Setting Higher Close Combat Standards for the Army Combat Fitness Test: Evidence and Recommendations

At the direction of Congress, the Army will implement higher minimum fitness standards on the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) for soldiers in close combat military occupational specialties. This report documents the available evidence to inform ACFT standards for close combat soldiers, examines the results from an Army Practice Phase piloting standards, and details courses of action for increasing ACFT standards and facilitating implementation.