Question 1

Is the ACFT still the Army's fitness test?

Accepted Answer

No. The Army Fitness Test (AFT) replaced the ACFT on June 1, 2025. The AFT dropped the standing power throw; the leg tuck had already been replaced by the plank in 2022. If you're searching "ACFT prep", the AFT is the test you'll actually take.

Question 2

What events does the AFT test?

Accepted Answer

Five: the 3-rep max deadlift, hand-release push-up, sprint-drag-carry, plank, and a 2-mile run. Only the push-up and plank are pure bodyweight calisthenics — the rest need a barbell, a sled and kettlebells, or distance.

Question 3

Why hand-release push-ups instead of regular push-ups?

Accepted Answer

The hand-release variant removes the ability to bounce out of the bottom — both hands lift off the floor briefly at the bottom of each rep, which forces a dead-stop and a full range of motion before every press.

Question 4

Is the Marine Corps PFT the same as the AFT?

Accepted Answer

No — different services, different tests. The Marine Corps PFT centers on pull-ups (or push-ups), a plank, and a 3-mile run, while the AFT is a five-event test that adds a deadlift and a sprint-drag-carry. The comparison table above breaks down what's bodyweight-only in each.

Question 5

Can this circuit replace deadlift or sprint-drag-carry training?

Accepted Answer

No. This is a bodyweight calisthenics circuit — it trains the push-up and plank events well, but the deadlift and sprint-drag-carry need actual load and equipment to train properly. Don't skip that work.

Test	Full event list	Bodyweight-only portion
Army (AFT)	3-rep max deadlift, hand-release push-up, sprint-drag-carry, plank, 2-mile run	Hand-release push-up, plank
Marine Corps (PFT)	Pull-ups (or push-ups), plank, 3-mile run	Pull-ups / push-ups, plank
Navy (PRT)	Push-ups, forearm plank, 1.5-mile run (or swim/bike alternates)	Push-ups, forearm plank

Army AFT Prep Circuit

What calisthenics can (and can't) cover

AFT Prep FAQ

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