Average ACFT Score Army: Event-Wise Breakdown & Guide

The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) is more than just a physical benchmark. It directly impacts promotion points, leadership potential, and career advancement in the United States Army. Understanding the average ACFT score Army members achieve helps military personnel, new recruits, and NCOs prepare smarter.

With changes on the horizon including the upcoming Army Fitness Test (AFT) in 2025 it’s critical to grasp where you stand and how you can improve.

What Is the ACFT? A Quick Overview

The ACFT, implemented to replace the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), evaluates total body fitness across six physically demanding events:

• Three-Repetition Maximum Deadlift
• Standing Power Throw
• Hand-Release Push-Ups
• Sprint-Drag-Carry
• Plank (replaced leg tucks)
• Two-Mile Run

Each event is scored on a 0–100 scale, totaling a maximum of 600 points.

The ACFT is gender- and age-normed and used for Physical Fitness Assessments, promotion evaluation, and readiness metrics.

Average ACFT Score Army: What’s Normal in 2025?

Based on recent data collected from the Department of the Army, RAND Corporation, and Military.com, here’s the average ACFT score breakdown across active-duty, Guard, and Reserve components.

🔹 Soldiers scoring above 540 are considered top performers, often exempt from body fat assessments.

🔹 Minimum passing is 360 (60 points per event), but this is far below the average among active-duty soldiers.

Event-by-Event Average ACFT Scores

Understanding average performance per event helps you identify weak spots in your training regimen. Here’s the latest data for active-duty personnel:

Most challenging event: 🏃‍♂️ Two-Mile Run
Strongest event: 🏋️ Deadlift and Push-Ups

Why Does the Average ACFT Score Matter?

The ACFT is a standardized test used to evaluate a soldier’s readiness for:

• Leadership roles (e.g., promotion boards)
• Attending Sergeants Major Academy
• Receiving promotion points
• Bypassing body fat assessments
• Selection for advanced schools

Soldiers scoring below the average may still pass but miss out on opportunities for growth and advancement.

What Influences ACFT Scores?

Several factors shape average ACFT scores:

Age & Gender

• Younger soldiers generally outperform older ones.
• Men tend to score slightly higher in events like Deadlift and Sprint-Drag-Carry.

MOS Type

• Combat arms (infantry, artillery) often score higher.
• Technical or support roles may not train for performance the same way.

Training Commitment

• A consistent training regimen using the Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) model boosts performance.
• Units at Camp Arifjan and Salt Lake City reported higher average scores due to intensive preparation.

How to Improve Your ACFT Score Above Average

To exceed the average ACFT score Army-wide, follow a smart plan:

Strength & Power

• Repetition Maximum Deadlift: Train 2–3x weekly with progressive overload
• Include Olympic lifts and resistance training

Core & Endurance

• Replace sit-ups with plank variations, bridges, and anti-rotation exercises
• Increase aerobic capacity with interval and long-distance running

Event-Specific Drills

• Time yourself on Sprint-Drag-Carry
• Practice hand-release push-ups with proper form
• Use med balls to mimic the standing power throw

Tip: Use an ACFT Calculator to set a personalized timeline toward your score goals.

Score Distribution and Performance Levels

Here’s how ACFT scores are typically grouped:

Soldiers scoring above 540 may receive waivers from height/weight assessments.

ACFT vs Army Fitness Test (AFT) – What’s Changing?

Starting June 1, 2025, the Army Fitness Test (AFT) will replace the ACFT.

Key AFT Changes:

• Removal of Standing Power Throw
• Sex-neutral standards for combat MOS (score: 350+)
• Sex- and age-normed standards for combat-support MOS (score: 300+)

Despite the change, many ACFT principles including holistic readiness will remain.

Why ACFT Scores Matter for Promotion Evaluation

Promotion boards value more than just passing.

• High scores = Higher Promotion Points
• ACFT ties into the Army Leadership Requirements Model
• Seen as a reflection of discipline, readiness, and leadership potential

Master Sgt. Jason G. Pickett, a board member at several promotion panels, stated:

“Consistently high ACFT scores demonstrate mental toughness and commitment, not just physical ability.”

Common Myths About ACFT Scores

✅ Myth 1: “If I pass, I’m good.”
❌ Reality: Higher scores impact promotions, assignments, and exemption status.

✅ Myth 2: “It’s impossible to get 600.”
❌ Reality: With focused training, many fitness enthusiasts in the Army get 580+.

✅ Myth 3: “Women can’t score high.”
❌ Reality: Many women outperform male counterparts in core and endurance events.

FAQs: Average ACFT Score Army

❓ What’s the average ACFT score Army-wide in 2025?

A: Around 498 for men and 477 for women in active duty.

❓ Does a higher ACFT score help in promotions?

A: Yes. It contributes to promotion points, especially during promotion board evaluations.

❓ Is the ACFT still in use?

A: Yes, but it will be replaced by the Army Fitness Test (AFT) by June 2025.

❓ Are all events scored equally?

A: Yes, each event offers up to 100 points, with 60 required to pass.

❓ How often is the ACFT administered?

A: Twice per year, though it may vary by unit or location (e.g., Camp Arifjan, overseas deployments).

Conclusion: Aim Higher Than Average

While the average ACFT score Army personnel achieve is respectable, going above average sets you apart. It opens doors to promotion, improves your military readiness, and demonstrates your commitment to excellence.

Stay ahead by tracking your performance, using ACFT tools, and preparing for the AFT transition. Your score is more than a number it’s a statement of your fitness, discipline, and leadership potential.