* Updated November 2015
All soldiers in the Active Army, Army National Guard, and Army Reserve are required to take the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). It is a three-event physical performance test used to assess muscular endurance and cardiograms (CR) fitness for all ages. The test is a simple way to measure a soldier’s ability to effectively move his or her body by using their major muscle groups and CR system. Performance on the APFT is strongly linked to a soldier’s fitness level and his ability to do fitness related tasks. An APFT with alternate test events is given to soldiers with permanent profiles and with temporary profiles greater than three months duration. The APFT provides a baseline assessment of soldiers regardless of MOS or duty.
Test Sequence
The test sequence is the push-up, sit-up, and 2-mile run (or alternate, aerobic event). The order of events cannot be changed.here are no exceptions to this sequence. Soldiers are allowed no less than 10 minutes, but ideally no more than 20 minutes,to recover between each event. Under no circumstances is the APFT valid if a soldier cannot begin and end all three events in two hours or less.
- PUSH-UPS (2 minutes): Push-ups measure the endurance of the chest, shoulder, and triceps muscles.
- SIT-UPS (2 minutes): This event measures the endurance of the abdominal and hip-flexor muscles.
- TWO-MILE RUN: This event tests cardiograms (aerobic) endurance and the endurance of the leg muscles.
Evaluation
To evaluate their physical fitness and the effectiveness of their physical fitness training programs, all military personnel are tested biannually using the APFT in accordance with AR350-15. (Refer to Chapter 14) Soldiers can be evaluated more frequently than biannually.
Test Results
The soldier’s fitness performance for each APFT event is determined by converting the raw score for each event to a point score. Point scores can be found on the Standards page for each event (see above).
Scoring Categories
The two APFT categories of testing for all military personnel are Initial Entry Training (IET) and the Army Standard.
IET Standard
The APFT standard for basic training is a minimum of 50 points per event and no less than 150 points overall by the end of basic training. Graduation requirements for AIT and One Station Unit Training (OSUT) require 60 points per event.
Army Standard
All other Army personnel(active and reserve) who are not IET soldiers must attain the minimum Army standard of at least 60 points per event. To get credit for a record APFT, a medically soldier must, as a minimum, complete the 2-mile run or one of the alternate aerobic events.
Properly interpreted, performance on the APFT shows the following:
- Each soldier’s level of physical fitness
- The entire unit’s level of physical fitness
- Deficiencies in physical fitness
- Soldiers who need special attention
In an effort to help soldiers achieve the minimum goals of the APFT, the Army Field Manual (FM 21-20) Physical Fitness Training, describes drills and exercises that should be carried out regularly to meet the required standards for the APFT:
- APFT
- APFT Calisthenics
- APFT Conditioning Drills
- APFT Guerrilla Exercises
- APFT Obstacle Courses
- APFT Rifle Drills
- APFT Log Drills
- APFT Aquatic Exercise
If you want to maximize your score on the Army PFT you will need to commit to a regular workout routine. The following are techniques will help to meet the APFT required standards:
Other Useful Information:
- Army Basic Combat Training
- What to Learn BEFORE Going to Boot Camp
- What To Bring To Boot Camp
- What NOT to Bring to Basic Training
- Be Prepared for Military Basic Training