The US Army Replaces Its Combat Fitness Test For Tougher And Gender-Neutral Standards
April 22, 2025 – A big change is happening for the US Army as the military removes its Combat Fitness Test and replaces it with a streamlined and gender-neutral version.
The U.S. Army has announced a complete restructuring of their Combat Fitness Test. According to Military.com, the new changes completely rebrands the test, getting rid of one of its most criticized events, and setting tougher performance standards.
Replacing the “Army Combat Fitness Test” is the “Army Fitness Test” Live Now reports the new Army Fitness Test will replace the old test, starting January 1st, 2026.
What Do We Know So Far?
A major change to the physical fitness test is the new gender-neutral standards for soldiers in 21 combat roles. According to Military.com, such combat roles include the infantry, special forces, field artillery, armor, and cavalry.
The Standing Power Throw, which had been the bane of many military members, has been removed from the new test. Soldiers saw this exercise as an outlier compared to the other test events, focusing more on technique than strength.
The new test includes a two-mile run, a three-repetition maximum deadlift, the plank, hand-release push-up army extension, and the sprint-drag-carry exercise.
All these changes work towards creating a more effective, alert, and fit army. Military.com reported that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said, “we need to have the same standard, male or female, in our combat roles.” Continuing, he said, “soon, we’ll have nothing but the highest and equal standards for men and women in combat.”
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Published by HOLR Magazine
Image Credit: @usarmy Instagram