.
This ensures that only those who meet the Army’s physical fitness standards are considered for promotion.
Key Takeaways
- The ACFT contributes up to 120 promotion points for Sergeant and Staff Sergeant ranks
- Soldiers must pass all ACFT events to be eligible for promotion points
- The new system balances physical fitness with other aspects of soldier performance
Understanding the ACFT
The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) represents a significant shift in how the U.S. Army evaluates soldiers’ physical readiness.
This comprehensive assessment aims to better prepare troops for the demands of modern warfare.
History and Purpose
The ACFT was introduced to replace the older Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT).
You might remember the APFT, which consisted of push-ups, sit-ups, and a two-mile run.
The Army realized this didn’t fully capture the physical demands of combat.
In 2019, the ACFT was rolled out as a more holistic measure of soldiers’ fitness.
Its goal is to reduce injuries, improve readiness, and better simulate real-world military tasks.
The test underwent several revisions before becoming the official test of record in 2022.
Components of the ACFT
The ACFT challenges you with six diverse events:
- Three-Repetition Maximum Deadlift
- Standing Power Throw
- Hand-Release Push-Up
- Sprint-Drag-Carry
- Plank
- Two-Mile Run
Each event targets different aspects of fitness crucial for military operations.
The deadlift assesses your lower body strength, while the power throw measures explosive power.
Hand-release push-ups test upper body endurance, and the sprint-drag-carry mimics battlefield movements.
Scoring System Overview
Your ACFT score is based on a 600-point scale, with 100 points possible for each event.
Age and gender-normed standards determine the minimum passing scores for each component.
To pass, you need to score at least 60 points in each event.
Scores are categorized into performance tiers:
- Bronze (minimum passing standard)
- Silver (intermediate standard)
- Gold (advanced standard)
- Platinum (elite standard)
Your total score impacts promotion points, potentially affecting your career advancement.
Higher scores can give you a competitive edge in selection boards and special assignments.
ACFT Events and Requirements
The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) consists of six challenging events designed to assess soldiers’ physical fitness and readiness for duty.
Each event targets specific aspects of strength, power, and endurance crucial for military performance.
Deadlift
The Deadlift event measures your lower body strength and power.
You’ll perform a three-repetition maximum (3RM) deadlift using a hex bar.
The minimum passing weight is 140 pounds, while the maximum score is achieved at 340 pounds.
Proper form is crucial to prevent injury and maximize your score.
Focus on maintaining a neutral spine and driving through your legs to lift the bar.
Standing Power Throw
This event tests your explosive power and ability to generate force quickly.
You’ll throw a 10-pound medicine ball backwards over your head.
The minimum distance for passing is 6 meters, with a maximum score at 12.6 meters.
Practice your technique to achieve the best results:
- Start with the ball at hip level
- Quickly drop into a quarter squat
- Explosively extend your hips, knees, and ankles
- Release the ball at a 45-degree angle
Hand-Release Push-Up
The Hand-Release Push-Up assesses your upper body muscular endurance.
You’ll perform as many repetitions as possible in two minutes.
The minimum passing score is 10 reps, while the maximum is 57.
Key points to remember:
- Lower your chest and thighs to the ground
- Lift your hands off the floor at the bottom
- Return to the starting position and repeat
Aim for a steady pace to maximize your score.
Sprint-Drag-Carry
This event tests your anaerobic capacity and muscular endurance.
You’ll complete five 50-meter shuttles:
- Sprint
- Drag a 90-pound sled
- Lateral shuffle
- Carry two 40-pound kettlebells
- Sprint
Focus on maintaining your speed throughout each shuttle.
Practice transitions between tasks to improve your overall time.
Plank
The Plank event measures your core strength and stability.
You’ll hold a forearm plank position for as long as possible.
The minimum time to pass is about 2 minutes, with a maximum score at 4 minutes and 20 seconds.
Maintain proper form:
- Keep your body in a straight line
- Engage your core muscles
- Avoid sagging or raising your hips
Regular practice will help improve your endurance and score.
Two-Mile Run
The final event assesses your aerobic endurance.
You’ll run two miles on a measured course.
The minimum passing time varies by age and gender, but aim for under 21 minutes as a general goal.
To improve your time:
- Incorporate interval training in your workouts
- Practice pacing yourself during longer runs
- Gradually increase your distance and speed over time
Demographic Considerations
The ACFT promotion points system takes into account various demographic factors to ensure fairness and inclusivity.
