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How is the Army Physical Fitness Test Scored?
When you’re preparing for Army basic training, passing the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) becomes a significant milestone. This test, consisting of three endurance events, is a crucial part of assessing your cardiorespiratory fitness and physical strength. However, there are distinct score requirements based on whether you’re completing basic training or graduating from Advanced Individual Training (AIT).
For the AIT graduation, you’ll need a minimum of 180 points, with at least 60 points in each event. On the other hand, basic combat training demands you score a minimum of 50 points per event. But how exactly does the scoring work? Let’s break it down.
Army Physical Fitness Programme: Weigh-in and PFT Components
The Army’s physical fitness programme includes two key components: the weigh-in and the Physical Fitness Test (PFT). The APFT, a three-event fitness test, measures your overall endurance. It’s designed to assess your fitness levels, including your cardiovascular strength and general physical capabilities.
Every soldier, regardless of their role or Military Occupational Specialty, is required to undergo the APFT. It’s an essential tool to establish a baseline of fitness across the board. To remain eligible for promotion, transfer, or enrolment in Army schools, passing the APFT is a must – and not just once. Soldiers need to pass this test at least twice every calendar year.
The three core events are as follows:
- A 2-mile timed run,
- Two minutes of sit-ups,
- Two minutes of push-ups.
Scoring is based on how well you perform in these areas, with points awarded according to your age, gender, and performance in each event.
To pass, a minimum of 180 points overall is required, with at least 60 points for each event. Unlike some military fitness tests, the APFT is done in casual athletic wear and running shoes, making it more accessible for regular training sessions.
APFT vs ACFT: What’s Changed?
The APFT has recently been replaced by the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), a shift that ties fitness more closely to combat readiness. While the APFT focused on basic physical assessments, the ACFT introduces a more comprehensive evaluation of soldiers’ strength, endurance, and cardiovascular health.
Here’s the fundamental difference: the APFT consisted of three events (push-ups, sit-ups, and a two-mile run), while the ACFT expands this to six events. Despite this expansion, the basic scoring structure remains the same. Each event is graded between 0 and 100 points, and to pass, a minimum of 60 points per event is required.
The APFT was a standard requirement for active duty soldiers, the Army National Guard, and reserves. With the introduction of the ACFT, the Army has aimed to ensure that fitness standards are more aligned with the real physical demands soldiers may face in combat situations.
What Defines a Good Fitness Score?
The ACFT’s scoring is designed to evaluate a soldier’s readiness. You need to score at least 60 points in each of the six events, leading to a minimum passing score of 360 points overall.
But here’s where it gets more competitive. With a maximum score of 600, soldiers have the opportunity to really push their limits, with 100 points available per event. To hit that perfect score, you’ll need to perform at the top of your game across all areas.
The exact performance requirements to score between 60 and 100 points vary based on age and gender, ensuring a fair assessment across all soldiers.
The Main Events: How Do They Test Your Strength?
Let’s take a closer look at what each event really entails in both the APFT and ACFT.
Push-ups
The push-up test focuses on the strength of your triceps, shoulders, and chest. You’re given two minutes to perform as many correct push-ups as possible. Incorrect form – as judged by the instructor – results in penalties, so it’s crucial to get them right.
Sit-ups
The sit-up test evaluates your abdominal and hip flexor strength. Once again, you have two minutes to complete as many sit-ups as you can. To max out your points for this section, knowing the right form and pace is essential.
2-Mile Run
Cardiovascular endurance is tested during the two-mile run, which also measures leg strength. Soldiers must complete the run as fast as possible, with no external physical help allowed. You’ll be lined up at the start line, and the clock starts the moment you hear “Go!”. While walking is technically allowed, it’s strongly discouraged, as the goal is to complete the course in the quickest time possible.
Deviating from the designated route or receiving assistance can disqualify you, so it’s important to stay focused. And don’t forget, after crossing the finish line, hand in your identification number before proceeding to the cool-down area.
Understanding APFT Scoring
So, how are scores calculated in the APFT? The number of push-ups and sit-ups you perform, your run time, and factors such as your age and gender all contribute to your score. Each event is scored out of 100 points, with 60 points needed per event to pass.
The total score from all three events determines your overall performance. With a possible maximum of 300 points, a passing score of 180 is the minimum for most soldiers. Specialised units, such as special operations forces, often have more stringent requirements, needing soldiers to score 70 points or more per event.
Soldiers who score 270 points or higher, with at least 90 points in each event, are awarded the Physical Fitness Badge. And here’s where your score becomes even more valuable: APFT scores also contribute to promotion points. That means a higher score could translate to advancing in rank.
There’s also an extended scale for those aiming to surpass the standard 100-point limit in each event. To use this scale, a soldier must score 100 points in all three events first. After achieving this, they can aim to exceed the 300-point mark.
