The U.S. Army is overhauling its approach to physical readiness, rolling out sweeping changes to its fitness assessment that include rebranding, eliminating the most criticized event, and introducing tougher gender-neutral standards for soldiers in combat roles. This revamped test, known as the Army Fitness Test (AFT), replaces the previous Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) and will be phased in across active duty, Reserve, and National Guard units starting this year.
The Army aims for these updates to “enhance soldier fitness, improve warfighting readiness, and increase the lethality of the force.” This shift marks a significant step toward unifying performance expectations for soldiers, especially those in combat-intensive roles such as infantry, armor, artillery, cavalry, and Special Forces.
No More ‘Ball Yeet’: The End of the Standing Power Throw
Among the most notable changes is the elimination of the Standing Power Throw—often mockingly referred to by soldiers as the “yeet.” This event, which required soldiers to hurl a 10-pound medicine ball backward over their heads, was widely ridiculed within the ranks for favoring technique and height over raw strength or endurance. A RAND Corporation study even confirmed that height significantly influenced success in the event.
“The event was often ridiculed by service members who viewed it as an outlier that emphasizes technique over strength or endurance,” Military.com reported.
With the removal of the Standing Power Throw, the AFT now consists of five core events:
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- Three-repetition maximum deadlift
- Hand-release push-up with arm extension
- Sprint-drag-carry
- Plank hold
- Two-mile run
The maximum score for the test, previously 600 points under the ACFT, will likely be reduced to 500 due to the removal of this event.
Gender-Neutral Standards for Combat Roles
One of the most impactful shifts is the implementation of gender-neutral scoring for 21 combat military occupational specialties (MOS). Soldiers in these roles must achieve a minimum of 60 points per event and a total score of at least 350. For soldiers recovering from injuries who cannot complete the full test, a minimum of 70 points is required for each event they are cleared to perform.
While the standard AFT remains age and gender-based for the broader Army population, the combat MOS-specific standards ensure that all soldiers—male or female—meet the same fitness expectations in these demanding roles. This move aligns with policy priorities set by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has been vocal about enforcing equal fitness standards across genders in combat positions.
“We need to have the same standard, male or female, in our combat roles. Soon, we’ll have nothing but the highest and equal standards for men and women in combat.” — Pete Hegseth
Hegseth, who previously expressed skepticism about women in combat roles, has since clarified that all positions remain open to female soldiers—provided they meet the same high standards. He noted:
“For far too long, we allowed standards to slip and different standards for men and women in combat arms. … That’s not acceptable.”
When Will the Changes Take Effect?
The AFT rollout begins this year, with phased implementation across all Army components. However, the gender-neutral scoring standards for combat roles will not fully take effect until January 2026 for active duty and June 2026 for the Reserve and National Guard.
During the rollout, the Army plans to issue detailed guidance and execution orders. The decision to restructure the fitness assessment was informed by RAND Corporation analysis and data from nearly one million test records.
The revised AFT maintains the core structure of the ACFT, which itself was introduced after more than a decade of research and development. However, logistical complexities and criticisms of role-specific assessments led to the current approach, which emphasizes simplicity, fairness, and combat readiness across the board.
Concerns and Criticism
While many welcome the end of the Standing Power Throw and the shift toward gender-neutral combat standards, the Army’s fitness overhaul hasn’t come without its detractors. Some argue that setting identical standards for men and women in combat specialties could discourage female participation or retention in these fields.
Critics also point out that while minimum standards to pass the AFT may seem modest—for example, requiring a two-mile run in 22 minutes and 10 hand-release push-ups—achieving high scores demands elite athleticism. The test challenges not just physical strength but also endurance, speed, and technique.
For the Army, the goal is clear: to field a force capable of meeting operational demands in the harshest environments. The latest changes underscore the service’s commitment to ensuring soldiers are physically prepared for modern warfare, regardless of gender.
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