Illinois National Guard leaders had the opportunity

Illinois National Guard leaders had the opportunity to tryout the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) during the Commanders Guidance Conference in East Peoria, Illinois, from Sept. 22-24. There was a squad of certified Army Master Physical Fitness Trainers available to answer questions about the new test. The Army is slated to implement the ACFT on Oct. 1. The Army will continue to access and validate the test and make adjustments as necessary. The ACFT is the assessment for the physical component of the Army’s Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) System. Through this innovative new system, focusing on mind and body, the Army is dedicated to training Soldiers through physical readiness, appropriate nutrition, quality sleep, and other preventive care, to reduce injuries, be combat ready and live a healthier lifestyle. The ACFT is the product of a scientifically validated study that identified physical fitness exercises that test the 10 components of fitness and are most predictive of the physical demands Soldiers experience in combat. The ACFT consists of six events: Repetition Strength Deadlift; Standing Power Throw; Arm Extension Push-Up; 250-Meter Sprint, Drag, Carry; Leg Tuck; and the 2-mile Run.