Age and gender play important roles in how scores are evaluated and applied to promotions.
Age Categories
Your age impacts how ACFT scores translate to promotion points.
The Army recognizes that physical capabilities can change over time.
They’ve implemented age categories to level the playing field:
17-21
22-26
27-31
32-36
37-41
42+
Each category has adjusted standards for the different ACFT events.
This means you’re not competing directly against soldiers who may be significantly younger or older.
The scoring scales are tailored to what’s considered reasonable performance for your age group.
As you move up in age categories, the minimum requirements for maximum points may decrease slightly.
This adjustment helps ensure experienced soldiers aren’t disadvantaged in promotions due to natural age-related physical changes.
Gender Inclusivity
The ACFT aims to be gender-neutral, but there are some considerations for how it impacts promotion points for men and women:
- Same standards: Unlike the old Army Physical Fitness Test, the ACFT uses identical events and scoring scales for all genders.
- Performance differences: On average, men tend to score higher on some events like the deadlift and sprint-drag-carry.
- Balancing act: The Army is monitoring how these differences affect promotion rates to ensure fairness.
You’ll find that while the test itself doesn’t differentiate, the promotion boards may consider gender representation when evaluating scores.
This helps maintain diversity in leadership roles.
The goal is to reward physical readiness without creating unintended barriers for any demographic group.
As you prepare for promotions, focus on maximizing your personal performance within your age category.
Preparing for the ACFT
Successful ACFT preparation requires a well-rounded approach that combines targeted exercises, smart training practices, and proper nutrition and recovery.
By focusing on these key areas, you can improve your performance across all test events.
Training Best Practices
Start your ACFT preparation well in advance.
Aim for at least 8-12 weeks of dedicated training before your test date.
Consistency is key, so establish a regular workout routine that includes 3-4 training sessions per week.
Incorporate variety into your workouts to challenge different muscle groups and energy systems.
This will help you improve across all ACFT events.
Track your progress using a fitness app or journal.
Regularly test yourself on ACFT events to gauge improvement and identify areas needing more work.
Don’t neglect flexibility and mobility work.
Include dynamic stretching before workouts and static stretching afterward to prevent injuries and improve performance.
Targeted Exercises
Focus on exercises that directly translate to ACFT events.
For the 3-repetition maximum deadlift, practice proper form with increasingly heavy weights.
Gradually build up to your target weight.
To improve your standing power throw, work on explosive movements like medicine ball throws and plyometric exercises.
For push-ups, mix in various chest and tricep exercises.
Try different hand positions and tempos to build overall upper body strength and endurance.
Practice the sprint-drag-carry by setting up a course similar to the test.
Work on your transition speed between exercises.
Nutrition and Recovery
Fuel your body properly to support your training.
Eat a balanced diet rich in lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day.
Time your meals strategically.
Eat a light meal 2-3 hours before workouts for energy without discomfort.
Prioritize rest and recovery.
Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to help your body repair and grow stronger.
Use active recovery techniques on rest days, such as light jogging or swimming, to promote blood flow and reduce muscle soreness.
ACFT Promotion Points System
The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) plays a crucial role in determining promotion points for soldiers.
It offers a comprehensive assessment of physical fitness and readiness, directly impacting career advancement opportunities.
Calculating Promotion Points
You can earn up to 120 promotion points through the ACFT for advancements to Sergeant and Staff Sergeant.
The scoring system is performance-based, with each of the six ACFT events contributing to your total score.
To maximize your points, aim for the highest possible score in each event.
The ACFT calculator can help you track your progress and estimate potential promotion points.
Remember, a minimum passing score in all required events is essential for eligibility.
Correlation Between ACFT and Promotions
Your ACFT performance directly influences your promotion prospects.
Higher scores can significantly boost your chances of advancement, especially in competitive fields.
Excelling in the ACFT demonstrates your physical readiness and commitment to Army standards.
This can set you apart from your peers during promotion board evaluations.
Consistently high ACFT scores may also lead to additional opportunities for leadership roles and specialized training programs.
Policy Updates and Changes
The Army regularly reviews and updates ACFT policies to ensure fairness and effectiveness.
As of April 1, 2023, new guidelines for awarding promotion points have been implemented.
