Army Combat Fitness Test Version 2

The Army Combat Fitness Test is the means to validate a Soldier and unit's physical readiness training; it shows how effective this training is in preparing Soldiers for the combat tasks they have to perform. This publication supplements the Army's physical testing doctrine for the initial operation capability period, Fiscal Year 20, 01 October 2019 to 30 September 2020. The principal audience is leaders at all organizational levels.

The best standalone resource for the Army Combat Fitness Test As the Army prepares to shift to the new Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) from the Army Physical Fitness Test, hundreds of thousands of new and current servicemembers will have to pass a more rigorous and demanding set of physical events to prove they have what it takes to meet the physical demands of an army job. Utilizing the accessible and simple approach that has made the For Dummies series famous the world over, ACFT For Dummies is packed with everything you need to train for and ultimately crush the ACFT. Topics include: An overview of the test, including how it fits into your army role How the test is administered (location, equipment, etc.) Instructions on how to perform each of the six events How the ACFT is scored Training for the ACFT on your own time The importance of recovery, including essential stretches How to build your own workout routine Videos for each of the six events with tips for how to train for them The ACFT For Dummies prepares readers to tackle the new, tougher Army fitness test with practical examples and concrete strategies that will push each servicemember to new heights.

Our nation's greatest assets - our Soldiers - face a dynamic, competitive, and lethal operational environment (OE) that has evolved in recent years, one in which our adversaries will employ a mix of traditional, unconventional, and hybrid strategies. Our Army's physical readiness program must evolve to keep pace with the demands of modern war - our physical fitness test must evolve as well. Based on results of years of scientific study, the Secretary and Chief of Staff of the Army have directed replacement of the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). While the legacy APFT is an acceptable test for measuring general fitness, it does not adequately assess the domains of combat physical fitness. The six-event Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) was developed to better predict a Soldier's readiness for the demands of the modern battlefield. Like combat, the ACFT is both age and gender neutral. The desired end-states of ACFT implementation are an increase in physical readiness...

Preparing for the Army Combat Fitness Test is the ideal resource to help new recruits and active duty soldiers train for the Army's physical assessment of combat readiness.

Army Combat Fitness Test, Initial Operation Capability establishes the Army's doctrine for the physical testing of Soldiers. It presents a summary of exercise and equipment options and performance optimization techniques. Chapter One, Test Standards, covers test administration, event standards, grading, scoring, equipment requirements and the modified ACFT (ACFT MOD). Chapter Two, Drills and Exercises, contains the Preparation and Recovery Drills and a selection - "top three" - exercises from other Drills that support ACFT-specific training. Video support is available online at www.army.mil/acft so that wherever they train, Soldiers can quickly understand and perform the exercises safely. Appendix A, Testing Equipment and ACFT Field, provides the standards and specifications for the ACFT. ACFT field standards are being developed by the Army Corps of Engineers to meet the requirements for unit and individual testing.

Over 600 total pages ... CONTENTS: Army Combat Fitness Test Training Guide Version 1.2 FIELD TESTING MANUAL Army Combat Fitness Test Version 1.4 Army Combat Fitness Test CALL NO. 18-37, September 2018 FM 7-22 ARMY PHYSICAL READINESS TRAINING, October 2012 IOC TESTING - ACFT EQUIPMENT LIST (1 X LANE REQUIREMENT) Version 1.1, 4 September 2018 ACFT Field Test Highlight Poster (Final) OVERVIEW: The Army will replace the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) with the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) as the physical fitness test of record beginning in FY21. To accomplish this, the ACFT will be implemented in three phases. Phase 1 (Initial Operating Capability – IOC) includes a limited user Field Test with approximately 60 battalion-sized units from across all components of the Army. While the ACFT is backed by thorough scientific research and has undergone several revisions, there are still details that have not been finalized. The ACFT requires a testing site with a two-mile run course and a flat field space approximately 40 x 40 meters. The field space should be grass (well maintained and cut) or artificial turf that is generally flat and free of debris. While maintaining testing standards and requirements, commanders will make adjustments for local conditions when necessary. The start and finish point for the two-mile run course must be in close proximity to the Leg Tuck station. When test events are conducted indoors, the surface must be artificial turf only. Wood and rubberized surfaces are not authorized as they impact the speed of the Sprint-Drag-Carry. When environmental conditions prohibit outdoor testing, an indoor track may be used for the 2 Mile Run. The Test OIC or NCOIC are responsible to inspect and certify the site and determine the number of testing lanes. There should not be more than 4 Soldiers per testing group for the SPT, HRP, and SDC. The OIC or NCOIC must add additional lanes or move Soldiers to a later testing session to ensure no more than 4 Soldiers per testing group. Concerns related to Soldiers, graders, or commanders will be addressed prior to test day. The number of lanes varies by number of Soldiers testing. A 16-lane ACFT site will have the following: ACFT specific test equipment requirements: 16 hexagon/trap bars (60 pounds), each with a set of locking collars. While all NSN approved hexagon bars must weigh 60 pounds, there is always a small manufacturer’s production tolerance.The approved weight tolerance for the hexagon bar is + 2 pounds (58-62 pounds). Weight tolerance for the hexagon bar and therefore the 3 Repetition Maximum Deadlift does not include the collars. On average hexagon bar collars weigh < 2.0 pounds per pair and are considered incidental to the totalweight of the MDL weight. Approximately 3,000 lbs. of bumper plates. 16 x 10 lb. medicine ball 16 x nylon sled with pull straps. 32 x 40 lb. kettle bells. Permanent or mobile pull up bars (16 x pull-up bars at approximately 7.5 feet off the ground with,step-ups for shorter Soldiers). Common unit equipment for set-up and grading: 16 stop watches. 8 x 25m tape measures. 8 x wooden or PVC marking sticks for the SPT. One stick for every two lanes. 70 x 18” traffic cones. 50 field / dome cones. A soft, flat, dry test area approximately 40m x 40m on grass or artificial turf (half of a soccer or football field). A site that is free of any significant hazards. A preparation area (can be same as briefing area) to conduct Preparation Drill. A generally flat, measured running course with a solid, improved surface that is not more than 3 percent uphill grade and has no overall decline (start and finish must be at the same altitude).

This publication establishes the Army's physical testing doctrine for the IOC period October 2019 to October 2020. This publication comprises the physical test for the Army's Holistic Health and Fitness System. The ACFT is the means to validate a Soldier's and unit's physical readiness training - it shows how effective that training is in preparing Soldiers for the combat tasks they all have to be ready to perform. The principle audience is leaders at all organizational levels. All leaders are trainers. Leaders include officers, warrant officers, non commissioned officers, and those Army civilians in leadership positions. Trainers and educators throughout the Army will also use this publication. This publication derives from Department of Defense Directive 1308.1 and Department of Defense Instruction 1308.3, 5 November 2002. Army Regulation 350-1, 15 September 2019, directs the Army's mandatory training requirements. Commanders and staff will establish training programs consistent with AR 350-1 and Field Manual 7-22 and in consultation with their Holistic Health and Fitness Teams and Master Fitness Trainers. Training that addresses both the physical and non-physical aspects of Soldier readiness is considered by senior Department of Defense leadership to be essential to mission success. The proponent for this publication is the United States Army Center for Initial Military Training (CIMT), Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC). Submit comments and recommendations for improvement of this field manual on DA Form 2028 (Recommended Changes to Publications and Blank Forms).

The U.S. Army is introducing a new fitness test for the first time in more than 40 years. In this report, the authors conduct a review of the Army Combat Fitness Test and provide recommendations to support the Army's implementation decisions.