Exercise Scientist vs The NEW Army Fitness Test
In a Nutshell
The Army's new fitness test proves effective at assessing combat-relevant strength, power, and endurance through six events. Dr. Mike scored 347 points with strong deadlift (340 lbs) and plank (3:20) performance but failed the two-mile run, while Command Sergeant Major McKay achieved a perfect 500. The test is the Army's best yet, though adding broad jumps and pull-ups would better evaluate explosive power and vertical pulling ability needed for obstacle navigation and urban combat.
These notes were generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies.
The Army's new physical fitness test is being evaluated at Joint Base Lewis McChord in Washington state. The test has evolved from the original Army Combat Fitness Test to the current Army Fitness Test.
Army training has shifted from being functionally focused and combat-oriented with no equipment requirements to the Holistic Health and Fitness program. This program accompanied the change from the Army Combat Fitness Test to the current Army Fitness Test.
Command Sergeant Major Andrew McCay's role involves testing and potentially embarrassing the participant during the evaluation.
Event requirements:
- Step inside hex bar with feet shoulder width apart
- Stand up and lift bar by straightening hips and knees
- Perform three successful repetitions
- One reattempt allowed if first attempt fails
- Raw score based on weight successfully lifted
This event assesses lower body strength and grip strength, both relevant across military occupations.
The trap bar deadlift provides a good assessment of lower body strength and the ability to pick up heavy objects, which is highly specific to combat operations. The deadlift is considered a strong inclusion for military fitness testing.
Event requirements:
- Start in prone position with hands flat on ground beneath shoulders
- Index fingers inside outer edge of shoulders
- Toes touching ground, feet together or up to boot's width apart
- Bend/flexion of knees, hips, trunk, or neck during repetition disqualifies that rep
- After reaching ground as single unit, move arms out to sides into T position
- Return hands to starting position to complete one repetition
- Cannot pause or rest on ground
- Knee on ground or lifting hand/foot terminates event
- Two minutes to complete maximum correct repetitions
Scoring: Minimum 10 repetitions, maximum 59 repetitions.
The hand release push-up tests muscular endurance in upper body muscles with some degree of power assessment. The requirement to release hands between repetitions makes this significantly harder than standard push-ups. This movement is important for getting up off the ground quickly in combat situations.
Dr. Mike scored 41 push-ups for 86 points. Sergeant McKay scored 64 push-ups for 100 points. The Army maintains separate male and female standards.
Event components:
- Multiple elements including getting up from ground quickly
- Sprint
- Drag specific amount of weight
- Additional sprints
Purpose: Tests anaerobic fitness, ability to perform quick actions with minimal rest. Weight dragging simulates moving injured personnel in combat.
Scoring: Minimum 2 minutes 40 seconds, maximum 1 minute 36 seconds.
Dr. Mike completed the event in 2:34 for 61 points. Sergeant McKay completed it in 1:22 for 100 points.
The carry and drag component is considered excellent for anaerobic endurance and real-world movement applications. A suggestion is made that the weight could be slightly heavier for better assessment.
Event requirements:
- Lift both knees off ground, hips in straight line with legs
- Maintain straight line position
- Only feet, forearms, or fist palms may touch ground
- Raising hand or foot terminates event
- Shaking from maximal exertion permitted if proper position maintained
Scoring: Minimum 1:10, maximum 3:20.
The plank is considered an excellent test of abdominal endurance that requires no equipment. Any sit-up, crunch, or knee raise could serve as substitute, but the plank itself has no issues. Hip flexor endurance was noted as a limiting factor during testing.
Sergeant Major McKay: 400 points. Dr. Mike: 347 points. Events completed: deadlift, push-ups, carry and drag, plank.
Event details:
- Final event of the test
- Minimum standard: 20 minutes 44 seconds
- Maximum standard: 13 minutes 42 seconds
Purpose: Assesses aerobic fitness, which relates to all Army tasks including ruck marching and recovery between exertion periods.
Sergeant Major McKay: 13:53. Dr. Mike: Did not finish the run.
Sergeant Major McKay: Perfect score of 500. Dr. Mike: 347 points, classified as "no go" for service.
The two-mile run is considered a very good test that needs to remain in the assessment. It tests aerobic endurance on feet, which is fundamental for combat operations. While actual combat rarely involves exactly 2 miles of running, the distance is long enough to test endurance and short enough to be practical. A 1-mile run could potentially serve similar purposes.
The current Army Fitness Test is considered the best PT test the Army has ever had, testing multiple components of strength and both anaerobic and aerobic endurance. It provides excellent service to soldiers.
Broad jump:
- Tests lower body power
- Converts to combat abilities including scaling obstacles, fences, stairs
- Relevant for quick movement with full gear
- Correlates highly with vertical jump ability
Pull-ups:
- Important for vertical scaling in urban combat zones
- Relevant for obstacles, railings, heavy gear situations
- Assesses vertical pulling ability
Combining push-ups, deadlifts, broad jumps, and pull-ups with the carry and drag, two-mile run, and plank would provide a complete picture of combat readiness and mobility over obstacles.
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