Army ACFT Fail | Rules, Counseling & Next Steps

If a soldier fails the AFT test, he will get remedial physical training to improve their fitness and a chance to retake it within 120-180 days (active duty) or 180-240 days (reserves). However, once the soldier has failed, he is flagged and not eligible for promotion until he passes the test. Medical issues are reviewed carefully, but failure impacts a soldier’s career and readiness.

US Army soldier pulling a sled during ACFT; text reads Failed ACFT Here is what to do

AFT Failure

There are total five events in Army Fitness Test. Every soldier must score at least 60 points in each event to pass the ACFT. If a soldier fails any one of these events by not meeting the minimum standard, they fail the whole test. After failing, the soldier must complete remedial training and retake the test within a specific time frame, usually 120-180 days for active duty.

Example :

If a soldier cannot complete the required number of hand-release push-ups, they fail the test. Now it becomes necessary for soldiers to undergo extra training.

In short, failing any of the will fail the entire test. According to the ACFT score chart, every soldier must score a minimum of 60 points in each event to pass the test. You can use Army Fitness Test (AFT) calculator to calculate your score.

What Happens After You Failed ACFT?

When a soldier fails the Army Fitness Test (AFT), several steps are taken to help them regain the required fitness levels and remain in the Army.

Immediate Flagging and Restriction

When ACFT failed, the soldier was flagged and restricted from promotion. It stops the soldier from re-enlisting or attending professional military education or special schools. The soldier will face all these restrictions until the test is retaken and passed.

Physical Training

Once the ACFT is failed, the soldiers are enrolled in a remedial physical training (PT) program. This program is designed to target the physical weaknesses identified during the test. The training involves:

Strength training and conditioning for deadlift and push-ups.
Cardiovascular and agility exercises for sprint-drag-carry and two-mile run.
Core stability exercises for plank performance.
The remedial training is usually conducted with guidance from fitness experts or unit physical training leaders and adapted to the soldier’s progress.

ACFT Failed Counseling

Leadership and consoling play a vital role in boosting morale during this phase. Soldiers who failed the test are encouraged. Regular check-ins and progress ensure a quick recovery.

Test Rescheduling

Soldier must retake the test to prove their abilities again. The typical retest window is:

120 to 180 days for active duty soldiers.
180 to 240 days for reserve and National Guard soldiers.

AFT failure black silhouettes No Promotion Physical Training Counseling Retesting

Consequences of Multiple Failures

If you failed the ACFT twice, one after the other, you will face serious consequences, such as carrier risks. Repeated failure typically results in placement into a formal remedial physical training program.

This program involves more intense monitoring, frequent workouts, and often mandatory sessions. The main purpose of this program is to improve weaknesses highlighted by previous test attempts.

In short, while the Army provides support and chances for improvement, multiple AFT failures seriously impact a soldier’s military career and future. However, following a proper diet plan for AFT and AFT preparation workout can prevent the failure.

Medical Issues and Injury Considerations

Medical Issues and Injury Considerations in the Army Fitness Test (AFT) are as follows:

Soldiers are passed through a proper medical screening before and during the AFT. It helps to check fitness and assess any injuries or health conditions of soldiers.
Temporary medical profiles can limit participation in some specific events until the soldier is fully recovered.
Long-term medical conditions are reviewed carefully with possible specialized fitness programs.
Injuries during the test are reported. In most cases, the injuries are counted as a failure.
Medical waivers for exemptions are granted only under strict review and extraordinary circumstances.

Infographic showing factors affecting Army fitness test with icons for medical check, long-term conditions, waivers, temporary profiles, and injuries.

FAQs

You must achieve the minimum required scores in all five events of the Army Fitness Test to pass. Failing to meet these standards is considered a failure.

If you fail the ACFT twice, you may receive counseling, additional training, or other unit-level actions aimed at helping you improve.

There is no strict limit on how many times you can fail, but repeated failures usually lead to progressive disciplinary measures.

You are generally allowed between 7 and 14 days to retake the ACFT after failing.

Failing the ACFT can lead to consequences such as retraining, career impact, or administrative actions depending on your unit’s policies.

Conclusion

If you failed the ACFT, you will be placed on remedial training to improve your fitness. You must retake the test within 120-180 days (active duty) or 180-240 days (reserves). Failure results in a flag that restricts promotion and re-enlistment until you pass. Multiple failures, such as twice an ACFT failure in a row, can cause serious impacts. Medical issues are reviewed, but failing to address them affects readiness and military progression. Consistent training and leadership support help recover and pass the test.