Military fitness standards used to be pretty similar between all the branches. Some versions of push-ups, sit-ups, and a run were the standard set for each branch of the military. Each branch had their own standards, but similarities existed across the branches. But things began to change in 2008 when the Marine Corps introduced a Combat Fitness Test, an additional fitness test required for all members. And in the past three years, more dramatic changes have come – specifically from the Army and Space Force.
Fitness Changes Across the U.S. Military Branches
At this point, most of the branches have witnessed fitness changes and standards adjustment. And as with everything in the military, there will be more to come as standards evolve more to help the military ensure its members are ready for whatever comes next.
1. Marine Corps
The Marine Corps was the first to make a major change to fitness their fitness standards. In 2008, the Marine Corps decided to add an additional fitness test to their standard Physical Fitness Test requirement for all Marines to pass. This second test is called the Combat Fitness Test. The Standard Physical Fitness Test consists of pull-ups or push-ups, timed plank, and a 3-mile run. The Combat Fitness Test (CFT) consists of measures functional fitness and simulates the demands of battle in full combat utility uniforms. The three parts of the CFT are Movement to Contact, Ammunition Lift, and Maneuver Under Fire. Each test must be completed once a year.
2. Army
The Army began the process of developing a new fitness test in 2013. Since it was announced, it has been full of challenges, setbacks, and criticism. The ACFT has gone through a number of changes and on Oct 1, 2022, the new version of the ACFT was implemented. Today’s six-event ACFT includes a three-repetition maximum deadlift, standing power throw, hand-release push-up, sprint-drag carry, plank, and a two-mile run. And with the saga of the ACFT in its final stages the ACFT might be scrapped and the Army may go back to the Army Physical Fitness Test consisting of push-ups, sit-ups, and a 2-mile run. The final NDAA has not been passed and there is a two-year pilot program to implement the change.
Another change recently announced is the Army’s announcement that they will be moving away from how they measure body fat for soldiers who do not meet the height and weight requirement. The previous test calculated body fat by measuring multiple sites. Both men and women were taped around the abdomen and neck, though the formula for female soldiers required a hip measurement. The new standard, waist only test, is available now and will be the new standard in 2024.
3. Air Force
The Air Force Fitness test hasn’t seen a lot of changes, it still includes push-ups, sit-ups, and a 1.5-mile run but there have been two significant changes to the Air Force Physical Fitness Test. The first was the Air Force removing the waist measurement that was added in the early 2000s. The scores for the waist have been added to both the push-ups and sit-ups making each event worth 20 points and the run remaining at 60 points. The second change was the creation of alternate exercises available to Airmen to give them options that better relate to their physical fitness. The new alternate exercise standards and scoring are available in AFMAN 36-2905.
4. Navy
The Navy has made a few changes to their physical fitness standards over the past few years. The most significant change was the Navy’s decision to remove the curl-up and replace it with a timed forearm plank. Another change was giving Sailors options when it comes to the run portion of the text. Sailors can now exchange the run with a 2-km row, stationary bike, elliptical, or swim of either 500 or 450 meters.
5. Space Force
The Space Force is working to create their own unique fitness plan. Instead of basing fitness standards on a yearly test. The Space Force is currently testing out a new program that will require Guardians to wear an approved fitness tracker to monitor their fitness on a daily basis. The Space Force has already done a number of studies and earlier this year the study was expanded allowing all Guardians to choose between opting into this new standard or continuing with the current Air Force Physical Fitness Test. The story of what will happen with fitness in the Space Force is still actively unfolding.
6. Coast Guard
The Coast Guard has yet to make dramatic changes to their Physical Fitness Test standards. The Coast Guard includes swimming, sit-ups, push-ups, and running along with a flexibility test.
Stay Tuned for More Fitness Changes
There have been a lot of changes in the scope of physical fitness for the different military branches. And while most often we have heard about the changes made by the Army, you can see they are just one of the many branches working to make their physical fitness standards adapt to a changing military.