Soldiers with permanent physical profiles now receive 60 ACFT points for each event they can’t perform.
This change aims to maintain equity in the promotion system.
Stay informed about policy updates through official Army channels.
These changes can significantly impact your promotion strategy and career planning.
Integrating ACFT with Army Career Advancement
The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) plays a crucial role in your military career progression.
It impacts various aspects of your advancement, from training opportunities to promotion eligibility.
Military Training
Your ACFT performance can open doors to specialized training programs.
High scores may qualify you for elite schools like Airborne or Air Assault.
These opportunities enhance your skills and make you more competitive for promotions.
Physical fitness is a key component of leadership development courses.
Strong ACFT results can help you stand out in Non-Commissioned Officer Education System (NCOES) programs.
This gives you an edge in advancing to higher ranks.
Consistent ACFT preparation improves your overall readiness.
This makes you more effective in your current role and better prepared for future positions.
Education and Civilian Accreditation
The ACFT indirectly influences your educational pursuits.
Maintaining good physical fitness allows you to focus on academic goals without the stress of failing fitness standards.
You can earn college credits for your ACFT training and performance.
Many schools recognize military fitness programs as part of physical education requirements.
This can accelerate your degree completion, boosting your promotion points.
Some civilian certifications in fitness and health fields may consider your ACFT scores.
These credentials can enhance your military career and provide options for post-service employment.
Awards and Decorations
Exceptional ACFT performance can lead to recognition through awards.
The Army Physical Fitness Badge is a visible symbol of your commitment to fitness.
Unit-level competitions often include ACFT events.
Winning these can result in certificates of achievement or even impact coins.
These awards contribute to your promotion points.
For Regular Army and Army Reserve members, consistent high ACFT scores may be considered for end-of-year evaluations.
This can influence your chances for performance-based awards, further boosting your promotion potential.
Administrative Aspects of the ACFT
The Army Combat Fitness Test involves various administrative elements to ensure fair and consistent implementation.
These components cover equipment needs, personnel roles, and accommodations for certain soldiers.
Equipment and Facilities
You’ll find that proper equipment is crucial for ACFT administration.
Each testing site requires:
- 2 x 40-lb kettlebells
- 1 x 10-lb medicine ball
- 1 x measuring tape
- 1 x hex bar with weights
- Pull-up bars
- Sprint-drag-carry lane markers
Testing areas must have a level field or track for the 2-mile run.
Indoor facilities need adequate space for all events, including the overhead throw.
Role of Graders and Administrators
Graders play a vital part in ACFT execution.
They:
- Ensure correct form and repetition counts
- Record scores accurately
- Provide instructions and demonstrations
Administrators oversee the entire process.
Their duties include:
- Scheduling tests
- Coordinating equipment and locations
- Managing grader assignments
- Handling score submissions
Both roles require specific training to maintain test integrity and safety standards.
Handling of Permanent Profiles
The U.S. Army has provisions for soldiers with permanent profiles.
If you have a profile, here’s what you need to know:
- You’ll be granted 60 points for each event you can’t perform
- Alternative events may be assigned based on your profile
- Your commander must approve profile-related accommodations
Profile soldiers still need to meet minimum fitness standards for their assigned duties.
The Army reviews these cases individually to ensure fairness and maintain readiness.
ACFT for Special Populations
The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) applies to all soldiers, but certain groups face unique challenges.
Adaptations exist for reserve components and injured soldiers to ensure readiness across the force.
ACFT Readiness for Reserve Components
You, as a member of the Army Reserve or National Guard, face distinct hurdles in ACFT preparation.
Limited training time and equipment access can impact your readiness.
To address this, the Army has implemented several strategies:
- Virtual training modules
- Mobile ACFT equipment kits
- Flexible drill schedules
These tools help you maintain fitness despite limited in-person training.
The USAR (AGR) program offers additional support, ensuring Active Guard Reserve soldiers can meet the same standards as their active-duty counterparts.
Computer training programs supplement physical training, allowing you to study proper form and techniques from home.
Adaptive Training for Injured Soldiers
If you’re recovering from an injury, the Army provides adaptive training options to maintain your soldier readiness.
These include:
- Modified exercises tailored to your specific injury
- Temporary profiles with adjusted ACFT requirements
- Rehabilitation programs integrated with ACFT preparation
Your resident military education courses now incorporate adaptive fitness training, ensuring you stay on track for promotions even while healing.
