Leaders,
The Army is introducing a new Combat Field Test (CFT) designed specifically for soldiers in combat roles. This test is meant to ensure that all personnel in physically demanding jobs can meet real-world combat standards, not just general fitness benchmarks.
The CFT is a pass/fail test that will directly impact whether soldiers can stay in combat arms specialties like infantry, artillery, armor, and Special Forces.
Below is the link to the Army Directive and a link to the Article on Task & Purpose.
The Army Directive goes into greater detail, below are just the summary points of the Directive. Read Directive for further guidance
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What the Test Involves
The CFT is a continuous, timed 30-minute event completed in sequence:
- 1-mile run
- 30 dead-stop pushups
- 100-meter sprint
- 16 sandbag lifts (40 lbs) onto a platform
- 50-meter carry with two 40-lb water cans
- Movement drill (crawl + rushes)
- Second 1-mile run
Soldiers will wear their uniform but not full combat gear (no helmet/body armor).
Key Policy Changes
- The test is age-neutral and sex-neutral
- Applies to 24 combat specialties (officers, warrant officers, enlisted)
- MOS List: 11A, 11B, 11C, 11Z, 12A, 12B, 12D, 13A, 13F, 180A, 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E, 18F, 18Z, 19A, 19C, 19D, 19K, 19Z, 89D, 89E
- Senior leaders must also pass the same standards
- Inspired by existing expert badge testing standards (EIB, ESB, EFMB)
- Designed to reflect modern combat demands, not just gym performance
Timeline & Consequences
- Spring 2027: CFT becomes official
- First year: No punishment for failing (training period)
- After 1 year: Real consequences begin
If a soldier fails:
- They are flagged and placed in reconditioning training
- May be reclassified to another MOS
- Fail twice: risk involuntary separation if they cannot/won’t reclassify
Special Cases
- Soldiers with long-term medical issues may:
- Be reclassified
- Request a waiver
- Pregnant soldiers:
- Get 1 year postpartum before testing (same as current standards)
Performance Expectations
- Based on current data from expert badge testing:
- Infantry badge pass rate: 81% (stricter time)
- Other badges: 90% pass rate
- Suggests most trained soldiers can meet the standard with preparation
Big Picture
This new test does NOT replace the Army Fitness Test (ACFT) — it’s in addition to it for combat roles.
The push comes after direction from the Pete Hegseth to implement uniform physical standards across combat jobs, ensuring capability regardless of gender.
Bullet Point Summary
- New Combat Field Test (CFT) required for combat arms soldiers starting Spring 2027
- Pass/fail test tied to job eligibility (can lose MOS if failed)
- 7-event continuous test completed within 30 minutes
- Age-neutral and sex-neutral standards
- Applies to 24 combat specialties, including leadership
- 1-year grace period before penalties begin
- Failing leads to:
- Flagging
- Reconditioning training
- Possible reclassification or separation
- Medical exemptions and pregnancy policies align with existing standards
- Based on existing expert badge tests with high historical pass rates
- Does not replace ACFT — it’s an additional requirement for combat roles
