The United States Army has completely overhauled its approach to physical fitness testing with the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), replacing decades-old protocols with a six-event assessment that actually measures combat readiness. In a demonstration at Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington, fitness expert Dr. Mike Israetel put himself through the complete ACFT alongside Command Sergeant Major Andrew McKay, exposing both the test's strengths and the reality of what it takes to serve.
The results were eye-opening: while Israetel, a professional bodybuilder and exercise scientist, crushed the strength events like the deadlift, he ultimately failed to pass the complete test.
This real-world example proves a critical point—combat fitness requires a unique combination of strength, power, anaerobic capacity, and aerobic endurance that even highly trained athletes may lack.
The Six Events of the Army Combat Fitness Test
Three-Repetition Maximum Trap Bar Deadlift
The ACFT begins with a trap bar (hex bar) deadlift, assessing both lower body strength and grip strength essential for combat operations. Soldiers step inside the hex bar with feet shoulder-width apart and must complete three successful repetitions with proper form.
Scoring standards:
- Minimum passing weight varies by age and gender
- Maximum score achieved at significantly higher weights
- Proper form requires full hip and knee extension
- Failed attempts allow one re-attempt
Dr. Israetel maxed this event on his first legitimate attempt, demonstrating the value of foundational strength training. The trap bar deadlift specifically tests the functional strength needed to lift heavy equipment, carry ammunition, and perform manual labor under combat conditions.
Hand-Release Push-Ups (HRPU)
Unlike traditional push-ups, the hand-release variation requires soldiers to completely release their hands from the ground between repetitions, lifting them out to a "T" position. This modification eliminates momentum and tests true muscular endurance.
Key requirements:
- Body must remain rigid from head to heels
- Hands placed inside outer edge of shoulders
- Must release hands completely and extend to sides
- Two-minute time limit
- Minimum: 10 repetitions
- Maximum: 60+ repetitions
Israetel completed 64 repetitions for a score of 86 out of 100, while Sergeant Major McKay achieved a perfect 100 with 64+ repetitions. The hand-release element makes this significantly harder than standard push-ups, testing upper body muscular endurance critical for getting off the ground quickly in combat situations.
Sprint-Drag-Carry (SDC)
The most complex ACFT event combines five distinct movements:
- 50-meter sprint
- 50-meter sled drag (90 pounds)
- 50-meter lateral shuffle
- 50-meter kettlebell carry (two 40-pound kettlebells)
- 50-meter sprint
This anaerobic event simulates combat scenarios including dragging wounded soldiers, carrying ammunition, and moving quickly under fire. The minimum standard is 2 minutes 40 seconds, with a maximum score at 1 minute 36 seconds.
Israetel completed the event in 2 minutes 34 seconds (score: 61), while McKay finished in 1 minute 22 seconds (score: 100). The event proved particularly brutal in improper footwear, highlighting the importance of appropriate equipment selection.
Plank
The plank replaced traditional sit-ups, testing core endurance in a more functional, spine-safe position. Soldiers must maintain a proper plank position with forearms and toes on the ground, body in a straight line.
Standards:
- Minimum time: 1 minute 50 seconds
- Maximum time: 5 minutes 20 seconds
- Event terminates if hips sag, raise, or any improper body part touches ground
- Shaking from exertion permitted if proper position maintained
Both participants maxed this event at 5 minutes 20 seconds.
Interestingly, Israetel noted that his hip flexors and quadriceps fatigued before his core, demonstrating how the plank tests full-body isometric endurance rather than isolated abdominal strength.
Two-Mile Run
The traditional two-mile run remains the final ACFT event, testing aerobic capacity fundamental to all military operations. Whether conducting ruck marches, sustaining prolonged operations, or recovering between periods of intense exertion, cardiovascular endurance underpins combat effectiveness.
Time standards:
- Minimum: 20 minutes 44 seconds
- Maximum: 13 minutes 42 seconds
This event proved to be Israetel's downfall. Despite strong performance across strength and anaerobic events, he failed to complete the two-mile run within the required time, resulting in an overall "no-go" for the ACFT. His final score stood at 347 out of 500, compared to McKay's perfect 500.
Expert Analysis: Strengths and Suggested Improvements
What the ACFT Gets Right
Israetel, despite failing the test, praised the ACFT as "the best PT test that the Army has ever had." The assessment successfully evaluates:
- Multiple strength domains: Lower body (deadlift), upper body (push-ups), grip strength
- Power and explosiveness: Through the sprint-drag-carry
- Anaerobic capacity: Sprint-drag-carry challenges high-intensity work capacity
- Aerobic endurance: Two-mile run ensures cardiovascular fitness
- Core stability: Plank tests functional core endurance
The test requires minimal equipment and can be administered in various field conditions, maintaining practicality while dramatically improving upon the previous push-up, sit-up, and run format.
