politics
U.S. Army Launches Annual Combat Field Test for Soldiers in Combat Roles
The U.S. Army has introduced a new age and gender-neutral Combat Field Test requiring frontline troops to complete seven events in 30 minutes while wearing full gear. The test applies to soldiers in combat specialties and aims to enhance battlefield readiness. Implementation begins this month with no penalties in the first year.
Apr 26, 6:30 AM·1m read1 source
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U.S. Army announced a new Combat Field Test for frontline troops in a news release earlier this week, as leaders seek to strengthen battlefield readiness amid past recruiting challenges. Fox News reported that the Combat Field Test is age and gender-neutral and applies to soldiers in combat specialties.
Soldiers must complete seven events in 30 minutes while wearing full gear, including the Army Combat Uniform and boots. The Army will begin implementing the new test this month, and soldiers will be required to complete it annually. During the first year of the rollout, soldiers will not face penalties.
The test begins with a one-mile run, followed by 30 dead-stop push-ups. Next comes a 100-meter sprint and then 16 lifts of a 40-pound sandbag onto a 65-inch platform. Soldiers then perform a 50-meter carry of two Army water cans weighing 40 pounds each.
The sequence continues with a 50-meter movement drill that includes a high crawl. It concludes with a 25-meter three- to five-second rush followed by a final one-mile run. Fox News detailed these events as part of the Army's effort to mirror the physical demands of modern warfare.
This development follows the Army's announcement in 2025 of a new Army Fitness Test to replace the previous Army Combat Fitness Test. The changes come amid broader shifts in fitness standards.
Army Recruiting Command data. However, the Army met its 2025 recruiting targets. Fox News noted that the new test signals a shift toward stricter, role-specific standards as the service works to rebuild enlistment numbers and overall force strength.
