The CFT is a 7-event, age- and sex-neutral pass/fail test for Soldiers in 24 designated combat specialties. Pass by completing all 7 events in sequence in 30:00 or less. In 2026 the CFT is diagnostic; record requirements begin April 17, 2027.
Current standard
Applicability
2026 implementation
Affected combat-specialty Soldiers complete one diagnostic CFT within six months of Army Directive 2026-07. The diagnostic deadline is October 17, 2026. No punitive or adverse administrative action is taken solely because of a failed CFT or a permanent profile preventing the CFT during the first 365 days.
Beginning April 17, 2027, the CFT becomes a record-test requirement and the applicable record frequency and administrative procedures apply.
Test administration
Army Combat Uniform top and bottom, belt, brown T-shirt, AR 670-1-approved combat boots, and no headgear.
All seven events are completed as one continuous test.
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.
These record-test frequencies begin with full implementation on April 17, 2027.
Regular Army, AGR, and Reserve Component Soldiers on active-duty orders for 365 days or more take one record CFT and one record AFT annually.
For Regular Army, AGR, and Reserve Component Soldiers on 365-day active-duty orders: at least four months between a record CFT and AFT.
Other Reserve Component Soldiers in designated combat specialties take one record fitness test per calendar year, alternating between AFT and CFT.
For other Reserve Component Soldiers: at least eight months between record fitness tests.
Reserve Component Soldiers in designated combat specialties who are not AGR and are not on active-duty orders for 365 days or more may take an additional record AFT within eight months of a previous CFT or AFT for promotion or schooling.
After full implementation
A combat-specialty Soldier who fails a record CFT is flagged and enrolled in reconditioning training.
Regular Army, AGR, and Reserve Component Soldiers on active-duty orders for 365 days or more retest within 90 days. Other Reserve Component Soldiers retest within 180 days.
After a failed retest, the commander initiates applicable reclassification or utilization action unless the Soldier has an approved waiver.
Two consecutive CFT failures can lead to separation or elimination when the Soldier refuses or is otherwise ineligible for the applicable reclassification or transfer process, consistent with the directive. Failure to take a required record CFT within 12 months of full implementation results in a flag unless a temporary profile prevents the test.
Profiles
A Soldier in a designated combat specialty whose permanent profile prevents a primary AFT event is ineligible to complete the CFT and enters the directive’s MOS/AOC reclassification and waiver process.
Waiver applicability is reviewed annually.
Regular Army / AGR / RC ≥365 days: Soldiers granted a permanent-profile waiver who are Regular Army, AGR, or Reserve Component on active-duty orders for 365 days or more remain subject to the annual two-AFT requirement.
Other Reserve Component: Other Reserve Component Soldiers granted a permanent-profile waiver remain subject to one AFT annually.
Temporary profiles, including pregnancy and postpartum profiles, follow the profile and AFT guidance until the Soldier can take the CFT; event modifications are not available.
Applicability list
CFT and AFT
There is no prerequisite to take or pass the AFT prior to or after the CFT. Applicable minimum intervals between record tests still apply.
Official references
