The Army Combat Fitness Test

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.

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...

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.

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.

Preparing for the Army Combat Fitness Test is the ideal resource to help you assess your readiness and train for the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT). Because soldiers operate on a three-dimensional battlefield where physical demands are often variable and unpredictable, the Army’s revised physical test provides a more diverse measurement of a soldier's physical abilities than its predecessor. But if you are one of the 200,000 annual recruits or the 1.2 million active duty soldiers who must pass these new protocols, this diverse test may bring anxiety and uneasiness. That is where this essential guide can help. Backed by the expertise of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), Preparing for the Army Combat Fitness Test is the first book on the market to address the requirements of the ACFT and provide you with the tools you need to be prepared for testing day. Consisting of six events—the 3 Repetition Maximum Deadlift, Standing Power Throw, Hand Release Push-Up–Arm Extension, Sprint-Drag-Carry, Leg Tuck, and Two-Mile Run—the ACFT will test physical characteristics that you can develop and cultivate with the training guidelines in this book. For each testing event, you’ll find a description of the test, instructions on performing the test safely and effectively, and scoring standards so you know the minimum performance requirements to pass and avoid being disqualified on testing day. To begin, you will be guided through a self-assessment that will allow you to determine your current readiness and select a training program to maximize your performance outcomes. A variety of sample training plans are provided so you can select a plan based on how much time you have to prepare for the ACFT and the amount of time you have available to train. Choose from 24-, 12-, 8-, or 4-week plans that contain workouts for two, three, four, or five days a week. Setup and execution guidelines are provided for over 100 exercises, so you can safely and effectively execute the exercises assigned within your training program. Accompanying photos visually demonstrate how to perform the exercises. If you don’t have access to the necessary equipment for the primary exercises, suggestions are offered for replacement exercises that are similar in movement and training outcome. Completing this comprehensive training resource is valuable supplemental information about nutrition, hydration, physical and mental recovery, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The ACFT does not have to feel overwhelming. With a good preparation plan and commitment to training, you can show up on test day with confidence. Preparing for the Army Combat Fitness Test will give you the edge you need to excel and achieve your best on the Army Combat Fitness Test. Get more help from the app! Looking for additional resources to make sure you are in peak condition for the test? The Volt Athletics training app, which is available separately, provides programming based on this book that you can use to help with your training. A special promo code and instructions for downloading the app are included in the book.

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.

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.