Army fitness explained · Sources reviewed
CFT vs AFT
Two tests. Different measures of readiness.
The Army's Combat Field Test (CFT) measures completion time across seven continuous tasks. The Army Fitness Test (AFT) awards points across five events. Soldiers in designated combat specialties take the CFT in addition to the AFT; it does not replace it. Army announcement ↗
What changes between the tests?
| Measure | CFT | AFT |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Seven tasks, one continuous clock | Five separately scored events |
| Result | Pass/fail; no point score | Up to 500 points |
| Passing | All tasks in 30 minutes or less | 60 per event; 300 General or 350 Combat total |
| Standard | Same threshold regardless of age or sex | General: age/sex-normed; Combat: age-normed, sex-neutral |
Sources: Army AFT and CFT guidance and Army Directive 2026-07.
The AFT events are deadlift, hand-release push-up, sprint-drag-carry, plank and two-mile run. Use the AFT score calculator for those results. Its point tables cannot convert a CFT completion time into an AFT score.
The seven CFT events, in order
Keep one clock running through the full sequence. Soldiers wear the Army Combat Uniform, combat boots and a brown T-shirt, without headgear.
- Opening runRun one mile.
- Dead-stop push-upsComplete 30 push-ups from a dead stop.
- SprintSprint 100 meters.
- Sandbag liftsPlace 16 separate 40-pound sandbags on a 65-inch platform. Finish with all 16 bags securely on the platform, putting any fallen bag back before moving on.
- Water-can carryCarry two five-gallon Army water cans, each weighing 40 pounds, for 50 meters.
- Movement drillCover 25 meters with a high crawl, then 25 meters using 3–5 second rushes.
- Closing runRun a final mile.
Event sequence and equipment: Army's April 22, 2026 announcement. Detailed station rules: Army CFT testing guidance (Annex B). The official CFT FAQ confirms the 30-minute passing limit.
Who takes the CFT?
Army Directive 2026-07 designates 24 combat military occupational specialties (MOS), including infantry, special forces, armor and combat engineers. Check the directive's full list and your unit's guidance for your own assignment.
Regular Army and Active Guard Reserve Soldiers in these specialties take one AFT and one CFT each year. This also applies to other Reserve Component Soldiers on active-duty orders lasting at least 365 days. Other Reserve Component Soldiers in designated combat specialties take one test each calendar year, alternating between AFT and CFT. Read the directive ↗
When does it count for record?
- April 17, 2026
- Diagnostic testing begins.
- April 17, 2027
- Testing for record begins.
Implementation dates: official CFT FAQ. This page explains the published policy; your unit handles test administration and individual circumstances.
Common points of confusion
Is CFT another name for ACFT?
No. CFT means Combat Field Test. ACFT means Army Combat Fitness Test, the earlier test replaced by the AFT in June 2025. They have different events and scoring. See the AFT–ACFT comparison.
Is there a CFT score chart or calculator?
The published CFT standard is a single completion-time threshold, without points by event, age or sex. AFT score charts answer a different question. Check the Army's current standard before your test.