Army Fitness Test (AFT) Event Execution Standards​

3-Repetition Maximum Deadlift

Phase 1: Preparatory Phase

• On the command of "GET SET," the Soldier:

  • Steps inside the hex bar, feet shoulder width apart

  • Locates the mid-point of the hex bar handles

  • Bends at the knees and hips

  • Reaches down and grasps the center of the handles using a closed grip

  • Positions arms fully extended, back flat

  • Aligns head with the spine or slightly extended

  • Maintains heels in contact with the ground

Each repetition begins from this position.

Phase 2: Upward Movement Phase

• On the command of "GO," the Soldier:

  • Lifts the bar by straightening the hips and knees to reach the Straddle Stance

  • Maintains hips that do not rise before or above the shoulders

  • Keeps the back straight — not rounded out or flexed

  • Keeps feet in the same position

  • Remains balanced and controlled throughout the movement

Phase 3: Downward Movement

• After reaching the Straddle Stance position, the Soldier:

  • Lowers the bar back to the ground under control

  • Maintains a straight back

  • Places the bar on the ground (not dropped)

  • Ensures weight plates touch the ground to complete a repetition

Attempt Rules

• Execute three continuous repetitions with the same weight

• If the Soldier fails to complete three continuous repetitions under control:

  • Permitted one retest at a lower weight

• If the Soldier successfully completes three repetitions on the first attempt:

  • May elect an additional attempt at a higher weight

• Maximum number of attempts on the MDL is two

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Hand-Release Push-Up

 

Starting Position

• On the command of "GET SET," the Soldier:

  • Assumes the prone position facing the start line

  • Places hands flat on the ground

  • Positions index fingers inside the outer edges of the shoulders

  • Places chest, front of hips, and thighs on the ground

  • Touches toes to the ground with feet together or up to a boot's width apart

  • Flexes ankles

  • Note: Head does not have to be on the ground

  • Maintains feet generally together (no more than a boot's width apart) throughout

  • May adjust feet during the event as long as they do not lift a foot off the ground

Movement 1

• On the command "GO," the Soldier:

  • Pushes their whole body up from the ground as a single unit to the up position

  • Fully extends the elbows (front leaning rest)

  • Maintains a generally straight body alignment from the top of the head to the ankles

  • Note: This generally straight position must be maintained for the duration of the HRP

  • Note: Failing to maintain a generally straight alignment during a repetition will cause that repetition to not count

  • Note: The front leaning rest is the only authorized rest position. Bending or flexing the knees, hips, trunk, or neck while in the rest position is not authorized

Movement 2

• After reaching the up position, the Soldier:

  • Bends their elbows to lower the body back to the ground

  • Ensures chest, hips and thighs touch down at the same time

  • Note: The head or face do not have to contact the ground

Movement 3

• The hand release — without moving the head, body or legs, the Soldier:

  • Fully extends both arms into the T position until arms are generally straight out to the side

  • Note: The arms and hands may touch or slide along the ground during this movement

Movement 4

• The Soldier:

  • Immediately moves hands back on the ground to return to the starting position

  • Completes the repetition

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Sprint-Drag-Carry

 

Starting Position

• On the command "GET SET," the Soldier:

  • Assumes the prone position with the top of the head behind the start line

  • Note: The grader is positioned to see both the start line and the 25m line. The grader can position a Soldier/battle buddy on the 25m line to ensure compliance with test event standards

Sprint

• On the command "GO," the Soldier:

  • Stands and sprints 25m

  • Touches the 25m line with foot and hand

  • Turns and sprints back to the start line

  • Note: If the Soldier fails to touch the 25m line with hand and foot, the grader watching the 25m turn line will call them back

Drag

• The Soldier:

  • Grasps each strap handle, positioned and resting on the sled behind the start line

  • Pulls the sled backwards until the entire sled crosses the 25m line

  • Turns the sled around and pulls back until the entire sled crosses the start line

