A new study indicates that U.S. Army soldiers are experiencing fewer injuries related to the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) as they become more familiar with the exercises and training protocols. The Rand Corp. study, released March 10, 2025, suggests the ACFT could lead to an overall reduction in injuries over time. This is welcome news for the Army, which has aimed to curb preventable injuries since launching the ACFT in 2022.
The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT): Aims and Components
The ACFT was introduced to better prepare soldiers for the physical demands of combat and reduce injuries. Replacing the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), which had been in use since 1980, the ACFT is designed to provide a more comprehensive assessment of a soldier’s physical capabilities. The six events of the ACFT are:
- 3-Repetition Maximum Deadlift (MDL): Measures lower body, grip, and core strength.
- Standing Power Throw (SPT): Assesses upper and lower body power and coordination.
- Hand-Release Push-Up (HRP): Tests upper body muscular endurance.
- Sprint-Drag-Carry (SDC): Evaluates speed, agility, and muscular endurance.
- Plank (PLK): Measures core strength and stability.
- 2-Mile Run (2MR): Assesses aerobic endurance.
These events aim to evaluate a soldier’s muscular strength, muscular endurance, power, speed, agility, coordination, flexibility, balance, reaction time, and aerobic capacity.
Key Findings of the Rand Corp. Study
Researchers at Rand Corp. analyzed data related to the administration of the ACFT and found that:
- Injury Risk Declines with Experience: Soldiers become less prone to injuries as they gain experience with the ACFT. “We observed a decline in injury incidence associated with a soldier gaining experience with the test,” the report stated.
- Failure Increases Injury Risk: Soldiers who failed the ACFT were about 20% more likely to sustain an injury in the 180-day period following the test.
- Better Performance Reduces Risk: Better performance on the ACFT was associated with a reduced risk of injury in the 180-day window after the test. Cardiorespiratory activities showed strong positive associations between performance and reduced injury risk.
- Timing Matters: The timing of ACFT administration is strongly linked to injury risk. There was an increase in “overuse injuries” prior to the test, likely due to soldiers intensifying their training. A brief spike in injuries occurred on the test date and in the days following, likely directly related to the ACFT events.
- Different Injuries for Men and Women: Men and women were prone to different types of injuries, with women more likely to experience lower-extremity injuries and men tending to have upper-extremity injuries.
Potential Reasons for Decreased Injury Rates
Several factors may contribute to the decline in injury rates as soldiers become more experienced with the ACFT:
- Improved Training Techniques: As the ACFT has been implemented, soldiers and trainers have gained a better understanding of proper form and technique for each event. This reduces the risk of injuries caused by improper movements.
- Gradual Adaptation: Over time, soldiers’ bodies adapt to the demands of the ACFT exercises. This gradual adaptation strengthens muscles, tendons, and ligaments, making them less susceptible to injury.
- Better Preparation: Soldiers are learning how to train effectively for the ACFT, including incorporating appropriate warm-up routines, cool-down exercises, and rest days. This helps prevent overuse injuries and ensures that their bodies are adequately prepared for the test.
- Focus on Holistic Fitness: The ACFT emphasizes a broader range of physical capabilities than the APFT. This has led to a more holistic approach to fitness training, which can improve overall physical conditioning and reduce the risk of injuries.
Army Initiatives for Injury Prevention
The U.S. Army has several initiatives in place to prevent injuries among soldiers, including:
- Army Public Health Center (APHC): The APHC monitors soldiers’ medical data to identify common injuries, trends, and risk factors. This information is used to inform policies, procedures, and equipment development.
- Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) System: The ACFT is the assessment for the physical domain of the Army’s H2F system. The H2F program aims to improve soldier readiness by focusing on five domains: physical, nutritional, mental, spiritual, and sleep.
- Injury Prevention Resources: The Army provides a variety of injury prevention resources, including fact sheets, training products, and guidance on proper training techniques.
- Monitoring and Surveillance: The Army is establishing a governance structure to oversee the full implementation of the ACFT and will continue to assess testing data and provide comprehensive analysis. Rand recommends that the Army improve its collection of cause-of-injury data and incorporate physical fitness assessments into injury surveillance programs.
Recommendations for Continued Injury Reduction
While the Rand Corp. study indicates a positive trend, there are still steps the Army can take to further reduce injury rates associated with the ACFT:
- Emphasize Proper Technique: Continue to emphasize the importance of proper form and technique for all ACFT events. Provide soldiers with access to qualified trainers who can provide guidance and feedback.
- Promote Gradual Progression: Encourage soldiers to gradually increase the intensity and volume of their training to allow their bodies to adapt to the demands of the ACFT.
- Individualized Training Programs: Develop individualized training programs that take into account soldiers’ individual fitness levels, strengths, and weaknesses.
- Address Gender Differences: Recognize that men and women are prone to different types of injuries and tailor training programs accordingly.
- Monitor Training Programs: Monitor soldiers’ training programs to ensure they are not overtraining or engaging in activities that put them at high risk of injury.
- Collect Injury Data: Improve the collection of data on the causes and circumstances surrounding ACFT-related injuries. This information can be used to identify specific risk factors and develop targeted prevention strategies.
The Future of the ACFT and Soldier Readiness
The ACFT represents a significant shift in the Army’s approach to physical fitness. While the initial implementation of the test was associated with some concerns about injury rates, the Rand Corp. study suggests that these rates are declining as soldiers adapt to the new test. By continuing to emphasize proper training techniques, promote gradual progression, and monitor injury data, the Army can further reduce injury rates and ensure that soldiers are physically ready to meet the demands of combat.
