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The U.S. Army announced a new 'sex-neutral' fitness test that will apply to all soldiers in combat roles starting this summer. The Army Fitness Test (AFT) will replace the Army Combat Fitness Test beginning June 1. This change follows Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's review of physical standards to ensure equal benchmarks for male and female service members.
The new test includes five events: deadlifts, push-ups, a sprint-drag-carry, a plank, and a two-mile run. The standing power throw, which involved throwing a 10-pound medicine ball, has been removed due to its high risk of injury. The AFT will be administered twice a year for active duty soldiers and once a year for National Guard and Reserve troops. Soldiers must pass with a minimum score of 60 in each event, or they risk being discharged after two failed attempts.
For 21 combat military occupational specialties (MOS), the test will have 'sex-neutral' standards, meaning women will need to meet the same benchmarks as men. These changes will be implemented for active duty soldiers by January 2026 and for the National Guard and Reserve by June 2026. Command Sgt. Maj. JoAnn Naumann told Task & Purpose that the passing score for these roles will be 350, with a minimum of 60 in each event.
The decision to implement a gender-neutral test has sparked debate. Critics argue that it may deter women from joining the military, while supporters believe it ensures all soldiers meet the same high standards. The Army is working on updating scorecards and expects to release the new requirements soon.