Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) Standards
The ACFT (Field Manual FM 7-22) is the US Army official physical fitness assessment designed to simulate warrior tasks and battle drills. It consists of six events: 3-Repetition Maximum Deadlift (MDL), Standing Power Throw (SPT), Hand-Release Push-Up (HRP), Sprint-Drag-Carry (SDC), Plank (PLK), and the Two-Mile Run (2MR). Each event is scored on a 0 to 100 point scale for a maximum score of 600. Soldiers must score a minimum of 60 points in each event (360 total) to pass.
Official Scoring Classes & Career Significance
Military physical assessments define promotion eligibility, reenlistment qualifications, and billet assignments. In the USMC, points are tallied across all three events to determine performance tiers:
| Performance Tier | Point Range | Fitness Classification | Administrative Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Class | 235 – 300 Pts | Superior Conditioning | Required for Marine Security Guard (MSG), MARSOC & maximum promotion composite score. |
| 2nd Class | 200 – 234 Pts | Competent Standard | Eligible for standard reenlistment; baseline operational military readiness. |
| 3rd Class | 120 – 199 Pts | Marginal Standard | Restricted leadership assignments; potential command monitoring. |
| Fail | < 120 Pts | Substandard Performance | Mandatory enrollment in Body Composition / Remedial Conditioning Program (BCP/RCP). |
Pull-Ups vs Push-Ups Strategic Scoring Difference
The Marine Corps authorizes push-ups as an alternate event for the upper body strength assessment. However, regulations cap the maximum score for push-ups at 70 points, whereas pull-ups offer up to 100 points. Marines seeking a competitive 1st Class score (235+) or a 300 maximum score must perform pull-ups.