The United States Army has launched a new Combat Field Test (CFT), a physical evaluation designed to more accurately reflect the demands of frontline combat roles.
Set to be introduced this month, the assessment will initially apply to active-duty personnel across 24 designated combat specialties. The CFT is structured as a continuous, time-bound sequence aimed at evaluating endurance, strength, and mobility under conditions that closely resemble operational scenarios.
The new test will complement—not replace—the existing Army Fitness Test, with soldiers required to complete both. Reserve personnel in similar roles will alternate between the two depending on their duty status.
The CFT comprises seven consecutive events, including a 1-mile (1.6 km) run, 30 dead-stop push-ups, and a 100-meter sprint. Additional tasks include lifting a 40-pound (18 kg) sandbag 16 times onto a 65-inch (165 cm) platform, followed by a 50-meter carry of two five-gallon water cans weighing 40 pounds each.
The sequence concludes with a 50-meter movement drill combining high crawling and short rushes. All activities must be completed within 30 minutes, with participants wearing standard combat uniforms and boots.
To ease implementation, the Army has introduced a one-year transition phase during which failure will not result in administrative consequences. Soldiers who do not meet the required standards may request reassignment to non-combat roles during this period.
After the transition, the CFT is expected to become a mandatory requirement for designated combat roles, with the Army supporting readiness through unit-level training and existing fitness programs.