Recommended Additions
Based on his professional expertise and the testing experience, Israetel suggested two additional events:
1. Broad Jump
A standing broad jump would test lower body explosive power essential for:
- Scaling obstacles and fences
- Rapid stair climbing in combat gear
- Quick movements to cover
- Vertical jumping ability (highly correlated with broad jump)
2. Pull-Ups
Pull-up capacity directly translates to:
- Scaling walls and vertical obstacles
- Climbing with heavy gear
- Navigating degraded urban infrastructure
- Upper body pulling strength (complementing push-up pushing strength)
These additions would create a more complete picture of combat-relevant fitness, particularly for mobility in urban and complex terrain.
The Reality Check: Combat Fitness vs. General Fitness
Here's the thing: Israetel's experience provides a crucial lesson. Specialized fitness does not equal combat readiness. Despite being a professional bodybuilder with exceptional strength and muscular development, he lacked the aerobic foundation necessary for military service.
His calf cramping during the sprint-drag-carry and inability to complete the two-mile run highlight why the Army cannot compromise on cardiovascular standards. In combat scenarios—whether running between covered positions under fire, conducting extended patrols, or performing emergency equipment repairs across a base under attack—aerobic capacity becomes non-negotiable.
The ACFT minimum standards represent the baseline fitness required to perform military duties effectively. Soldiers who merely meet minimums possess adequate—not exceptional—fitness for their roles.
Those who max the test demonstrate the physical preparedness that provides tactical advantages in actual combat situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum passing score for the Army Combat Fitness Test?
There is no single minimum total score for the ACFT. Instead, soldiers must achieve minimum standards in each of the six individual events. These minimums vary by age and gender categories, but all soldiers must pass every event to receive an overall "go" result. Failing any single event, regardless of performance in others, results in test failure.
How does the ACFT differ from the old Army Physical Fitness Test?
The ACFT replaced the APFT's three events (push-ups, sit-ups, two-mile run) with six combat-focused events that assess strength, power, anaerobic capacity, core endurance, and aerobic fitness. The new test uses equipment like trap bars, sleds, and kettlebells, and evaluates functional movements more relevant to actual military tasks rather than general calisthenics.
Can someone with excellent strength training still fail the ACFT?
Yes, as demonstrated by Dr. Israetel's experience. Even individuals with exceptional strength and muscular development can fail the ACFT if they lack adequate aerobic endurance. The two-mile run specifically tests cardiovascular capacity that cannot be substituted with strength alone, making well-rounded fitness essential for passing.
What does the sprint-drag-carry event simulate in combat?
The sprint-drag-carry simulates multiple combat scenarios including sprinting to cover, dragging wounded soldiers to safety, moving laterally while maintaining situational awareness, carrying ammunition or equipment, and making final tactical movements. It tests the anaerobic capacity needed for high-intensity work performed in rapid succession.
How long does it take to prepare for the Army Combat Fitness Test?
Preparation time varies significantly based on current fitness levels. Individuals with no fitness background may need 6-12 months of progressive training to meet minimum standards. Those with existing strength or cardiovascular training might achieve passing scores in 8-16 weeks by addressing their weak areas. The two-mile run typically requires the longest conditioning period for strength-trained individuals.
Is the ACFT harder than civilian fitness tests?
The ACFT is considerably more comprehensive than most civilian fitness assessments. While individual events like the deadlift or push-ups might seem manageable in isolation, completing all six events to standard on the same day requires exceptional well-rounded fitness. The combination of strength, power, and endurance demands exceeds typical gym-based training focused on single fitness domains.
Conclusion: A Test Worthy of Its Purpose
The Army Combat Fitness Test represents a significant evolution in military physical readiness assessment. By evaluating multiple fitness domains through combat-relevant movements, the ACFT ensures soldiers possess the physical capabilities their duties demand.
Dr. Israetel's real-world testing at Joint Base Lewis McChord demonstrates that the ACFT successfully separates those truly fit for military service from those who merely excel in specific fitness areas. His failure despite professional-level strength training validates the test's effectiveness—combat readiness requires more than any single physical attribute.
For service members preparing for the ACFT, the message is clear: balanced training across all fitness domains is non-negotiable.
Strength athletes must build aerobic capacity. Distance runners must develop power and strength. Only through comprehensive physical preparation can soldiers meet the demands of modern military service.
