Section 577 of the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act mandates higher fitness standards for those positions in the Army [Army, Army National Guard, Army Reserve] that have a propensity for close combat. This section of law only pertains to the Army and no other branch or component of service.
The increased fitness standards are to be incorporated in the Army Combat Fitness Test within the next 18 months. The following Military Occupation Specialties or Areas of Concentration are affected: 11A, 11B, 11C; 11Z, 12A, 12B, 13A, 13F, 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E, 18F, 18Z, 19A, 19C, 19D, 19K, and 19Z.
The six-event Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) replaced the three-event Army Physical Fitness Test on October 1, 2020. The Commanding General of US Army Training and Doctrine Command stated, “Based on results of years of scientific study, the Secretary and Chief of Staff of the Army have directed replacement of the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). While the legacy APFT is an acceptable test for measuring general fitness, it does not adequately assess the domains of combat physical fitness. The six-event Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) was developed to better predict a Soldier’s readiness for the demands of the modern battlefield. Like combat, the ACFT is both age and gender neutral. The desired end-states of ACFT implementation are an increase in physical readiness, a decrease in chronic injuries, and an evolution in the Army’s fitness culture.” The ACFT was heavily influenced by CrossFit exercises. It was the first change in fitness testing in four decades.
Initially, the ACFT was planned to be scored without regard for age and gender. Instead, soldiers were assigned to one of three tiers based on their military occupational specialty. However, this ‘do-not-adjust’ policy caused a debate whether it would penalize women and overshadow expertise and intellectual preparations. Eventually, age- and gender- based scoring was introduced in April 2022. This provision of law revises the ACFT for higher demand, close combat occupations.
— EANGUS National Office