Army Combat Field Test (CFT): The Complete 2026 Guide
The Combat Field Test is a mission-based, pass/fail assessment for Soldiers in 24 designated combat MOSs. Seven events. One continuous sequence. Thirty minutes or less. Here is what every Soldier needs to know.
The 7 Events, In Order
All seven events are performed in a single continuous sequence. Soldiers must finish in 30 minutes or less. The two 1-mile runs bookend a deliberately fatiguing middle, replicating the demands of ground combat.
1-Mile Run (Entry)
Run one mile to begin the test sequence.
Sets the baseline fatigue for the events that follow.
30 Dead-Stop Push-Ups
Complete 30 push-ups with chest to ground.
Hands must be lifted briefly off the ground between each repetition.
100-Meter Sprint
Sprint 100 meters at maximum effort.
Tests anaerobic capacity at full speed under prior fatigue.
16 Sandbag Lifts
Lift a 40 lb sandbag onto a 65-inch platform 16 times.
Replicates loading equipment, ammunition, or casualties at height.
50-Meter Water Can Carry
Carry two 40 lb water cans (80 lbs total) for 50 meters.
Bilateral loaded carry simulating water, fuel, or supply movement.
50-Meter Movement Drill
Cover 50 meters: 25 meters of high crawl followed by 25 meters of 3-to-5 second rushes.
Combat movement under fire — low silhouette and short bounds.
1-Mile Run (Finish)
Run a final mile to close the test.
Tests endurance after cumulative load and fatigue.
Uniform: Army Combat Uniform (ACU) top and bottom, combat boots, brown T-shirt. No headgear.
Who Has to Take the CFT
The CFT applies to 24 designated combat MOSs and AOCs across Infantry, Armor, Special Forces, Combat Engineers, Field Artillery, EOD, and Divers. Standards are age-neutral and gender-neutral — combat does not adjust for demographics, and neither does this test.
Annually, in addition to the standard AFT. Minimum 4 months between a record AFT and a record CFT.
Combat-MOS Soldiers alternate years between the AFT and the CFT. Minimum 8 months between record events.
CFT and AFT: Both Tests, Not Either/Or
The CFT does not replace the Army Fitness Test. Combat-MOS Soldiers must pass both. The AFT remains the baseline assessment for every Soldier in the Army.
Every Soldier. Sex- and age-normed for non-combat MOSs; sex-neutral for combat MOSs. Minimum 350 (combat) / 300 (general).
24 combat MOSs only. Age- and gender-neutral. Continuous sequence in ACU and combat boots.
Implementation Timeline
The Army built in a 365-day diagnostic period to give units time to train, equip, and field the test before failures count for record.
Soldiers in combat MOSs begin taking the CFT. The 365-day diagnostic period begins.
Failures result in mandatory reconditioning, but no permanent record damage. Voluntary reclassification to a non-combat MOS is available.
Failures result in Flag Code "C" and potential mandatory reclassification out of the combat MOS.
Failure, Retest, and Waivers
Retest window. Active Duty Soldiers must retake the CFT within 90 days of a failure. M-Day Reservists have 180 days.
Flagging. After April 2027, Soldiers who fail a record CFT receive Flag Code C under AR 600-8-2 and may face mandatory reclassification out of the combat MOS.
Waivers. Permanent profiles that prevent the CFT require a waiver from the first General Officer in the Soldier's chain of command. If the waiver is denied and the Soldier cannot perform the test, mandatory reclassification follows.
Voluntary reclass. During the diagnostic year, Soldiers can request voluntary reclassification to a non-combat MOS if they determine they cannot meet the standard.
Official CFT Documents
The authoritative source materials for the Combat Field Test. Download directly or browse all Army fitness PDFs on the downloads page.