Are reservists ready for the physical challenges of their jobs? The Army Fitness Test (AFT) checks their fitness. It looks at strength, endurance, and heart health.
The U.S. Army made the AFT the main fitness test for all Soldiers. It replaced the Army Combat Fitness Test. The test has parts like the deadlift, push-ups, sprint, plank, and a two-mile run.
Reservists need to meet certain physical standards. This ensures they can do their jobs well. For more info on staying fit and meeting body standards, check out the Official Army Height/Weight Calculator.
Key Takeaways
- The AFT checks strength, endurance, and heart health.
- Reservists must meet physical standards to be deployable.
- The AFT includes the deadlift, push-ups, sprint, plank, and a two-mile run.
- Regular tests keep reservists ready and healthy.
- Reservists can use the Official Army Height/Weight Calculator to track body standards.
Overview of the Army Fitness Test
The Army uses the AFT to check if soldiers are ready for war. It aims to boost fitness, readiness, and the Army’s effectiveness.
Purpose and Importance
The AFT makes sure soldiers are fit for military life. It tests strength, endurance, and agility. This is key for doing their jobs well and safely.
The AFT is significant because it helps the Army get better. It spots where soldiers need to improve and offers training to help.
Key Components of the Test
The AFT has five parts: deadlift, push-up, sprint, plank, and a two-mile run. Each part checks a different fitness area.
| Event | Physical Attribute Assessed | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Three-repetition maximum deadlift | Strength | Measures overall muscular strength |
| Hand-release push-up arm extension | Upper body strength and endurance | Evaluates muscular endurance and strength in the upper body |
| Sprint-drag-carry | Speed, agility, and endurance | Assesses a soldier’s ability to perform tasks requiring speed and agility |
| Plank | Core strength and endurance | Measures core muscular endurance, essential for stability and overall physical fitness |
| Two-mile run | Cardiovascular endurance | Evaluates a soldier’s cardiovascular fitness and endurance |
Almost 1 million test results were analyzed with RAND Corporation. This helped create a new AFT standard. It makes sure the test is accurate and reliable for measuring soldier fitness.
Eligibility Requirements for Reservists
To join the Army Fitness Test (AFT), reservists must meet certain criteria. This includes age and physical standards, and medical checks.
Age and Physical Standards
The AFT has standards for different ages and sexes. For example, the combat standard is the same for all, requiring a minimum of 60 points per event. Soldiers need to score at least 350 overall.
Reservists can find more details on the Army’s fitness requirements page. It explains the physical standards and how they vary by age and other factors.
Medical Assessments and Waivers
Medical checks are key in the eligibility process. Reservists with some health issues might get a waiver. This lets them take the AFT even with their condition.
| Medical Condition | Waiver Eligibility | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Permanent Injury | No | Medical discharge process |
| Temporary Condition | Yes | Provide medical documentation |
| Chronic Condition | Case-by-Case | Detailed medical evaluation |
Knowing these rules is vital for reservists. It helps them get ready for the AFT and follow Army rules.
Structure of the Army Fitness Test
The AFT tests a range of physical skills through various events. It makes sure reservists are ready for duty. This test checks if a reservist is physically fit for military service.
Events Included in the Test
The AFT has five events, each testing a different fitness aspect. These events are:
- Three-repetition maximum deadlift
- Hand-release push-up arm extension
- Sprint-drag-carry
- Plank
- Two-mile run
Each event is picked to check different fitness parts. For example, the sprint-drag-carry event tests how well a reservist can handle different situations. It’s like what they might face in military operations.
Scoring System Explained
The AFT’s scoring system is detailed. It requires a minimum of 60 points per event and 300 overall. This makes sure reservists are not just meeting minimums but are also well-rounded in fitness.
Fitness experts say a good fitness test like the AFT is key for military readiness. (
Source: Fitness Expert
)
For those having trouble with the army fitness test, a balanced workout is key. More tips on preparing for the test can be found here. It offers helpful advice on beating challenges and succeeding in the AFT.
Preparation Strategies for Reservists
Reservists can boost their Army Fitness Test scores with a good prep plan. This plan should include physical training, eating right, and recovery tips.
Training Regimens
A solid training plan is key for Army Fitness Test success. Reservists should:
- Do cardio like running, cycling, or swimming to up their endurance.
- Work on strength training to boost muscle power and endurance.
- Include flexibility exercises to improve movement and lower injury risk.
Sample Workout Plan
| Day | Exercise | Sets/Reps |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Running | 3 miles |
| Tuesday | Push-ups | 3 sets of 20 reps |
| Wednesday | Rest | – |
| Thursday | Squats | 3 sets of 15 reps |
| Friday | Cycling | 30 minutes |
Nutrition and Recovery Tips
Good nutrition and recovery are crucial for Army Fitness Test success. Reservists should:
- Eat a balanced diet full of proteins, complex carbs, and healthy fats.
- Drink lots of water all day to stay hydrated.
- Get enough sleep (7-9 hours) each night to recover well.
Nutritional Guidelines
| Nutrient | Recommended Intake |
|---|---|
| Protein | 1.6-2.2 grams per kilogram of body weight |
| Carbohydrates | 2-3 grams per kilogram of body weight |
| Healthy Fats | 0.5-1 gram per kilogram of body weight |
Consequences of Failing the Fitness Test
Failing the Army Fitness Test can lead to big problems for reservists. It’s important to know what these problems are. This way, you can take steps to get back in shape.
Potential Repercussions
Not passing the test might mean you could get kicked out of the Army. This shows how critical it is to prepare well for the test.
Retesting Opportunities
But, there’s good news. You can try again to pass the test. This chance lets you work on your fitness and meet the Army’s standards. With the right training, you can pass the AFT and stay in the Army.
Knowing the risks of failing and using the chance to retake the test helps you stay in the Army. It lets you keep serving your country well.