COMBAT FIELD TEST (CFT)

CFTThe Combat Field Test (CFT) is a mission-based annual fitness test for Soldiers in 24 designated combat military occupational specialties. Its seven events are performed continuously and scored on total time, with a 30-minute standard. Soldiers test in the Army Combat Uniform, combat boots, and a brown T-shirt — no cover. The Army CFT is designed to align fitness standards with the physical demands of modern combat.

The seven events of the Army CFT

The CFT is performed as a single, continuous sequence. The Soldier's score is the total time to complete all seven events. The 30-minute standard applies to the full sequence, not to any single event.

  1. One-Mile Run

    1 mile

    The CFT opens with a one-mile run. The Soldier runs in the Army Combat Uniform with combat boots, brown T-shirt, and no cover.

  2. Dead-Stop Push-Ups

    30 reps

    The Soldier performs 30 dead-stop push-ups. Unlike a continuous push-up, each repetition starts and ends from a fully grounded position to assess upper-body strength under fatigue.

  3. 100-Meter Sprint

    100 m

    A short, all-out 100-meter sprint that measures anaerobic power and the ability to accelerate after a strength task.

  4. Sandbag Lift

    16 × 40 lb → 65" platform

    The Soldier lifts a 40-pound sandbag onto a 65-inch platform 16 times. This event mirrors common combat loading tasks such as loading vehicles and reinforcing positions.

  5. Water Can Carry

    50 m · 2 × 40 lb

    The Soldier carries two five-gallon Army water cans (40 pounds each) a distance of 50 meters, simulating the resupply tasks Soldiers perform in the field.

  6. Movement Drill

    25 m crawl + 25 m rushes

    A 50-meter movement drill consisting of a 25-meter high crawl followed by 25 meters of three-to-five-second rushes — a direct translation of individual movement techniques used under fire.

  7. Final One-Mile Run

    1 mile

    The CFT closes with a second one-mile run. Performed after the strength and movement events, it measures the Soldier's ability to sustain aerobic output under accumulated fatigue.

Who has to take the Army CFT

Active duty, Active Guard Reserve, and Reserve Component Soldiers on active-duty orders for 365 days or more in combat specialties take one AFT and one CFT every year. All other Reserve Component Soldiers in combat specialties take one fitness test per calendar year, alternating between the AFT and the CFT.

Army CFT rollout timeline

The CFT rolls out in two phases. Beginning April 17, 2026, Soldiers in the designated combat MOSs will take the CFT as a diagnostic test, and no adverse administrative actions will result from a failed attempt through April 16, 2027. Testing for record begins April 17, 2027; from that date forward, failing a CFT can lead to administrative actions.

Combat MOSs that take the Army CFT

CFT standards apply to the following 24 combat military occupational specialties:

Frequently asked questions about the Army CFT

What is the Combat Field Test (CFT)?

The Combat Field Test (CFT) is a mission-based annual fitness test for Soldiers in 24 designated combat military occupational specialties. It consists of seven events performed continuously and scored on total time, with a 30-minute standard. Soldiers test in the Army Combat Uniform, combat boots, and a brown T-shirt, with no cover.

When does the Army CFT start?

The Army CFT begins phased implementation on April 17, 2026, when Soldiers in the designated combat MOSs will take it as a diagnostic test. No adverse administrative actions result from a failed attempt through April 16, 2027. Testing for record begins April 17, 2027.

Who has to take the Army CFT?

Soldiers in 24 designated combat MOSs take the CFT. Active duty, Active Guard Reserve, and Reserve Component Soldiers on active-duty orders for 365 days or more in combat specialties take one AFT and one CFT each year. Other Reserve Component Soldiers in combat specialties take one fitness test per calendar year, alternating between the AFT and the CFT.

Is the Army CFT replacing the AFT?

No. The Army CFT is an additional, mission-based fitness test for Soldiers in combat MOSs. It complements the Army Fitness Test (AFT) rather than replacing it. Soldiers in combat specialties take both tests on a defined cadence based on their component and duty status.

How is the Army CFT scored?

The Army CFT is scored on total time to complete all seven events as one continuous sequence. The 30-minute standard applies to the full sequence rather than to any single event.

Want to find out more?

The Army's official announcement covers the CFT's purpose, rollout, and how it fits alongside the AFT — straight from the source.

Read the Army's CFT announcement