Nathan Hale Battalion Performs First ACFT

Overview

Camp Nett, CT — Recently, the army has made it its mission to switch over from the older Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) to the new Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), with the goal of improving soldier and unit readiness and changing the army’s fitness culture. On April 1st, 2021 the Nathan Hale Battalion (NHBN), consisting of the University of Connecticut (A Co.) and the University of New Haven (B Co.), performed the ACFT for the first time.

What is the ACFT, and why is it replacing the APFT?

The ACFT is a physical fitness test designed to measure a soldier’s individual fitness levels through six combat-focused events. The events are as follows:

  • 3-Rep Deadlift
  • Hand-Release Pushups
  • Standing Power Throw
  • Sprint-Drag-Carry
  • Leg-Tuck / Plank
  • 2 Mile Run

Each of these events is designed to test many different fitness area’s that are relevant in a soldier’s career. The ACFT has been adopted over the older APFT in order to more accurately assess combat readiness.

Cadets perform the Sprint-Drag-Carry event during the ACFT
Cadets perform the Sprint-Drag-Carry eventĀ 
A Cadet performs a deadlift during the ACFT
A Cadet performs a deadlift
Cadet performs the Standing-Power-Throw event during the ACFT
Cadet performs the Standing-Power-Throw