What Is The Army Combat Fitness Test? (ROTC Standards)
The Army Fitness Test (AFT) is the current Army fitness test, replacing the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) on June 1, 2025. It has five events: a three-repetition maximum deadlift, hand-release push-up, sprint-drag-carry, plank, and two-mile run. The general passing benchmark is 300 total points, with at least 60 in each event. ROTC cadets should confirm their applicable standard with their cadre.
If you are checking an ROTC requirement, the key question is not just “What score do I need?” It is “Which current test and scoring table apply to me, and by when?” Using an old chart or the wrong standard can send your training in the wrong direction.
The AFT is a fitness requirement, not an admissions credential or a substitute for your GPA. Your ROTC battalion cadre can explain when you must take it, how your result is recorded, and whether you need a retest. I would get those details before setting a pass target.
What the Army Fitness Test Means for ROTC Admissions and Program Participation
The AFT measures physical fitness under Army standards. For ROTC, it is one part of a larger program and commissioning process, not a college admissions exam. Cadets should follow the requirements and timeline set for their program, rather than assume one rule applies to every campus or commissioning pathway.
The Army changed the test’s name from the Army Combat Fitness Test, or ACFT, to the Army Fitness Test, or AFT, effective June 1, 2025. The test now has five events. In particular, the standing power throw was part of the former six-event ACFT, but it is not an AFT event.
Cadets should treat fitness, academics, and administrative requirements as separate parts of progress. An AFT score does not replace course credits or GPA requirements. A strong academic record does not, by itself, meet a fitness requirement either.
ROTC instructions can depend on your test date and commissioning timeline. The cadre at your battalion is the right place to confirm current Cadet Command guidance and local procedures. Ask which scoring table applies to you, when the test is due, and what happens if you need to retest.
Key step: Ask your cadre for the current test instructions in writing, especially if a website or older handout still says “ACFT.”
AFT Events, Scoring Standards, and ROTC Requirements
The AFT has five events that test strength, muscular endurance, power under repeated effort, core endurance, and running. Each event contributes to your result under the applicable Army scoring table. Your target depends on your category, so do not use a general-purpose score chart if your cadre says another standard applies.
| AFT event | What it measures | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Three-repetition maximum deadlift | The heaviest load you can lift for three valid repetitions | Approved equipment, lifting rules, and scoring table |
| Hand-release push-up | Upper-body muscular endurance using the Army’s required technique | Position, repetition standards, and time or scoring rules |
| Sprint-drag-carry | Speed, strength, and repeated changes of movement | Course setup, equipment, and event instructions |
| Plank | Core endurance while holding the required position | Technique rules and how the event is ended or scored |
| Two-mile run | Running endurance over two miles | Course, timing, and applicable score table |
What does a passing AFT score mean?
Under the general AFT standard, the passing benchmark is at least 300 points total and at least 60 points in each event. Both parts matter. A total above 300 does not make up for an event score below the required minimum under that standard.
The Army also specifies a 350-point AFT standard for designated combat specialties. Do not assume that this threshold applies to every ROTC cadet or every commissioning branch. The combat-specialty and general-purpose standards may use different scoring rules, so confirm your category and table with the cadre.
| If your situation is… | Do not assume… | Confirm with cadre… |
|---|---|---|
| You are taking a general-purpose AFT | That the combat-specialty threshold applies | The general standard and table for your test date |
| You are pursuing a designated combat specialty | That the general 300-point benchmark is enough | Whether the 350-point standard applies to your pathway |
| You found an ACFT chart online | That its event list or scores are current | The official AFT table and current instructions |
| A score calculator gives you a target | That it matches your category | Whether the calculator uses the correct Army table |
An event score is not simply a count of repetitions or a time in isolation. The official table converts performance into points under the standard that applies. Because the scoring rules can differ, an unofficial calculator or an old ACFT chart may produce a misleading target.
Key step: Write down the exact scoring category, minimums, and test date that your cadre confirms. Then use that information to plan training.
Preparing for the AFT While Managing Academic and Cadet Responsibilities
A useful preparation plan starts with the rule, then a baseline, then focused practice. A baseline means a safe starting assessment across all five events. It helps you see which events need attention, but it should not replace official instructions or medical guidance.
A practical four-step plan
- Verify the requirement. Ask the cadre which AFT standard and scoring table apply, when your test is due, and how retests and score records work.
