CFT / Events

2026 Combat Field Test (CFT) Events

The 2026 Combat Field Test consists of seven events completed continuously in this order: 1-Mile Run, Dead-Stop Push-Ups, 100-Meter Sprint, Sandbag Lifts, Water Can Carry, Movement Drill, and a final 1-Mile Run.

The clock runs through the full sequence. Soldiers must complete every event and finish the CFT in 30:00 or less.

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Official CFT Demonstration

Watch the U.S. Army National Guard demonstration of the complete seven-event Combat Field Test sequence.

U.S. Army National Guard video · Sgt. Kayden BedwellDVIDS · The Combat Field Test May 28, 2026 · 3:01

Overview

Seven-event reference

The 7 CFT Events at a Glance

The CFT is administered in this order: Run 1 → DSP → Sprint → Lift → Carry → Movement Drill → Run 2.

#	Event	Requirement	Primary demand
01	1-Mile Run	1 mile	Aerobic endurance
02	Dead-Stop Push-Ups	30 repetitions	Upper-body pushing endurance
03	100-Meter Sprint	100 meters	Short-distance speed
04	Sandbag Lifts	16 sandbags · 40 lb each · 65-inch platform	Repeated loaded lifting
05	Water Can Carry	50 meters · two 40 lb cans	Loaded carry and grip
06	Movement Drill	25 m high crawl + 25 m rushes	Ground movement and short-burst movement
07	Final 1-Mile Run	1 mile	Aerobic endurance under fatigue

One cumulative result

No individual event is timed or scored separately. The cumulative time to complete all seven events determines the pass/fail result. Check a CFT time

Test conditions

Uniform: Army Combat Uniform top and bottom, belt, brown T-shirt, AR 670-1-approved combat boots, and no headgear.
Sequence control: Each event must be completed and cleared by the grader before the Soldier moves to the next event. An inability to complete an event terminates the test and records a failure.

Sources

Army Directive 2026-07 · Combat Field Test policy Annex B · CFT Testing Guidance

Run 1 / 01

1-Mile Run

Run one mile at the start of the continuous CFT sequence.

Event 1 of 7 · Next: Dead-Stop Push-Ups

Test-Day Standard

Requirement: Complete one mile on the designated CFT run course.
Completion: The event is complete when the full designated 1-mile course has been completed.
Transition: After the grader clears the completed run, move to the Dead-Stop Push-Ups. The cumulative CFT clock continues.

Key Rules

Walking: Walking is authorized during the run, although Army guidance strongly discourages it.
Pacing assistance: Another Soldier may pace the runner provided there is no physical contact and the pacer does not interfere with other Soldiers.
Course: Remain on the designated course. Leaving the course for the purpose of shortening the required distance terminates the test.
Physical assistance: Being pulled, pushed, picked up, carried, or otherwise physically assisted by another person terminates the test.

Common Test-Day Questions

Can I walk during the 1-mile run?: Yes. Walking is authorized, although Army guidance strongly discourages it. The full one-mile course must still be completed.
Can another Soldier pace me?: Yes, provided there is no physical contact and the pacer does not interfere with other Soldiers.

Official CFT Photo

U.S. Army Soldier performing the opening 1-mile run during the Combat Field Test — U.S. Army photo · Sgt. Aaron TroutmanDVIDS · Combat Field Test Trial Run [Image 4 of 7]

How to Perform the 1-Mile Run

Begin the opening run

Start the designated 1-mile course as Event 1 of the CFT.

Complete the course

Cover the full one-mile distance on the designated route.

Transition to push-ups

After the grader clears the completed run, move to the Dead-Stop Push-Ups. The cumulative CFT clock continues.

NextDead-Stop Push-Ups

Check cumulative time Train this event

Source

Annex B · CFT Testing Guidance

DSP / 02

Dead-Stop Push-Ups

Complete 30 valid Dead-Stop Push-Ups.

