The US Army began rolling out a new mandatory Combat Field Test (CFT) for frontline troops on April 26, 2026, to strengthen battlefield readiness and establish stricter, gender-neutral physical standards for combat-specific roles.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Army leaders introduced the assessment to supplement the existing Army Fitness Test, which remains the baseline measure for all personnel. Soldiers in combat specialties must now pass both evaluations annually to remain in service.
The CFT consists of seven consecutive events to be completed within a 30-minute window while wearing a combat uniform and boots. The circuit includes two separate one-mile runs, 30 dead-stop push-ups, a 100-meter sprint, and 16 sandbag lifts onto a 65-inch platform.
Personnel must also complete a 50-meter carry of two 40-pound water cans and a movement drill featuring a high crawl and tactical rushes. According to data reviewed by ABC News, these events mirror the physical requirements for elite expert infantry and medical badges.
“The Combat Field Test is a critical step forward in ensuring our soldiers serving in the most physically demanding specialties have the specific fitness required to dominate on the modern battlefield,” Army Secretary Dan Driscoll said in a statement Wednesday.
The policy shift follows data from the American Security Project showing roughly 70% of the force is considered overweight. Army leaders are utilizing the new standards to combat long-term injury risks and ensure lethality across the ranks following years of recruiting challenges.
Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael Weimer stated that the assessment validates the ability of combat arms soldiers to meet higher standards. The service currently utilizes its Holistic Health and Fitness program to provide units with nutrition and mental health support alongside physical training.
While implementation begins this month, the Army will not penalize soldiers for failing the CFT during the initial phase-in period. Official enforcement and potential removals from service for failing the assessment are scheduled to begin in April 2027.