- Establish a baseline. If it is medically appropriate, practice all five events using the required techniques. Record performance, form issues, and how you recover.
- Train progressively. Build strength, conditioning, and event-specific skill over time. Ask a qualified coach to check deadlift form and sprint-drag-carry technique, especially if you are new to those movements.
- Schedule a practice test early. Leave time to address weak events before the official date. Track the AFT alongside coursework, GPA, medical tasks, and other ROTC milestones.
Progressive training means increasing difficulty in a planned way, rather than making sudden jumps in load or effort. Your approach should reflect your current fitness and health. If you have an injury or health concern, seek appropriate medical advice before hard training or testing.
Illustrative ROTC planning scenarios
These examples show how the same test can call for different next steps. They are planning examples, not official cases or Army policy.
| Scenario | Practical response |
|---|---|
| A cadet has 310 total points but scores 55 in one event | Under the general standard, the event minimum is not met. Ask the cadre about the result and retest procedure. |
| A cadet is pursuing a combat specialty | Confirm whether the 350-point standard applies to that specific pathway and which scoring table to use. |
| A student finds a six-event ACFT chart | Do not train to that event list as the current test. Get the AFT instructions and table for the test date. |
| A cadet’s class and test dates are close together | Ask early about the official deadline and retest process, then plan practice around academic duties. |
A cadet can also ask how the battalion handles recording results and communicating a policy change. If two documents appear to conflict, share both with the cadre and ask which one controls for your test date. Do not guess based on a search result.
Key step: Use one verified target sheet with the applicable standard, event scores, due date, and cadre contact. Update it if the battalion gives you new guidance.
Commissioning Pathways, Army Roles, and Career Outcomes
AFT standards may depend on the Army role or commissioning pathway you pursue. The 350-point standard is for designated combat specialties, not automatically every ROTC cadet. Your cadre can clarify how current Army policy applies to your plans and whether your category affects the scoring table you must meet.
A cadet may be exploring a branch, or Army career field, while still working through ROTC requirements. Interest in a role does not by itself confirm which standard applies. Ask the cadre to identify the current rule for your pathway and test timeline.
A clear question is more useful than a broad one. For example: “I am pursuing this commissioning pathway and testing on this date. Which AFT standard and scoring table should I use?” If the answer affects your preparation or eligibility, ask where the instruction is documented.
Keep the AFT in view alongside other commissioning steps. It is one requirement among a set that may include academic progress and medical or administrative tasks. Your battalion can explain how these items fit together and what deadlines apply to you.
Bottom line: Confirm the current AFT rule for your pathway before you set a score goal. Then track the test and your other ROTC milestones separately.
AFT for ROTC: Frequently Asked Questions
These short answers cover the points cadets and families most often need to confirm. The Army’s current scoring table and your ROTC cadre remain the final references for your category, test date, and battalion procedures.
Is the Army still using the ACFT?
No. The Army Fitness Test (AFT) replaced the ACFT effective June 1, 2025.
How many events are in the AFT?
Five: three-repetition maximum deadlift, hand-release push-up, sprint-drag-carry, plank, and two-mile run.
Is the standing power throw part of the AFT?
No. It was part of the former six-event ACFT, but not the current AFT.
What is the general AFT passing benchmark?
At least 300 points total and at least 60 points in each event under the general standard.
Does every ROTC cadet need 350 points?
No. The Army specifies a 350-point standard for designated combat specialties. Ask your cadre whether it applies to your pathway.
Do AFT standards affect ROTC admission?
The AFT is a fitness requirement, not an academic admissions credential. Ask the ROTC battalion about the program and commissioning requirements that apply to you.
Can I use an old ACFT score chart?
Do not use it as your current AFT guide. Confirm the official AFT scoring table for your category and test date.
Who sets my ROTC test date and retest process?
Your ROTC battalion cadre can tell you the schedule, recordkeeping rules, and retest procedure for your program.
Does a high total score cancel a low event score?
Not under the general standard if an event score is below 60, because that standard requires both 300 total points and at least 60 in every event.
What should I do first if I am unsure which standard applies?
Ask your cadre which standard, scoring table, and test-date instructions apply to your commissioning pathway. Get clarification before setting your target.
(This article was written by one of our staff writers, Nathan Sterling. Visit our Meet the Team page.)
