ACFT Certification Training Keeps Going Strong

Photo By Sgt. Audrequez Evans | A U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the Joint Multinational Readiness Center train to get the Level II Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) certification at Hohenfels, Germany on April 1, 2020. The ACFT reflects the stress of a combat environment and prepares Soldiers for the future. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Audrequez Evans)  

HOHENFELS, BAYERN, GERMANY

03.24.2020

Story by Pvt. Jordan Humphries 

Joint Multinational Readiness Center

HOHENFELS, Germany- Soldiers from Joint Multinational Readiness Center are undergoing Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) level one certification. The Soldiers were given a demonstration of the new ACFT whose events include the deadlift, hand release push up, sprint drag carry, leg tuck and two mile run. The test itself while challenging wasn’t The only challenge the Soldiers of JMRC faced while training to lead the charge and master the Army’s new test.

“There have been many changes to the Army’s fitness test as the new test has five events and that’s two more than the old ones,” said Sgt. Robert Patton, a non commissioned officer working the protocol office. “The ACFT will focus on multiple muscle groups. Soldiers will have to train harder if they want to get ready for it.”

This is a big change, the normalcy of conducting three events for the soon to be phased out Army Physical Fitness Test which included push ups, sit ups and a 2-mile run. While soldiers needed to train for those events they did not necessarily mirror the stresses of combat that are put in place for the ACFT. This new test will force everyone to train different, harder and smarter.

“I think it is definitely more dynamic in the fact that it uses more of your body, with the old test it felt like only the main muscle groups were being hit but with the newer test I feel like all the muscle groups are being challenged and definitely going to make sure we’re combat ready,” said Patton.

Staff Sgt. Cozzie Horsford, the protocol Non-commissioned Officer in charge, expresses that just like the former fitness test this too has its challenges that soldiers will have to overcome. The focus on monitoring the groups, as five soldiers are appointed to each grader and ensuring proper instruction is given before execution of the event.

“I think the biggest challenge will be preparing for the ACFT, getting the right form and getting use to the two extra events,” said Horsford.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, many Soldiers have had to adapt and adjust their work out routine with the gyms being closed and social distancing policy put in place.

“Before the lockdown I was going to the gym everyday,” said Patton. “I was trying to prepare for this ACFT but it’s difficult to get ready without the gyms help to strengthen those muscle groups you’ll need.”

Even though base is restricting certain facilities from being open, Soldiers at JMRC are still ensuring that they are training to win.

• Date Taken: 03.24.2020
• Date Posted: 04.15.2020 04:52
• Story ID: 367318
• Location: HOHENFELS, BAYERN, DE