The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) is built around six physically demanding events designed to assess a soldier’s strength, power, endurance, and readiness for combat environments. Each event replicates real-life military tasks and pushes different components of physical fitness.
The Six Events at a Glance
These are the six core events in the ACFT:
- Repetition Maximum Deadlift (MDL) – Tests lower-body strength
- Standing Power Throw (SPT) – Measures explosive power
- Hand-Release Push-Up (HRP) – Evaluates upper-body muscular endurance
- Sprint / Drag / Carry (SDC) – Tests speed, agility, and anaerobic capacity
- Plank (PLK) – Challenges core strength and endurance
- Two-Mile Run (2MR) – Measures aerobic endurance and cardiovascular efficiency
Why These Events Are Physically Demanding
Each of the six ACFT events simulates combat-related physical demands such as:
- Lifting and carrying heavy equipment
- Sprinting under pressure
- Maintaining core control in fatigue
- Recovering quickly between high-intensity efforts
They are purposefully structured to test total-body readiness and identify strengths or weaknesses across various fitness domains.
Training for All Six ACFT Events
To perform well across all six events, soldiers should focus on:
- Strength training (e.g., trap bar deadlifts, kettlebell carries)
- Power development (medicine ball throws, plyometrics)
- Endurance work (running, ruck marches, circuit training)
- Core stability exercises (planks, carries, rotational drills)
An effective ACFT training plan addresses all six physically demanding events with a mix of recovery, intensity, and proper form guidance.