United States Army Physical Fitness Test

United States Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) was a test administered by the United States Army to assess the physical fitness and endurance of its soldiers. The APFT was designed to test the muscular strength, endurance, and cardiovascular respiratory fitness of soldiers in the Army. It was replaced by the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) as the Army's physical fitness test in 2020.

Components

The APFT consisted of three events: two minutes of push-ups, two minutes of sit-ups, and a timed two-mile run. The test was scored based on age, gender, and the number of repetitions of push-ups and sit-ups, along with the time taken to complete the two-mile run. The maximum score for each event was 100 points, with a total maximum score of 300 points.

Push-ups

The push-up event measured the endurance of the chest, shoulder, and triceps muscles. Participants were required to begin in a prone position and push their bodies up to a fully extended position with the back and legs straight, then return to the prone position. This action was repeated as many times as possible within two minutes.

Sit-ups

The sit-up event assessed the endurance of the abdominal and hip-flexor muscles. Participants were required to lie on their backs with knees bent, feet flat on the ground, and hands interlocked behind their heads. They then raised their upper bodies to a vertical position and lowered back to the ground. This was repeated for two minutes.

Two-mile run

The two-mile run tested cardiovascular endurance. Participants were required to complete the distance in the shortest time possible. The run was conducted on a flat and measured course.

Scoring

Scores for the APFT were calculated based on the soldier's age, gender, the number of push-ups and sit-ups completed, and the time taken to run two miles. Each event had a minimum score that had to be achieved; failing to meet the minimum score in any event resulted in failure of the entire test.

Preparation and Training

The Army provided guidelines and training programs to help soldiers prepare for the APFT. This included exercises to improve muscular strength and endurance, as well as cardiovascular conditioning. Soldiers were encouraged to incorporate running, push-ups, and sit-ups into their regular fitness routines.

Importance

The APFT was an important tool for the Army to assess the physical readiness of its soldiers. It helped ensure that soldiers were physically capable of handling the demands of their duties, including combat situations. The test also motivated soldiers to maintain a high level of physical fitness.

Replacement by the Army Combat Fitness Test

In 2020, the APFT was replaced by the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), a more comprehensive test designed to better assess a soldier's combat readiness. The ACFT includes six events: the three-repetition maximum deadlift, standing power throw, hand-release push-up, sprint-drag-carry, leg tuck, and a two-mile run. The ACFT aims to test a wider range of physical abilities, including strength, endurance, power, speed, agility, and balance.