  • Note: If the entire sled does not cross the 25m or start line, the grader watching the 25m turn line will call them back

Lateral

• After the entire sled crosses the start line, the Soldier:

  • Performs a lateral for 25m

  • Touches the 25m turn line with foot and hand

  • Performs the lateral back to the start line

  • Faces the same direction moving back to the 25m start line and returning to the start line so they lead with each foot

  • Note: If the Soldier fails to touch the 25m turn line with hand and foot, the grader watching the 25m turn line will call them back

  • Note: Graders will correct Soldiers if they cross their feet

Carry

• The Soldier:

  • Grasps the handles of the two 40-pound kettlebells

  • Runs to the 25m turn line

  • Steps on or over the 25m turn line with one foot

  • Turns and runs back to the start line

  • Note: If the Soldier drops the kettlebells during movement, the carry will resume from the point the kettlebells were dropped

  • Note: If the Soldier fails to touch the 25m turn line with their foot, the grader watching the 25m turn line will call them back

Sprint

• After stepping on/over the start line, the Soldier:

  • Places the kettlebells on the ground

  • Turns and sprints 25m

  • Touches the 25m turn line with foot and hand

  • Turns and sprints back to the start line

  • Note: If the Soldier fails to touch the 25m turn line with hand and foot, the grader watching the 25m turn line will call them back

  • Note: The time is stopped when the Soldier crosses the start line after the final sprint (250 meters total)

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Plank

 

Starting Position

• On the command "GET READY" the Soldier:

  • Places hands on the ground, either:

    • In fists with pinky side of the hand touching the ground, or

    • Lying flat with palms down

  • Positions hands no more than the grader's fist-width apart

  • Bends elbows, aligned with the shoulders, forearms flat on the ground forming a triangle

  • Bends hips with one or both knees resting on the ground

Execution

• On the command "GET SET," the Soldier:

  • Lifts both knees off the ground

  • Moves the hips into a straight line with the legs, shoulders, head

  • Focuses eyes on the ground, similar to the "Front Leaning Rest"

  • May have feet up to the grader's boot-width apart

  • Aligns elbows with the shoulders, forming a triangle with the forearms

  • Flexes ankles with the bottom of the toes on the ground

  • Maintains body in straight alignment from the head to the ankles

  • Note: The fingers on the left hand may not be interlocked, interlaced, or touching with the fingers on the right hand, hands no more than a boot width apart

• On the command "GO," the Soldier:

  • Moves into the proper "plank" position

  • Maintains head, shoulders, back, hips, and legs in a straight-line position throughout the event

  • Keeps feet, forearms, and fists/palms in contact with the floor throughout the event

  • Note: As long as the hands remain in contact with the ground, Soldiers may change hand position from the fist-pinky side down to palms down during the plank

Termination Rules

• The Plank event is terminated if the Soldier:

  • Touches the ground with any part of the body other than the feet, forearms or fists/palms

  • Raises a foot or hand off the floor

  • Fails to maintain a straight-line position from head to heels

• Graders will:

  • Give one verbal warning to correct failure to maintain the proper plank position or if the hands/feet slide

  • Terminate the Soldier's performance if unable to correct a deficiency or maintain the proper plank position

Note: Shaking or trembling as a result of maximum exertion is permitted as long as the proper plank position is maintained.

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Two-Mile Run

 

Course Requirements

• The two-mile run can be completed on:

  • An indoor track

  • An outdoor track

  • An improved surface such as a road or sidewalk

  • Note: The 2MR cannot be tested on unimproved terrain

  • Note: The start and finish line will be near the same location as the test site for the other five test events

  • Note: Out-and-back or lap track courses are authorized

Execution

• On the command "GO," the Soldier:

  • Begins running at their own pace

  • Completes the designated two-mile course

  • Crosses the finish line, where their time is recorded

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Note: Soldiers are permitted to slow to a walk or momentarily stop during the event, but are encouraged to maintain a continuous pace.

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