Event 2 of 7 · Next: 100-Meter Sprint

Test-Day Standard

Requirement: Complete 30 valid Dead-Stop Push-Ups.
Completion: The event is complete when the Soldier has completed 30 valid repetitions.
Transition: After the grader confirms 30 valid repetitions, move to the 100-Meter Sprint. The cumulative CFT clock continues.

Key Rules

Hand position: Hands may be placed in a comfortable position that allows the Soldier to perform the required repetition.
Body position: From the side, the body should remain generally straight from the base of the neck through the heels during the repetition.
Bottom position: The chest contacts the ground and both hands must clearly leave the ground before the next repetition begins.
Top position: Return to the prescribed position with the arms generally straight and without the knees contacting the ground.
Knees: A repetition does not count if the Soldier’s knees remain in contact with the ground during execution of the repetition.
Invalid repetition: A repetition that does not meet the required standard is not counted; the grader continues calling the last valid repetition number.
Rest: A Soldier may rest during the event, but must return to the prescribed start position before resuming repetitions.
Hand-release style: The Army does not require a specific T push-up or hand-release arm pattern; the required dead-stop position and valid repetition standard control the event.

Common Test-Day Questions

Do my hands have to move into a T position?: No. The CFT does not require a specific T push-up or hand-release arm pattern. The repetition must meet the prescribed dead-stop standard.
What happens if a repetition is invalid?: The repetition is not counted, and the grader continues from the last valid repetition number.
Can I rest during the event?: Yes. Rest is permitted, but the Soldier must return to the prescribed start position before resuming repetitions.

Official CFT Photo

U.S. Army Soldier performing a dead-stop push-up during the Combat Field Test — U.S. Army photo · Sgt. Aaron TroutmanDVIDS · Combat Field Test Trial Run [Image 1 of 7]

How to Perform the Dead-Stop Push-Ups

Assume the start position

Take the prescribed push-up position with the body generally straight from the base of the neck through the heels.

Lower to the dead stop

Lower the body until the chest contacts the ground.

Release the hands

Both hands must clearly leave the ground at the bottom of the repetition.

Return to the top position

Re-establish the hands and push back to the required top position without the knees contacting the ground.

Complete 30 valid repetitions

Only valid repetitions count toward the required 30.

Transition to the sprint

After the grader confirms 30 valid repetitions, move to the 100-Meter Sprint. The cumulative CFT clock continues.

Next100-Meter Sprint

Check cumulative time Train this event

Source

Annex B · CFT Testing Guidance

Sprint / 03

100-Meter Sprint

Complete the marked 100-meter distance before the loaded events.

Event 3 of 7 · Next: Sandbag Lifts

Test-Day Standard

Requirement: Complete the full 100-meter distance.
Completion: The event is complete when the full marked 100-meter distance has been completed.
Transition: After the grader clears the completed 100-meter distance, move to the Sandbag Lifts. The cumulative CFT clock continues.

Key Rules

Distance: The full 100-meter marked course must be completed.
Pace: The event is named the 100-Meter Sprint, but the Soldier may complete the distance at the pace they choose.

Common Test-Day Questions

Do I have to maintain a specific sprint pace?: No specific pace is required. The full marked 100-meter distance must be completed.
What is the next event after the sprint?: Sandbag Lifts. After the grader clears the completed 100-meter event, the Soldier moves to the Sandbag Lifts.

Event Distance

100METERS

How to Perform the 100-Meter Sprint

Enter the marked course

Move from the push-up station to the designated 100-meter course.

Complete 100 meters

Cover the full marked 100-meter distance.

Continue to the Sandbag Lifts

After the grader clears the completed 100-meter distance, move to the Sandbag Lifts. The cumulative CFT clock continues.

NextSandbag Lifts

Check cumulative time Train this event

Source

Annex B · CFT Testing Guidance

Lift / 04

Sandbag Lifts

Place all 16 separate 40-pound sandbags onto the 65-inch platform.

