High-Performing Soldiers Gain Exemption from Army Body Fat Standards
WASHINGTON – soldiers who consistently achieve high scores on the Army Fitness Test (AFT) will now be exempt from body fat percentage assessments, the Army announced this week. The policy, a continuation of one initially implemented under the former Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), aims to incentivize physical readiness and maintain high fitness standards across the force.
The exemption applies to soldiers who demonstrate a commitment to peak physical condition, supporting overall readiness, health, and a performance-focused culture within the Army. Soldiers in the regular Army, as well as activated Guard or Reserve troops, must take the AFT every eight months, while National Guard and Army Reserve soldiers not on active duty are tested annually.
The Army reconfigured its fitness test earlier this year, removing the ball throw event and making the test sex-neutral for combat arms specialties. Simultaneously, the minimum required score was raised for 21 combat-focused jobs. The test officially transitioned from the ACFT to the AFT designation in June.
“This is a welcome continuation of our previous policy under the former Army Combat Fitness Test,” saeid Sgt. Maj. Christopher Stevens, a senior enlisted advisor in the Army Deputy Chief of Staff office, in a released statement. “It rewards Soldiers who consistently demonstrate high levels of fitness, which supports readiness, health, and creates a culture that values performance.”