Army AFT Standards:Fitness Test (AFT)
Army Fitness Test & Requirements (AFT) Calculator is a powerful online tool designed to help you understand where you stand in your physical fitness journey and how you measure up to current military standards. Whether you’re preparing to join the military, currently serving, or simply aiming to challenge yourself, this calculator provides a clear snapshot of your performance across key fitness areas. By inputting your results, you can quickly see how you compare to required benchmarks, identify strengths and weaknesses, and track your progress over time. With easy-to-use features and up-to-date requirements, the AFT Calculator helps you stay informed, motivated, and ready to meet the physical demands of military service.
meet specific physical requirements that ensure you’re ready for the demands of military training and service. These standards focus on overall health, fitness, and the ability to perform physically challenging tasks.
Age & General Health: You must be in good overall health, free of serious medical conditions that could limit your ability to serve.
Height & Weight Standards: The Army uses a height and weight chart to ensure you’re within a healthy range. If you exceed the limit, a body fat percentage assessment may be required.
Vision & Hearing: Acceptable vision (correctable in many cases) and normal hearing are required.
Medical Exam: You must pass a full medical evaluation at a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS).
Physical Requirements to join the Army
The name change reflects an updated version of the fitness test that better aligns with evolving Army standards, policies, and readiness goals. It also signals broader adjustments beyond just the original Army Combat Fitness Test framework.
Combat MOSs generally include roles directly involved in ground combat operations, such as infantry, armor, artillery, and special forces. The Army publishes an official list defining which MOSs fall under this category.
The Army aims to ensure that all Soldiers in combat roles meet the same physical demands required on the battlefield, regardless of gender.
Sex-neutral means that scoring standards are identical for all Soldiers in designated combat MOSs, with no adjustment based on gender.
The Army is aligning fitness standards with the physical demands of modern combat to improve lethality, survivability, and overall readiness.
The event is being removed to simplify the test and focus on movements more directly tied to combat tasks and measurable performance outcomes.
The Army continuously monitors injury data. Training guidance, proper form, and progressive conditioning are emphasized to reduce injury risk.
No. The remaining events are designed to maintain or increase the overall rigor and relevance of the test.
The changes are intended to improve readiness by ensuring Soldiers are physically prepared for real-world combat tasks.
The Army uses performance data, injury reports, field feedback, and research from training and operational units.
MOSs were evaluated based on their likelihood of engaging in direct combat and the physical demands associated with those roles.
The Army tracks performance trends, injury rates, and readiness metrics and may adjust policies as needed.
Yes. Standards are tied to the MOS, not the unit assignment.
The Army continually reviews MOS classifications and may expand or adjust the list as needed.
Soldiers with permanent profiles will be evaluated according to medical guidance and existing Army policies.
Typically, Soldiers are given a specified remediation period (often several months) to retrain and retest, in accordance with Army regulations.
Support includes updated training programs, leader guidance, fitness resources, and access to medical and strength-conditioning professionals.
Not necessarily. Testing schedules are determined by unit leadership within Army timelines and guidance.
No. Standards apply specifically to Soldiers in designated MOSs, though commanders may encourage higher performance across the unit.
The Army intends for the AFT to be stable but will continue refining it based on data and operational needs.
Soldiers should focus on improving overall fitness, especially strength, endurance, and combat-relevant performance, to meet evolving standards.
Soldiers in processes like the Military Occupational Specialty Administrative Retention Review or Physical Evaluation Board will be evaluated according to those processes, which may affect fitness requirements.
Soldiers with temporary medical profiles will follow modified testing or deferment policies until they are cleared for full participation.
The Army Fitness Test (AFT) consists of five events that measure overall physical readiness:
Three-Repetition Maximum Deadlift
Hand-Release Push-Ups
Sprint-Drag-Carry
Plank
Two-Mile Run
To pass, soldiers must earn at least 60 points in each event, for a minimum total score of 300 points. The Army uses age-normed scoring for most soldiers, while designated combat military occupational specialties (MOSs) have additional combat standards.
The Army AFT standards 2026 became the official benchmark after the AFT replaced the ACFT in 2025. The standing power throw event was removed, leaving a five-event test. Beginning in 2026, combat specialties use sex-neutral combat standards, while other career fields continue using the applicable age-based scoring system. The Army has also introduced other policy updates in 2026, such as a new waist-to-height body composition assessment.
Yes. A 450 AFT score is generally considered a strong performance. Since the minimum passing score is 300 points, a score of 450 demonstrates well-above-average fitness across the five events. Competitive schools, promotions, and leadership positions often favor soldiers with higher fitness scores, although requirements vary by unit and MOS.
To improve your chances of passing the Army Fitness Test:
Train each of the five AFT events regularly.
Build lower-body and core strength for the deadlift and sprint-drag-carry.
Practice proper hand-release push-up technique.
Increase plank endurance with core training.
Follow a structured running program to improve your two-mile run time.
Use an AFT calculator to estimate your score and identify weak areas before your official test.
Allow adequate recovery, hydration, and nutrition throughout your training program.
Consistent preparation over several weeks or months is the most effective way to meet or exceed the Army's fitness standards.
Army Fitness Test (AFT) is the U.S. Army's physical readiness assessment designed to measure a
soldier's strength, endurance, agility, and overall combat fitness. Understanding the Army AFT standards 2026 is essential for active-duty soldiers, recruits, and those preparing to enlist, as the updated requirements establish the minimum performance expectations for each event. Many candidates use an Army fitness test & requirements AFT calculator or an AFT calculator to estimate their scores, track progress, and identify areas for improvement before test day. Reviewing the official Army Physical Fitness Test standards, along with the Army fitness test & requirements AFT PDF, Army AFT standards 2026 PDF, and AFT regulation Army PDF, provides detailed information on scoring criteria, event requirements, and passing standards. Using these resources together with an accurate calculator helps soldiers prepare more effectively and stay on track to meet the latest Army fitness requirements.
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