Event 4 of 7 · Next: Water Can Carry

Test-Day Standard

Requirement: Place 16 separate 40-pound sandbags onto a 65-inch platform.
Completion: The event is complete only when all 16 sandbags are securely on the platform.
Transition: After the grader confirms that all 16 sandbags are securely on the platform, move to the Water Can Carry. The cumulative CFT clock continues.

Key Rules

Equipment: Sixteen separate 40-pound sandbags are positioned on the ground immediately in front of the 65-inch platform.
Completion: The event is complete when all 16 sandbags are securely on the platform.
Dropped sandbag: If a sandbag falls from the platform, it must be returned to the platform before the event is complete.
Assistance: The grader does not move, clear, or place sandbags for the Soldier.

Common Test-Day Questions

What happens if a sandbag falls off the platform?: The sandbag must be placed back onto the platform. The event is not complete until all 16 sandbags are securely on the platform.
Can the grader move completed sandbags out of the way?: No. The Soldier completes the event without the grader moving or clearing the sandbags.

Official CFT Photo

U.S. Army Soldier lifting a 40-pound sandbag during the Combat Field Test — U.S. Army photo · Sgt. Aaron TroutmanDVIDS · Combat Field Test Trial Run [Image 5 of 7]

How to Perform the Sandbag Lifts

Start with 16 sandbags

Sixteen separate 40-pound sandbags begin on the ground immediately in front of the 65-inch platform.

Place the sandbags

Use any method necessary to place all 16 sandbags securely onto the 65-inch platform.

Keep all bags on the platform

If a bag falls from the platform, return it before continuing.

Complete all 16

The event is complete only when all 16 sandbags are securely on the platform.

Move to the carry

After the grader confirms that all 16 sandbags are securely on the platform, move to the Water Can Carry. The cumulative CFT clock continues.

NextWater Can Carry

Check cumulative time Train this event

Source

Annex B · CFT Testing Guidance

Carry / 05

Water Can Carry

Carry both prescribed 40-pound water cans through the full 50-meter distance.

Event 5 of 7 · Next: Movement Drill

Test-Day Standard

Requirement: Carry two 40-pound Army water cans for 50 meters.
Completion: The event is complete when both cans have covered the full 50 meters and are upright at the endpoint.
Transition: After the grader confirms both cans are upright at the endpoint, move to the Movement Drill. The cumulative CFT clock continues.

Key Rules

Equipment: Use two Army-issued five-gallon water cans filled to capacity and weighing 40 pounds each.
Carry method: Any method may be used to carry the water cans to the designated endpoint.
Setting cans down: The cans may be set down any number of times.
Drag or throw: The cans may not be dragged or thrown. A drag or throw requires returning to the start and repeating the event.
Water removal: Intentionally removing water from a can terminates the test.
Finish: The event is complete when both cans are upright at the designated endpoint.

Common Test-Day Questions

Can I set the cans down?: Yes. The cans may be set down any number of times.
What happens if I drag or throw a can?: The Soldier must return to the start and repeat the event.
Do the cans have to be upright at the finish?: Yes. Both cans must be upright at the designated endpoint for the event to be complete.

Official CFT Photo

U.S. Army Soldier performing the 50-meter water can carry during the Combat Field Test — U.S. Army photo · Sgt. Aaron TroutmanDVIDS · Combat Field Test Trial Run [Image 6 of 7]

How to Perform the Water Can Carry

Start with both cans

Begin with both prescribed 40-pound Army water cans.

Carry 50 meters

Move both cans through the full marked 50-meter distance.

Set down if needed

The cans may be set down, but they may not be dragged or thrown.

Finish upright

Place both cans upright at the endpoint.

Continue to the Movement Drill

After the grader confirms both cans are upright at the endpoint, move to the Movement Drill. The cumulative CFT clock continues.

NextMovement Drill

Check cumulative time Train this event

Source

Annex B · CFT Testing Guidance

MD / 06

Movement Drill

Complete 25 meters of high crawl followed by 25 meters of 3–5 second rushes.

