072 - Army Combat Fitness Test: Lab Insights for Optimal Tactical Readiness
Optimizing physical readiness is mission-critical in tactical professions.
The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) evaluates a broad spectrum of physical abilities, but how well does its scoring reflect actual fitness? A recent study sheds light on the link between ACFT performance and detailed laboratory fitness measures, clarifying which factors truly matter for tactical athletes, clinicians, and coaches. Here’s what they found, and why it matters for your training.
What They Found:
Researchers studied 19 ROTC cadets who completed the ACFT and detailed laboratory tests, including: maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂peak), body composition, countermovement jumps (CMJ), maximal strength via mid-thigh pull (IMTP), and anaerobic power through the Wingate test.
Results showed a moderate-to-strong relationship between ACFT composite scores and VO₂peak, anaerobic peak power, and body fat percentage.
Importantly, these relationships were strongest when gender-neutral or standardized z-score formats were applied, rather than the current sex-specific scoring method.
What This Means:
This evidence suggests that while the ACFT broadly assesses multiple fitness components, its current scoring might underestimate specific performance attributes like absolute strength, explosive power, and lean mass. Practically, it means focusing solely on traditional ACFT scores might limit understanding of a soldier’s full physical capabilities. Adjusting training to target specific underlying fitness factors, like maximal aerobic capacity and anaerobic power, could lead to better tactical performance.
Tactical Implications:
Prioritize aerobic conditioning: Higher aerobic capacity strongly predicts overall ACFT performance. Incorporate regular aerobic interval training.
Boost anaerobic power: Anaerobic peak power had a significant impact on ACFT success. Include explosive, high-intensity activities like sprint intervals and plyometric drills.
Body composition matters: Lower body fat percentage correlates with higher ACFT scores. Combine nutritional strategies with targeted strength training to optimize lean mass.
Measure more than scores: Consider integrating periodic lab-based tests (VO₂peak, Wingate) to better tailor individual programming beyond ACFT scores.
Questions To Consider:
Are your training programs currently addressing the most impactful fitness factors identified in this study?
How can you practically integrate laboratory-grade assessments into routine tactical training?
Could relying solely on ACFT scores be limiting your understanding of true operational readiness?
What nutritional strategies are you using to optimize body composition in your tactical personnel?
How might adjusting training to target explosive power and aerobic capacity immediately impact your unit’s performance?
Dobbs WC, Almonroeder TG, Carpenter M, et al. Relationships Between the Army Combat Fitness Test Scoring Structure and Laboratory Measurements of Physical Fitness in Reserve Officer Training Corps Cadets. J Strength Cond Res. 2025;39(7):798-808. Published 2025 May 16. doi:10.1519/JSC.0000000000005117