For the latest updates and info, please visit our most recent post with the April, 2022 updates.
Welcome to fiscal year 2020. This new year brings a reason to celebrate: if you took the APFT today, it could be your last APFT of all time. For those Soldiers still figuring out the Leg Tuck (event 5 of the new test), today also marks the 365 days you've got to train before the inability to perform a Leg Tuck becomes a significant emotional event.
Yesterday, SMA Grinston disseminated an Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) implementation update for FY20 and beyond. The message is clear and concise: be a leader, build readiness. Here's that message (in blue) and some additional commentary to fill in the gaps -- everything you need to know (new ACFT Standards at bottom) in one place and with as few mouse clicks as possible:
SMA Sends - Army Combat Fitness Test
Team,
Today, the next step in the Army's transition from the Army Physical Fitness Test to the Army Combat Fitness Test was announced. Beginning 1 Oct 19, all Soldiers entering initial military training (IMT) - Basic Combat Training (BCT), Advanced Individual Training (AIT) and One Station Unit Training (OSUT) - among others, will be administered the ACFT. These Soldiers will undergo training and practical testing for the ACFT to build their individual readiness as they prepare to join cohesive teams at their units who have already built upon their readiness.
What you need to know (WYNTK): The APFT is out. The ACFT is in. The momentum built to this point is irreversible -- stop complaining and start training. The second phase of ACFT implementation began today (1 October 2019) -- from now until 30 September 2020, every Soldier in the Army should execute two not-for-record ACFTs approximately six months apart.
We are on a glide path to Total Army implementation no later than 1 Oct 20, but will maintain the APFT as the test of record until then. This year-long period will allow us to continue assessing and validating the test, disseminating equipment, assessing Army policy and making adjustments as necessary. It is important to add value to this period by providing your feedback to Army senior leaders whether through the U.S. Army Center for Initial Military Training's Army Physical Training and Readiness Survey or direct leadership feedback.
WYNTK: If you take the APFT for record today, it could be the last APFT you ever take!
As you prepare to meet the standards for the ACFT, remember you can train for it anywhere, in any environment, with or without equipment. Simply refer to USACIMT's ACFT training guide, or the training videos and online resources at https://www.army.mil/acft/. Use this practice phase to prepare for meeting the standards related to your MOS.
WYNTK: SMA is right… you can train for this test anywhere, in any environment, but you’ll need to get creative. Here are some resources to support your training efforts:
ACFT documents from the Center for Initial Military Training (CIMT)
For alternate assessments, a modification of the ACFT has been approved which includes three aerobic test events for selected Soldiers with permanent profiles that prevent full participation in the 6-event test. This will not apply to Soldiers with temporary profiles; those individuals should recondition themselves, retrain and take the full six-event ACFT.
It is imperative we transform our fitness culture to better avoid and recover from preventable injuries, and build cohesive teams. Leaders - take action. A key part of "This is My Squad" is ensuring every member of the team is aligned with the Chief of Staff's readiness priorities - highly trained, disciplined and physically fit Soldiers capable of winning on any battlefield at any time. The ACFT will improve our individual readiness, deployability and lethality.
People First! Army Strong!
SMA Grinston
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