Event 6 of 7 · Next: Final 1-Mile Run

Test-Day Standard

Requirement: Complete a 50-meter Movement Drill: 25-meter high crawl followed by 25 meters of 3–5 second rushes.
Completion: The event is complete when the Soldier passes the designated event finish line in the prescribed prone position.
Transition: After the grader clears the completed Movement Drill, move to the Final 1-Mile Run. The cumulative CFT clock continues.

Key Rules

High crawl: Complete the first 25 meters using the prescribed high crawl.
High-crawl position: Keep the body off the ground with weight supported through the forearms and lower legs, keep the hips low with the knees well behind the buttocks, and move with opposite elbow-and-knee action.
Not permitted: Bear crawl and crab crawl are not authorized substitutes for the prescribed high crawl.
Rushes: Complete the final 25 meters using repeated 3–5 second rushes separated by prone positions.
Bounds: The rush portion uses three approximately equal bounds across the remaining distance.
Finish line: Pass the designated event finish line in the prescribed prone position.
Incorrect technique: If the Soldier performs a portion incorrectly, return to the start of that portion and repeat that portion rather than restarting the entire CFT.

Common Test-Day Questions

Can I use a bear crawl instead of the high crawl?: No. Bear crawl and crab crawl are not authorized substitutes for the prescribed high crawl.
How are the final 25 meters completed?: The Soldier completes the distance using repeated 3–5 second rushes separated by prone positions.
What happens if I perform part of the Movement Drill incorrectly?: The Soldier returns to the start of the affected portion and repeats that portion.

Official CFT Photo

U.S. Army Soldier performing the high-crawl portion of the Combat Field Test movement drill — U.S. Army photo · Sgt. Aaron TroutmanDVIDS · Combat Field Test Trial Run [Image 2 of 7]

How to Perform the Movement Drill

High crawl 25 meters

Complete the first 25 meters using the prescribed high crawl.

Maintain the high-crawl position

Keep the body off the ground, hips low, knees well behind the buttocks, and advance using opposite elbow-and-knee movement.

Begin the rush portion

From the prescribed prone position, start the first 3–5 second rush.

Complete three bounds

Use repeated 3–5 second rushes and prone positions to cover the final 25 meters in approximately equal bounds.

Finish the drill

Complete the final rush and pass the designated event finish line in the prescribed prone position.

Move to the final mile

After the grader clears the completed Movement Drill, move to the Final 1-Mile Run. The cumulative CFT clock continues.

NextFinal 1-Mile Run

Check cumulative time Train this event

Source

Annex B · CFT Testing Guidance

Run 2 / 07

Final 1-Mile Run

Finish the seven-event CFT with the second 1-mile run.

Event 7 of 7 · The cumulative clock stops at completion

Test-Day Standard

Requirement: Complete the final one-mile run to finish the seven-event CFT.
Completion: The CFT is complete when the final one-mile course and all preceding events have been completed.
Transition: The CFT is complete when the grader confirms completion of the final 1-mile run.

Key Rules

Walking: Walking is authorized during the run, although Army guidance strongly discourages it.
Pacing assistance: Another Soldier may pace the runner provided there is no physical contact and the pacer does not interfere with other Soldiers.
Course: Remain on the designated course. Leaving the course for the purpose of shortening the required distance terminates the test.
Physical assistance: Being pulled, pushed, picked up, carried, or otherwise physically assisted by another person terminates the test.
Final-run route: The second mile may use the same designated route as the opening mile or a separate route included in the unit’s validated CFT layout.

Common Test-Day Questions

Can I walk during the final mile?: Yes. Walking is authorized, although Army guidance strongly discourages it. The full one-mile course must be completed.
Can another Soldier pace me?: Yes, provided there is no physical contact and the pacer does not interfere with other Soldiers.
Does the final mile have to use the same route as the opening mile?: No. The second mile may use the same designated route or a separate route included in the unit’s validated CFT layout.
When does the CFT clock stop?: The cumulative CFT time ends when the Soldier completes the final 1-mile run after completing all six preceding events.