The U.S. Army is the largest and oldest branch of the American military, with a wide range of responsibilities—from ground combat operations to humanitarian aid and disaster response. Known for its size and structure, the Army plays a key role in both domestic and international missions.
Unlike the Marine Corps’ more combat-specific focus, the Army includes a broader spectrum of roles, which is also reflected in its physical requirements. That said, physical fitness remains a core value, and every soldier is expected to meet a standard that proves they’re mission-ready.
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In this post, we’ll explore the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) standards for men and women aged 20 to 27, and break down what each event tests and how scores are interpreted.
What Is the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT)?
The ACFT is the official fitness test of the U.S. Army, designed to better reflect real combat-related physical demands. It replaced the older APFT (Army Physical Fitness Test) in 2022.
The ACFT consists of six events, each designed to test different aspects of physical performance:
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3-Repetition Maximum Deadlift (MDL) – tests lower-body strength
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Standing Power Throw (SPT) – explosive power
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Hand-Release Push-ups (HRP) – upper-body muscular endurance
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Sprint-Drag-Carry (SDC) – anaerobic endurance and coordination
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Plank Hold – core strength and stability
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2-Mile Run – cardiovascular endurance
Each event is scored individually, and the maximum possible total score is 600 points (100 per event). Soldiers must achieve at least the minimum in every event to pass.
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ACFT Standards for Ages 20–27
Male Standards (Ages 20–27)
| Event | Max Score | Upper-Mid | Lower-Mid | Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3RM Deadlift | 340 lbs (154 kg) | 280 lbs (127 kg) | 200 lbs (91 kg) | 140 lbs (63.5 kg) |
| Standing Power Throw | 12.6 m | 10.5 m | 8.5 m | 6.5 m |
| Hand-Release Push-ups | 60 reps | 50 reps | 35 reps | 30 reps |
| Sprint-Drag-Carry | 1:30 (min:sec) | 1:45 | 2:00 | 2:28 |
| Plank Hold | 4:20 | 3:00 | 2:00 | 1:30 |
| 2-Mile Run | 13:30 | 15:30 | 17:30 | 21:00 |
Female Standards (Ages 20–27)
| Event | Max Score | Upper-Mid | Lower-Mid | Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3RM Deadlift | 210 lbs (95 kg) | 170 lbs (77 kg) | 130 lbs (59 kg) | 120 lbs (54.5 kg) |
| Standing Power Throw | 9.0 m | 7.5 m | 6.0 m | 4.5 m |
| Hand-Release Push-ups | 50 reps | 35 reps | 25 reps | 10 reps |
| Sprint-Drag-Carry | 1:45 (min:sec) | 2:00 | 2:20 | 3:00 |
| Plank Hold | 3:30 | 2:30 | 1:30 | 1:10 |
| 2-Mile Run | 15:00 | 17:00 | 19:30 | 23:30 |
Note: The ACFT is age- and gender-neutral in scoring tiers for promotion, but raw performance expectations still vary by gender and age.
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What These Scores Mean
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Max Score (600 pts): Peak performance; typically achieved by well-trained athletes or top-tier soldiers.
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Upper-Mid: Strong readiness level; competitive and exceeds most average soldiers.
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Lower-Mid: Meets expectations; acceptable but with room for improvement.
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Minimum: Just enough to pass; consistent scores at this level may lead to mandatory fitness improvement programs.
Failing to meet the minimum in any single event results in a failed ACFT.
Final Thoughts
The U.S. Army is a massive and diverse force, but one thing all soldiers share is the responsibility to stay fit for duty. The ACFT doesn’t just measure raw strength—it reflects a soldier’s total readiness to face the physical realities of military life.
Whether you’re preparing to enlist, or simply want to test yourself by Army standards, this guide gives you a clear picture of what’s expected from soldiers in the prime of their careers.
Discipline. Strength. Endurance. That’s what being Army Strong is all about.
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