The Army’s New Combat Field Test: What It Is, Who It Affects, and What You Need to Do
The Army announced the Combat Field Test (CFT) on 22 April 2026, with implementation starting this month. If you’re in one of 24 designated combat MOSs, this is not optional and it does not replace the AFT. Here is what you need to know.
The CFT is a new annual fitness test for combat MOS Soldiers. Seven events, continuous sequence, full gear, gender and age neutral. Active duty combat MOS Soldiers must pass both the AFT and CFT annually. Implementation begins April 2026. Full enforcement with record scores starts April 17, 2027.
What Is the CFT
The Combat Field Test is a seven-event sequence conducted continuously, designed to simulate the physical demands of modern combat. It is age and gender neutral — one standard for everyone in a combat MOS, regardless of age or sex.
The test is formalized under Army Directive 2026-07. Additional guidance and event standards are available at the official Army Fitness Test website at army.mil/aft.
The Seven Events (in sequence)
- 1-mile run
- 30 dead-stop push-ups
- 100-meter sprint
- 16 lifts of a 40-pound sandbag onto a 65-inch platform
- 50-meter carry of two 40-pound water cans
- 50-meter movement drill (25-meter high crawl, 25-meter 3-to-5 second rush)
- Final 1-mile run
All events are conducted in sequence without rest. The test measures performance under accumulated fatigue, which is the point.
Who It Affects
The CFT applies to Soldiers in 24 designated combat MOSs, including Infantry, Armor, Combat Engineers, Field Artillery, Special Forces, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal.
Active Duty
Regular Army Soldiers in combat MOSs must pass both the AFT and CFT annually. These are separate tests with separate passing requirements.
Reserve Component
Soldiers on active-duty orders for 365 days or more follow the same requirement as active duty. All other Reserve Component Soldiers in combat MOSs will alternate annually between the AFT and CFT — one test per calendar year.
Active Guard Reserve (AGR)
Treated the same as active duty — both tests required annually.
365-Day Grace Period
No adverse administrative actions will occur during the initial diagnostic phase. Diagnostic testing began April 17, 2026. Full enforcement for record begins April 17, 2027. Soldiers have one year to get right.
How It Fits With the AFT
The AFT became the official test of record on 1 June 2025, replacing the ACFT. The CFT does not replace it — they serve different purposes. The AFT measures general fitness across the force using age-normed scoring. The CFT measures combat-specific physical performance under a single gender and age neutral standard.
If you are in a combat MOS on active duty, you are now required to pass both tests every year.
What Happens If You Cannot Meet the Standard
Soldiers with permanent profiles that preclude participation may face reassignment. Soldiers with temporary profiles will follow current Army guidelines. The Army has indicated that Soldiers who cannot meet the CFT standard may need to consider reclassification to a non-combat specialty.
The BOLO List
Combat MOS Soldiers must pass both tests. Do not assume passing the AFT covers you. Two tests, two standards, both required annually for active duty combat MOSs.
Unlike the AFT which has age and gender adjusted scoring, the CFT has one standard for everyone in a combat MOS. Check the official event standards at army.mil/aft before your first diagnostic test.
Your 3 Action Items
- Confirm your MOS status — verify whether your MOS is on the 24 designated combat MOS list in Army Directive 2026-07.
- Get the event standards — download the CFT standards from army.mil/aft and know what pass looks like before your first diagnostic test.
- Talk to your chain of command — find out when your unit is scheduling diagnostic CFT testing and what PT program is in place to prepare Soldiers.
Questions about the CFT or how it affects your unit? Post in the Health & Fitness forum.
