US Army Introduces New Fitness Test for Combat Troops

The US Army has introduced a new fitness test, the Combat Field Test (CFT), which must be completed by all members of combat troops. The aim of the CFT is to assess soldiers' fitness and improve their readiness for deployment. The test is mandatory for active soldiers in 24 selected combat roles within the US Army and complements the existing Army Fitness Test (AFT). The CFT consists of seven disciplines that must be performed consecutively without interruption. Evaluation is based on the total time taken to complete all disciplines.

Among the disciplines are a 1-mile/1.6-kilometer run, 30 push-ups, a 100-meter sprint, and lifting a 40-pound/18-kilogram sandbag onto a platform 165 centimeters high. Additionally, soldiers must carry two 5-gallon/19-liter water jugs (each weighing 18 kilograms) over a distance of 50 meters. Another discipline involves a 50-meter movement exercise consisting of 25 meters of crawling followed by a 25-meter sprint in three to five seconds. The test concludes with another 1-mile/1.6-kilometer run. Soldiers must complete the CFT in a maximum of 30 minutes while wearing a combat uniform, a brown T-shirt, and combat boots, but no helmet.

The test is identical for all age groups and genders, ensuring equal treatment of soldiers. For soldiers not serving in combat troops, the CFT is not mandatory. Instead, these soldiers must complete a fitness test each calendar year, alternating between the AFT and the CFT. Soldiers in combat roles of the regular army and reserve component who are on active duty for 365 days or longer must pass one of the two tests annually. Those who do not pass the CFT during the 365-day introductory phase have the option to transfer to a non-combat unit.

This could include areas such as maintenance, logistics, or staff positions. The new test aims to ensure that soldiers are physically prepared for the demands of modern combat operations. In comparison, the Bundeswehr conducts its own Basic Fitness Test (BFT), which consists of a shuttle run, a pull-up hang, and a 1,000-meter run. Additionally, the Bundeswehr assesses the physical fitness of applicants with a sports test to ensure that soldiers meet the service requirements.

The introduction of the CFT is part of a comprehensive reform of fitness standards within the US Army, aimed at enhancing soldiers' physical performance. The US Army emphasizes that physical fitness is crucial for the readiness and safety of soldiers. The CFT is seen as an important step in aligning the fitness standards of the US Army with the requirements of modern military operations. Initial tests are expected to be conducted as early as 2026 to evaluate the effectiveness of the new system.