Female Soldiers in Combat Roles Must Train Harder Under New Army Test

The U.S. Army has implemented significant changes to its physical fitness standards, unveiling a new “sex-neutral” scoring system that increases the requirements for all soldiers in combat roles. The upcoming changes are designed to enhance physical readiness throughout the military, specifically focusing on combat military occupational specialties (MOSs). These adjustments are set to be fully implemented by January 2026.

The newly implemented Army Fitness Test (AFT) mandates that all combat soldiers, irrespective of gender, adhere to uniform performance standards across five specific events. These events include a three-rep maximum deadlift, hand-release push-ups, a sprint-drag-carry drill, a plank hold, and a two-mile run. The standing power throw, commonly called the “yeet” event, has been eliminated.

Combat soldiers must achieve a minimum of 350 points overall to pass, with an average score of 60 to 70 points per event. Non-combat soldiers are subject to a slightly reduced standard of 300 points.

“The revised standards aim to enhance the readiness of our combat forces in response to the physical demands of the battlefield,” stated Sgt. Major Christopher Mullinax. Standardized scoring tables are designed to motivate soldiers to reach elevated standards of overall fitness.

Recent developments have brought about notable changes impacting female soldiers serving in combat positions. The minimum passing time for the two-mile run for women aged 17–21 has seen a significant reduction, decreasing by more than three minutes from 23:22 to 19:57. In a notable trend, the requirements for push-ups have seen a substantial increase universally. In the past, soldiers were required to complete 10 push-ups to achieve a passing score of 60 points. Male soldiers between the ages of 17 and 21 must complete 15 months. In contrast, female soldiers in combat roles are expected to meet or surpass that standard, depending on their age and specific position.

The deadlift requirement for male soldiers and female combat-role personnel aged 17 to 31 has been raised from 140 pounds to 150 pounds. Female soldiers in non-combat roles within the same age bracket must lift 120 pounds to meet passing standards.

Effective immediately, the changes will not result in administrative consequences for soldiers in the 21 designated combat MOSs until January 1, 2026. Soldiers who do not achieve the required standard on a second attempt could face reassignment to non-combat roles.

“We have elevated the standards for combat Military Occupational Specialties,” stated Command Sgt. Major Stephanie Carl. “Individuals who previously met only the minimum standards will now be required to exert greater effort to achieve the updated baseline.”

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