AFT

You are required to pass the Army Fitness Test (AFT) before you graduate from BCT and during AIT. After AIT, you'll take the ACT once a year, and the results will become part of your records. At your commander's discretion, AFTs may be administered at any time in order to gauge your fitness level. These tests might not be added to your permanent record, but it is essential to always stay prepared for an AFT at any time.

HOW THE AFT IS ADMINISTERED
The AFT consists of six events that assess strength and endurance, improving readiness and preventing injuries. The first five events take between two and five minutes each, and the final event, the 2-Mile Run, takes up to 25 minutes to complete. All six events are scored according to sex, male or female.

• 3-Repetition Maximum Deadlift (MDL)
• Hand-Release Push-Up (HRP)
• Sprint-Drag-Carry (SDC)
• Plank (PLK)
• 2-Mile Run (2MR)

Learn more about AFT events and scoring.

THE AFT AND YOUR CAREER
You are required to take the AFT for record at least once a year, and you'll also need to take it every time you want to take a step forward in your career. Fitness is of critical importance in the Army, and only those who are in the best shape get to become NCOs or get invited to join special training schools.

PROMOTION POINTS
As you move up in rank, you'll earn promotion points for many reasons—one of which is AFT scores. One or two more push-ups can be the difference between getting a promotion or having to wait another year. Develop good fitness habits early.

SPECIAL SCHOOLS
In addition to earning promotion points, high AFT scores can also help you gain admission to special schools, such as Air Assault, Sniper and Mountain Warfare. The availability of these schools is partly based on your MOS and unit mission, but some require very high AFT scores. The opportunity to attend these highly selective schools may come once in a lifetime, and each demands intense physical training. Only the best, brightest and most physically fit are chosen.

NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICER EDUCATION SYSTEM (NCOES)
If you show leadership potential, you may have the opportunity to become a noncommissioned officer. NCOs are leaders and trainers of Soldiers. They become eligible for promotions by completing training courses at an NCO Academy. As one of the first events at the academy, you'll take an AFT, and the results will go on your permanent record. But if you fail the AFT, you will be sent home, regardless of your academic scores.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
The Guard may be deployed at any time. Being ready to go from citizen to Soldier at a moment's notice means constant physical fitness. And if you get promoted to a leadership position in the Guard, you'll have to be able to perform any task you ask of your Soldiers and lead by example.