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What Are The Army Combat Fitness Test Events?
APFT Push-Ups vs. ACFT Push-Ups
ACFT Preparation & Training Resources
What Are The Army Combat Fitness Test Events?
Beginning October 2020, the age- and gender-neutral Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) replaced the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). Its six events include:
- Deadlift
- Standing Power Throw
- Hand-Raised Push-Ups
- 250-Meter Sprint, Drag and Carry
- Leg Tuck
- Two-Mile Run
Since the ACFT is newly implemented, its standards and guidelines are still being adjusted and scores will not count until 2022 (source).
APFT Push-Ups vs. ACFT Push-Ups
Push-ups remain part of the fitness test, but they have been updated to hand-release push-ups instead of standard push-ups.
Below is a demonstration of the original APFT rules for performing standard army push-ups:
APFT standard push-up rules for a single repetition include:
- Starting position is the front leaning rest position
- Hands may be placed anywhere that’s comfortable
- Feet may be together or up to 12 inches apart
- Lower your body as one single, straight unit until your upper arms are parallel to the ground
- Return to the starting position by raising your body as one single, straight unit until your arms are fully extended
- Two resting positions are allowed: sagging your body without touching the ground or flexing your back without supporting most of your bodyweight with your legs
Here is a demonstration of the new ACFT standards for performing hand-release push-ups:
ACFT hand-release push-up rules for a single rep include:
- Starting position is the prone position on your abdomen with your hands beneath your shoulders (thumbs touching the outside of your chest / index fingers inside the outside margin of your shoulders)
- Feet may be together or up to a boot width’s apart
- Head is off the ground
- Body must be raised as one single, straight unit until your arms are fully extended
- Return to the starting position by lowering your body as one single, straight unit
- Without moving your head, body or legs, lift both hands from the ground simultaneously with a visible gap between your palms and the ground
- One resting position is allowed: front leaning rest position
Another variation is the hand-release push-up arm extension in which you fully extend your arms out rather than just lifting your hands off the ground.
ACFT Preparation & Training Resources
If you or a friend are looking for resources to help you prepare for the ACFT, check out these two books.
Preparing for the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT)
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.
The Ultimate Training Guide for the Army Combat Fitness Test
Written by ACE Certified Personal Trainer and NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Christopher Bonilla, The Ultimate Training Guide for the Army Combat Fitness Test goes over the science-driven principles of training and how to apply them in your fitness regimen for the ACFT. Also included are two 6-month training programs to help you get started.
