AFT Calculator - Army Fitness Test (Replaced ACFT)
Calculate your Army Fitness Test (AFT) score with our comprehensive calculator designed for the new 5-event format that replaced the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) in June 2025. Get accurate AFT scores, understand MOS-specific requirements, and track your progress across all events.
Master the Army Fitness Test with Precision
The official AFT calculator for the Army's streamlined 5-event fitness assessment. Replacing the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), the AFT provides accurate scoring and clear requirements for the modern military fitness standard introduced in June 2025.
AFT: The Army's Evolved Fitness Standard
Revolutionary Change: The Army Fitness Test (AFT) represents a strategic evolution from the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT). After extensive analysis of ACFT injury rates and operational effectiveness, the Army removed the Standing Power Throw and refined scoring standards to create a more practical, safer, and operationally relevant fitness test.
Why the AFT is Superior:
- Reduced Injury Risk: Eliminated high-injury SPT event based on comprehensive data analysis
- Enhanced Practicality: Five events require less specialized equipment and setup time
- Combat-Focused Standards: New MOS-specific requirements better reflect operational demands
- Streamlined Administration: Faster test completion with maintained fitness rigor
Stay current with the latest AFT guidance at the official U.S. Army AFT headquarters.
From ACFT to AFT: What Changed and Why
Understanding the transition from the Army Combat Fitness Test to the Army Fitness Test helps soldiers adapt to the new requirements and training focus.
Key Changes from ACFT
Standing Power Throw Eliminated
The ACFT's most controversial event was removed due to high injury rates and equipment complexity. AFT maintains explosive power assessment through other events.
Simplified MOS Categories
ACFT's three-tier system (Heavy/Significant/Moderate) was streamlined to two categories: Combat and General, making standards clearer and more practical.
Reduced Total Possible Score
AFT maximum score is 500 points (5 events × 100) compared to ACFT's 600 points, maintaining proportional standards while reducing administrative burden.
Rationale Behind Changes
Data-Driven Decisions
Two years of ACFT implementation data revealed injury patterns and administrative challenges that informed AFT development and improvements.
Operational Feedback
Unit commanders and fitness professionals provided extensive input on ACFT practicality, leading to AFT's more streamlined approach.
Medical Analysis
Army medical data showed specific ACFT events contributing disproportionately to injuries, guiding the transition to AFT's safer event selection.
ACFT to AFT Timeline
ACFT Launch
Army Combat Fitness Test begins implementation across all units
Data Collection
Comprehensive analysis of ACFT performance and injury data begins
AFT Development
Army Fitness Test designed based on ACFT lessons learned
AFT Official
AFT becomes test of record, replacing ACFT Army-wide
Transitioning from ACFT? Here's What You Need to Know
If you're familiar with ACFT scoring and events, the AFT will feel familiar but streamlined. Your training for deadlift, hand-release push-ups, sprint-drag-carry, plank, and two-mile run transfers directly. Focus on eliminating power throw training and redirect that time to strengthening your other five events.
Streamlined Efficiency
The AFT's 5-event format reduces test time by 25% while maintaining comprehensive fitness assessment. Our calculator instantly processes your performance across all events using the latest Army standards for maximum accuracy.
MOS-Specific Precision
Dual-track scoring system with Combat and General MOS categories ensures fitness standards align with operational requirements. Combat specialties face rigorous sex-neutral standards while general roles maintain practical expectations.
Safety-First Design
Built on comprehensive injury data analysis, the AFT eliminates high-risk movements while preserving combat-relevant fitness assessment. Lower injury rates mean more soldiers ready for mission and reduced medical costs Army-wide.
AFT Calculator: Complete User Guide
Navigate the Army's new fitness standard with confidence. Our AFT calculator is designed specifically for the 5-event format and new MOS-based scoring system.
Select Your MOS Track
Choose between Combat (70 pts/event, 350 total) or General (60 pts/event, 300 total) categories. Combat roles include Infantry, Armor, Special Forces, and other high-intensity positions.
Input 5 Core Events
Enter performance for: Deadlift (MDL), Hand-Release Push-ups (HRP), Sprint-Drag-Carry (SDC), Plank (PLK), and 2-Mile Run. No more Standing Power Throw complications!
Analyze MOS Compliance
Instantly see if you meet your specific MOS requirements. Combat soldiers face higher standards while maintaining operational readiness across all five fitness domains.
Optimize Performance
Use detailed breakdowns to target weak areas. With only 5 events, focused improvement in any single area significantly impacts your overall AFT score and readiness.
Key Improvements in the AFT
25% Faster
Reduced from 6 to 5 events eliminates time-consuming SPT setup and execution
Safer Testing
Eliminated high-injury SPT event based on comprehensive Army medical data
Better Alignment
MOS-specific standards ensure fitness requirements match actual job demands
The AFT's Streamlined Event Portfolio
Five carefully selected events that maintain comprehensive fitness assessment while eliminating injury-prone components. Each AFT event directly correlates to essential combat and occupational readiness skills.
Maximum Deadlift (MDL)
The foundational strength event measuring raw power through the posterior chain. Three progressive attempts to determine maximum safe lifting capacity, directly translating to soldier ability to handle heavy equipment, ammunition, and casualty evacuation scenarios.
Hand-Release Push-Up (HRP)
Enhanced upper body endurance assessment requiring complete range of motion and muscle reset. The hand-release component ensures consistent form standards and eliminates partial repetitions, providing accurate measurement of functional pushing strength and muscular endurance.
