The people's voice of reason
The people's voice of reason
Annual Assessment Targets Combat Specialty Soldiers Starting April 2026
U.S. Army Maj. Wes Strickland, assigned to 1st Battalion, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) perform the 50-meter water cans carry during the new Combat Field Test (CFT), at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va. The CFT is an annual requirement for Soldiers in designated Combat Military Occupation Specialties, to reinforce combat standards and lethality by assessing Soldiers' physical ability.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Army has unveiled the Combat Field Test (CFT), a significant advancement in its physical readiness program aimed at aligning fitness standards with the rigorous demands of modern warfare. Implementation of the new test begins in April 2026 and will be mandatory annually for active-duty Soldiers serving in 24 designated combat military occupational specialties.
According to Army Secretary Hon. Dan Driscoll, "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. This is about readiness, lethality, and the well-being of our Soldiers."
The CFT is not intended to replace the Army Fitness Test (AFT). Soldiers in combat specialties within the Regular Army and Reserve Component who are activated for 365 days or longer must complete both the AFT and CFT annually. Reserve Component Soldiers in combat specialties not activated for a full year will alternate between the two tests each calendar year.
The new test comprises seven events conducted in sequence and scored based on total completion time. The events are:
• A one-mile run
• 30 dead-stop push-ups
• A 100-meter sprint
• 16 lifts of a 40-pound sandbag onto a 65-inch platform
• A 50-meter carry of two five-gallon Army water cans, each weighing 40 pounds
• A 50-meter movement drill (25-meter high crawl and 25-meter 3-5 second rush)
• A final one-mile run
Soldiers are required to finish the test within 30 minutes while wearing the Army Combat Uniform, combat boots, and a brown T-shirt, with no head covering.
Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael Weimer commented, "This isn't just about passing a test; it's a direct measure of our commitment to readiness and ensuring our warfighters can dominate in any environment. We're asking more of our combat arms Soldiers, and this test validates their ability to meet that high standard."
To ease the transition, the Army has established a 365-day diagnostic period during which no adverse administrative actions will be taken for failing the CFT. During this phase, Soldiers who find themselves unable to meet the standard may request a voluntary transfer to a non-combat specialty, enabling the Army to retain valuable personnel.
The CFT sets a single, mission-focused standard for all Soldiers in designated combat roles, regardless of age or sex, ensuring readiness and combat effectiveness across the board.
Support for Soldiers preparing for the CFT will include command-led physical training programs, Holistic Health and Fitness resources, and a dedicated CFT microsite with additional information. For further details, visit the Army Fitness Test website.
About the U.S. Army
The U.S. Army is the land service branch of the United States Armed Forces. As the largest and oldest branch of the U.S. military, it provides the primary land force for the nation's defense.
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