Army Implements Combat-Focused Fitness Test As Readiness Standards Rise

Clear Facts

• The Army has unveiled a new Combat Field Test (CFT) for frontline troops with age and gender-neutral standards designed to mirror modern warfare demands
• The test consists of seven continuous events completed in 30 minutes while wearing full Army Combat Uniform and boots
• Implementation begins this month with a one-year grace period before penalties apply, part of War Secretary Pete Hegseth’s push to restore warrior ethos

The Army announced this week it is rolling out a new combat fitness test for frontline troops as leaders work to strengthen battlefield readiness amid recent recruiting challenges. The Combat Field Test (CFT) applies age and gender-neutral standards to soldiers in combat specialties, designed to mirror the physical demands of modern warfare.

The move represents a shift toward stricter, role-specific standards as the Army works to boost readiness across its ranks. It comes after the service fell approximately 15,000 soldiers short of recruiting targets in 2022, according to U.S. Army Recruiting Command data.

While the Army has rebounded to meet its 2025 targets, leaders continue focusing on long-term readiness and force strength. The update follows broader changes to Army fitness standards in recent years, including a new Army Fitness Test announced in 2025 to replace the previous Army Combat Fitness Test.

The update aligns with War Secretary Pete Hegseth’s broader push to shift the military back to what he calls the “warrior ethos.”

“The Combat Field Test is a critical step forward in ensuring our soldiers serving in the most physically demanding specialties have the specific fitness required to dominate on the modern battlefield,” Army Secretary Dan Driscoll said in a statement Wednesday.

“This is about readiness, lethality and the well-being of our soldiers.”

Soldiers will have 30 minutes to complete seven events with the clock running continuously while wearing the Army Combat Uniform and boots. The test begins with a one-mile run, followed by 30 dead-stop push-ups.

Next comes a 100-meter sprint, then 16 lifts of a 40-pound sandbag onto a 65-inch platform. Soldiers must then complete a 50-meter carry of two Army water cans weighing 40 pounds each.

The test continues with a 50-meter movement drill including a high crawl and a 25-meter three- to five-second rush. It concludes with a final one-mile run.

The Army will begin implementing the new test this month, requiring soldiers to complete it annually. During the first year of rollout, soldiers will not face penalties as the Army phases in the new standard.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to prepare troops for the physical demands of modern combat and signals the Army’s commitment to ensuring soldiers in the most demanding roles meet rigorous fitness requirements. The change reflects a return to standards that prioritize combat effectiveness and battlefield readiness over other considerations.

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