Sprint-Drag-Carry (SDC)
Multi-faceted anaerobic power and agility assessment combining five distinct movement patterns in rapid succession. Tests explosive speed, direction changes, loaded carries, and recovery capacity—directly mirroring combat movement demands and battlefield mobility requirements.
Plank Hold (PLK)
Core stability and endurance evaluation through isometric hold position. Measures foundational strength essential for injury prevention, load-bearing activities, and maintaining proper body mechanics under stress. Critical for spinal health and functional movement patterns.
Two-Mile Run (2MR)
Cardiovascular endurance capstone testing aerobic capacity and mental resilience. The classic endurance measure proven over decades of military application, assessing sustained energy output crucial for extended operations and overall cardiovascular health maintenance.
Scientific Rationale: Why Five Events Excel
Evidence-Based Elimination:
- • Injury Reduction: SPT accounted for 23% of AFT-related injuries
- • Equipment Complexity: Medicine ball throws required specialized setup
- • Skill Transfer: Limited operational relevance compared to other events
- • Administrative Burden: Longest single event to administer properly
Enhanced Focus Areas:
- • Functional Strength: MDL directly applies to equipment handling
- • Combat Movement: SDC mirrors battlefield mobility demands
- • Endurance Integration: HRP + PLK + 2MR comprehensive stamina
- • Practical Assessment: All events use basic military equipment
Understanding AFT Scoring Standards
Master the AFT scoring standards across different demographics and MOS categories to optimize your training and career advancement.
MOS Category Requirements
Different Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) have varying fitness requirements based on their combat demands.
| MOS Category | Minimum Total Score | Per Event Minimum | Color Designation |
|---|---|---|---|
Heavy (Black) | 440 points | 70 points | Combat Arms, Special Operations |
Significant (Gray) | 440 points | 65 points | Field Artillery, Air Defense |
Moderate (Gold) | 360 points | 60 points | Support, Logistics, Administrative |
Age and Gender Scoring
The AFT scoring standards are adjusted based on age groups and gender to account for physiological differences while maintaining appropriate fitness levels for military service.
Age Groups:
- • 17-21 years
- • 22-26 years
- • 27-31 years
- • 32-36 years
- • 37-41 years
- • 42+ years (additional brackets)
Gender Considerations:
- • Separate scoring tables for male and female soldiers
- • Accounts for physiological differences
- • Maintains equivalent fitness standards
- • Future AFT will introduce sex-neutral standards for combat roles
AFT Promotion Points and Career Impact
Understand how your AFT promotion points contribute to career advancement and competitive promotion opportunities in the U.S. Army.
Promotion Point System
The AFT contributes up to 120 points toward your total promotion points, making physical fitness a critical factor in career advancement. Higher scores directly translate to competitive advantages in promotion boards.
Maximum Points:
- • Total possible: 120 promotion points
- • Based on scaled AFT score (60-100 per event)
- • Higher performance = more promotion points
Competitive Advantage
Soldiers with superior AFT scores often gain significant advantages in competitive promotion scenarios, especially for leadership positions and specialized assignments.
Strategic Benefits:
- • Enhanced promotion competitiveness
- • Leadership position eligibility
- • Special assignment opportunities
- • Professional military education selection
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions about the Army Fitness Test and scoring
What is the minimum passing score for the AFT?
The minimum passing score varies by MOS category. Moderate (Gold) requires 360 total points with 60 points per event, while Heavy (Black) and Significant (Gray) categories require 440 total points with 70 and 65 points per event respectively. Use our AFT calculator to determine your specific requirements.
How often should I take the AFT?
The AFT is typically administered twice per year for record purposes. Additional diagnostic tests may be conducted for training assessment. Soldiers must maintain readiness to take the test at any time, making consistent training essential for success.
Can I retake the AFT to improve my score?
Yes, soldiers may retake the AFT if they fail to meet minimum standards or wish to improve their AFT promotion points. The most recent passing score becomes the score of record. Strategic retesting can significantly impact career advancement opportunities.
How does the AFT compare to the old ACFT requirements?
The Army Fitness Test maintains the core strength and endurance requirements from the Army Combat Fitness Test while eliminating the Standing Power Throw. ACFT veterans will find familiar events like the deadlift, hand-release push-ups, sprint-drag-carry, plank, and two-mile run. The main difference is AFT's streamlined 5-event format versus ACFT's 6 events, making test administration 25% faster while maintaining comprehensive fitness assessment.
Do my ACFT training methods still apply to the AFT?
Yes! Your ACFT preparation transfers directly to AFT success. The training protocols for deadlift strength, push-up endurance, sprint-drag-carry agility, plank stability, and running endurance remain identical. Simply redirect the time you spent on Standing Power Throw practice toward strengthening these five core events. Many soldiers find AFT training more focused and efficient than ACFT preparation.
AFT Training Tips and Strategies
Maximize your performance across all Army Fitness Test events with targeted training strategies and expert tips
Strength and Power Development
Focus on compound movements like deadlifts, squats, and explosive exercises. The MDL and HRP require both raw strength and power development through progressive overload training. ACFT veterans can apply their existing training foundation while eliminating Standing Power Throw preparation.
Key Training Elements:
- • Progressive deadlift programming
- • Medicine ball explosive throws
- • Olympic lifting variations
- • Plyometric exercises
Endurance and Stamina
Develop muscular endurance for HRP and PLK events while building cardiovascular fitness for the 2MR. Balance high-volume training with recovery periods.
Training Focus:
- • High-volume push-up progressions
- • Progressive plank hold training
- • Interval running protocols
- • Core stability exercises