U.S. Army Launches Combat Field Test to Enhance Soldier Readiness for Modern Warfare

Washington, D.C. — April 22, 2026 — The U.S. Army has rolled out the Combat Field Test (CFT), a new physical fitness assessment aimed at preparing soldiers for modern combat challenges. This development marks a key shift in the Army's physical readiness strategy, emphasizing mission-specific skills to enhance effectiveness in combat situations.

The CFT is an annual requirement for active-duty soldiers in 24 specified combat military occupational specialties (MOS), including roles such as infantry, armor, combat engineers, field artillery, special forces, and explosive ordnance disposal. It applies to personnel in the Regular Army, Active Guard Reserve, and Reserve Component soldiers on active-duty for at least 365 days. Those in the Reserve Component not on extended active duty will alternate yearly between the CFT and the Army Fitness Test (AFT).

The CFT complements rather than replaces the AFT, which remains the primary fitness assessment. Soldiers in eligible combat roles will undertake both tests annually, ensuring comprehensive evaluation of general and combat-specific fitness.

The CFT comprises a series of seven continuous events without rest, scored solely on the total time to complete. Soldiers must finish within 30 minutes, wearing the Army Combat Uniform, combat boots, and a brown T-shirt, without headgear. The sequence of events includes:

The CFT is evaluated on a pass/fail basis and is designed to be age- and sex-neutral, enforcing a uniform, mission-focused standard reflective of combat realities. This ensures all soldiers in combat roles meet the same performance benchmarks.

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll highlighted the strategic significance of the test, stating, "The Combat Field Test is crucial for ensuring our Soldiers in challenging roles possess the requisite physical skills for battlefield success.” He emphasized the focus on readiness, lethality, and soldier well-being.

Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael Weimer echoed these sentiments, noting the test's role in validating soldiers' readiness to meet high standards, emphasizing commitment to operational readiness and superiority in diverse conditions.

The CFT's implementation begins immediately, with a phased rollout starting in April 2026. Diagnostic tests for soldiers in the specified MOS began on April 17, 2026. Soldiers have a 365-day grace period to meet the standards without administrative penalties, providing time for adaptation and possible reclassification to non-combat specialties if needed. Full enforcement will commence on April 17, 2027.

The Army is allocating resources to support soldiers in CFT preparation, including structured physical training programs, Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) initiatives, and an informative microsite on the Army Fitness Test website. Soldiers with permanent profiles that preclude AFT participation may face reassignment, while those with temporary profiles will follow current Army guidelines.

Based on proven fitness protocols from programs like the Expert Infantryman Badge, the CFT is formalized under Army Directive 2026-07. It incorporates combat-relevant tasks, ensuring soldiers are conditioned for the physically demanding requirements of military operations.

This initiative reflects the Army's commitment to updating its training methodologies in face of evolving global threats. The CFT aims to strengthen individual and collective readiness, maintaining the Army's competitive advantage.

For more information, including event standards and training resources, the official Army Fitness Test website at army.mil/aft is available. Further details can be found in Army Directive 2026-07.