Exercise Scientist vs The NEW Army Fitness Test — Did They Fix It?

TL;DR

Exercise scientist Dr. Mike takes the new Army Fitness Test on a real military base, scoring 347 and failing the two-mile run, then rates each event.

Key Points

• 1.The new Army Fitness Test (AFT) is the best PT test the Army has ever had. Dr. Mike calls it head and shoulders above the old push-up/sit-up/run format, now testing multiple components of strength plus anaerobic and aerobic endurance.
• 2.The hex bar deadlift (3-rep max) is a strong inclusion. It tests lower body and grip strength relevant to all military specialties, with a safe, minimal-equipment setup; Dr. Mike maxed it on his first attempt.
• 3.Hand-release push-ups are harder than standard push-ups and well-designed. The mandatory hand release between reps prevents cheating; Dr. Mike scored 41 reps (86 points) versus Command Sergeant Major McKay's 64 reps (100 points).
• 4.The sprint-drag-carry is Dr. Mike's favorite event for anaerobic conditioning. It mimics combat tasks like dragging a wounded soldier; McKay finished in 1:22 (score 100) while Dr. Mike finished in 2:34 (score 61), just inside the passing minimum.
• 5.The plank tests core and hip-flexor endurance with zero equipment needed. Dr. Mike held it for 320 seconds, calling it his favorite event overall, though he notes any crunch or knee-raise variation would be an acceptable substitute.
• 6.Dr. Mike failed the two-mile run and was deemed unfit to serve. His pace suggested he was on track early, but he couldn't finish within the 20:44 minimum; he fully endorses the event as the critical aerobic foundation for all combat tasks.
• 7.Dr. Mike recommends adding a broad jump and pull-ups to complete the test. The broad jump (credited to DJ Shipley/GBRS) measures lower-body power for obstacle scaling, while pull-ups address vertical pulling needed for urban combat environments.