ACFT Norms and Statistics
The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) uses a normed scoring system to evaluate soldiers’ physical fitness.
This means your performance is compared to others in your age and gender category.
Passing scores for the ACFT vary depending on your military occupational specialty (MOS).
Generally, you need to score at least 60 points in each event to pass.
The maximum score for each of the six ACFT events is 100 points, totaling 600 points overall.
Scoring above the 90th percentile in your demographic can earn you maximum promotion points.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the scoring tiers:
- Bronze: 60-69 points
- Silver: 70-79 points
- Gold: 80-89 points
- Platinum: 90-100 points
Your ACFT score directly impacts your promotion potential.
Starting April 1, 2023, promotion points are awarded based on your ACFT performance.
To maximize your chances for promotion, aim for consistently high scores across all events.
Focus on improving your weakest areas while maintaining strength in others.
Advancements and Future of the ACFT
The Army Combat Fitness Test continues to evolve, with recent changes impacting promotion points and implementation timelines.
These updates aim to better assess soldiers’ physical readiness and align with the Army’s holistic health and fitness (H2F) approach.
Recent Developments
The ACFT has undergone significant changes since its introduction.
You’ll see a reduction in promotion points for physical fitness from 180 to 120 for those seeking advancement to sergeant rank.
This shift allows for a more balanced evaluation of soldiers’ overall capabilities.
Awards now carry more weight in promotions, increasing from 125 to 145 points.
This change recognizes the importance of achievements beyond physical fitness.
The test itself continues to be refined.
You might notice adjustments to exercise standards or scoring methods as the Army fine-tunes the assessment based on data and feedback.
Implementation Timeline and Expectations
The ACFT became the Army’s official physical fitness test on October 1, 2022.
You should expect ongoing updates and refinements as the test matures.
If you have a temporary profile, you may be awarded an ACFT score for promotion purposes during specific test windows.
This ensures you’re not disadvantaged during recovery periods.
Looking ahead, you can anticipate:
- Further integration of H2F principles into ACFT preparation
- Potential adjustments to promotion point allocations
- Increased focus on aerobic endurance components
Frequently Asked Questions
The ACFT promotion points system can be complex.
These common questions address key aspects of scoring, calculation, and impact on career advancement.
How can I calculate my promotion points from my ACFT score?
Your ACFT score directly translates to promotion points.
Each event is worth up to 100 points, for a maximum total of 600 points.
Your raw score is then converted to a percentage, which determines your promotion points.
For example, if you score 540 out of 600, that’s 90%.
This percentage typically equates to 108 out of 120 possible promotion points for physical fitness.
What is the current ACFT score to promotion points conversion table for 2024?
The 2024 conversion table maintains a similar structure to previous years.
A perfect 600 ACFT score earns you 120 promotion points.
Scores in the 540-599 range typically earn 108-119 points.
Lower scores still contribute, with 420-479 usually earning 60-89 points.
Remember, these numbers can slightly adjust based on Army updates.
Is there a difference between APFT and ACFT promotion points?
Yes, there’s a significant difference.
The APFT had three events, while the ACFT has six.
This change allows for a more comprehensive assessment of your physical fitness.
The ACFT also offers a wider range of potential points.
It better reflects the diverse physical demands of modern soldiering, potentially impacting your promotion opportunities differently than the APFT did.
What’s a good ACFT score to aim for if I’m looking to get promoted?
For promotion considerations, aim for at least 540 out of 600 on your ACFT.
This score puts you in a competitive position, typically earning over 100 promotion points.
Consistently scoring above 550 demonstrates exceptional fitness and dedication, which can set you apart in promotion boards.
How are promotion points affected by my Army weapons qualification scores?
Weapons qualification scores contribute separately from your ACFT score.
They can add up to 40 points to your total promotion points.
Expert qualification typically earns the full 40 points, while Sharpshooter and Marksman qualifications earn fewer.
These points stack with your ACFT score, enhancing your overall promotion potential.
Where can I find an updated ACFT score chart for promotion point assessment?
You can find the most current ACFT score charts on the official Army website.
You can also find them in your unit’s S1 office or through your chain of command.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to official Army sources.
These charts are periodically updated, so check them regularly to stay informed about how your scores translate to promotion points.