The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) isn’t just about strength or speed — it’s about strategy, preparation, and execution. Even fit soldiers can lose points (or fail) by making avoidable mistakes on test day. In this guide, we’ll break down the top 5 mistakes soldiers make on the ACFT and how you can steer clear of them to maximize your score.
📌 1️⃣ Neglecting Event-Specific Training
The Mistake:
Many soldiers focus too much on general fitness or only practice one or two events — often the ones they’re already good at — while ignoring others.
Why It Hurts:
Each ACFT event challenges different muscle groups and energy systems. Neglecting specific training leaves gaps in your performance, especially in the Sprint-Drag-Carry and 2-Mile Run.
✅ How to Avoid It:
Incorporate balanced, event-specific workouts into your training plan. Focus on your weak events twice as often as your strongest.
📌 2️⃣ Poor Test Day Pacing and Energy Management
The Mistake:
Going all out on the early events (like the Deadlift and Sprint-Drag-Carry) and burning out before the 2-Mile Run.
Why It Hurts:
The ACFT is a full-body test of stamina, and energy mismanagement can cause major score drops in later events.
✅ How to Avoid It:
Learn your pace during practice. Use controlled effort on early events, then ramp up for events like the Plank and Run where endurance matters most.
📌 3️⃣ Ignoring the Importance of Grip Strength
The Mistake:
Underestimating how quickly your grip tires out during the Deadlift, Sprint-Drag-Carry, and Farmer’s Carries.
Why It Hurts:
Once your grip fails, it affects your ability to safely lift, carry, and control equipment — killing your scores.
✅ How to Avoid It:
Train your grip regularly with exercises like Farmer’s Carries, Towel Pull-Ups, and Dead Hangs. Work on forearm strength at least 2–3 times per week.
📌 4️⃣ Not Practicing Under Test-Like Conditions
The Mistake:
Training casually in a gym or outdoors without replicating the actual test sequence, rest times, or equipment.
Why It Hurts:
The ACFT format and timing affect fatigue and performance more than people realize. Poor preparation for the test’s pacing can ruin even well-trained soldiers’ scores.
✅ How to Avoid It:
Schedule mock ACFT sessions at least once a month. Practice the entire sequence, including official rest periods and event transitions.
📌 5️⃣ Skipping Score Tracking and Progress Monitoring
The Mistake:
Training hard but not tracking your event scores or total score progress.
Why It Hurts:
If you don’t know where you stand, you can’t target weak areas or accurately measure improvements. It also leaves you unprepared for passing requirements.
✅ How to Avoid It:
Use a free online ACFT calculator like this one to log your scores after every practice session. Track your totals and see which events need the most work.
The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) isn’t just about strength or speed — it’s about strategy, preparation, and execution. Even fit soldiers can lose points (or fail) by making avoidable mistakes on test day. In this guide, we’ll break down the top 5 mistakes soldiers make on the ACFT and how you can steer clear of them to maximize your score.
📌 1️⃣ Neglecting Event-Specific Training
The Mistake:
Many soldiers focus too much on general fitness or only practice one or two events — often the ones they’re already good at — while ignoring others.
Why It Hurts:
Each ACFT event challenges different muscle groups and energy systems. Neglecting specific training leaves gaps in your performance, especially in the Sprint-Drag-Carry and 2-Mile Run.
✅ How to Avoid It:
Incorporate balanced, event-specific workouts into your training plan. Focus on your weak events twice as often as your strongest.
📌 2️⃣ Poor Test Day Pacing and Energy Management
The Mistake:
Going all out on the early events (like the Deadlift and Sprint-Drag-Carry) and burning out before the 2-Mile Run.
Why It Hurts:
The ACFT is a full-body test of stamina, and energy mismanagement can cause major score drops in later events.
✅ How to Avoid It:
Learn your pace during practice. Use controlled effort on early events, then ramp up for events like the Plank and Run where endurance matters most.
📌 3️⃣ Ignoring the Importance of Grip Strength
The Mistake:
Underestimating how quickly your grip tires out during the Deadlift, Sprint-Drag-Carry, and Farmer’s Carries.
Why It Hurts:
Once your grip fails, it affects your ability to safely lift, carry, and control equipment — killing your scores.
✅ How to Avoid It:
Train your grip regularly with exercises like Farmer’s Carries, Towel Pull-Ups, and Dead Hangs. Work on forearm strength at least 2–3 times per week.
📌 4️⃣ Not Practicing Under Test-Like Conditions
The Mistake:
Training casually in a gym or outdoors without replicating the actual test sequence, rest times, or equipment.
Why It Hurts:
The ACFT format and timing affect fatigue and performance more than people realize. Poor preparation for the test’s pacing can ruin even well-trained soldiers’ scores.
✅ How to Avoid It:
Schedule mock ACFT sessions at least once a month. Practice the entire sequence, including official rest periods and event transitions.
📌 5️⃣ Skipping Score Tracking and Progress Monitoring
The Mistake:
Training hard but not tracking your event scores or total score progress.
Why It Hurts:
If you don’t know where you stand, you can’t target weak areas or accurately measure improvements. It also leaves you unprepared for passing requirements.
✅ How to Avoid It:
Use a free online ACFT calculator like this one to log your scores after every practice session. Track your totals and see which events need the most work.
📊 Don’t forget:
Avoiding these common mistakes can make the difference between passing, failing, or earning a top-tier ACFT score. Be strategic in your training, manage your energy, track your progress, and always train with test-day conditions in mind.