101st Cavalry takes on Army Combat Fitness Test 3.0

Photo By Senior Airman Daniel Meade | New York Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 2nd Squadron 101st Cavalry Regiment, perform deadlifts for the Army Combat Fitness Test 3.0, May 15th, 2021. The ACFT 3.0 consists of six events: 3-Repetition Maximum Deadlift, Standing Power Throw, Hand-Release Push-Ups, Sprint-Drag-Carry, Leg Tuck or Plank, and 2-Mile Run, and is aimed to better connect fitness with combat readiness for all Soldiers. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Daniel Meade)  

NIAGARA FALLS, NY, UNITED STATES

05.15.2021

Story by Airman 1st Class Michael Janker 

107th Attack Wing

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y.- New York Army National Guard soldiers assigned to 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry Regiment, participated in a squadron-wide Army Combat Fitness Test May 15 at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station.
The ACFT 3.0 is the latest version of the U.S. Army’s new fitness test. It features six events: a three-repetition maximum deadlift, standing power throw, hand release push-up, sprint-drag-carry, leg tuck or plank, and a two-mile run. The test has been implemented to better connect fitness with combat readiness for all soldiers, and replaces the former three-event Army Physical Fitness Test, or APFT.
The ACFT 3.0 conducted by the squadron incorporated two major changes from previous versions of the new fitness test. The inclusion of the plank as an alternative to the leg tuck event was added, and an evaluation system with gender-informed performance categories was used.
Before starting the test, Staff Sgt. Nick Murphy, a Master Fitness Trainer, conducted a walk-through of each event station.
“The point of this is to learn,” said Murphy, who explained safety precautions, gave instructions for each event, and answered questions from soldiers.
“The biggest hurdle I see with the ACFT is for the guys who have been in a while,” Murphy said. “Some of the guys who have been in for many years have never needed gym equipment to prepare for the previous APFT, which isn’t the case with the new ACFT.”
“For some, it’s their first time doing a deadlift,” Murphy said.
With more than 200 soldiers participating, the test showcased diversity among the ranks of the squadron’s, from new recruits who never experienced the former fitness test to leaders with years of experience.
“I like it,” said Sgt. Maj. Matthew Stark, after completing the test. “Whether you’re in the best shape or not, it’s going to be challenging for everyone.”
Pfc. Hiu Chow, said the test wasn’t that hard to pass, but comes at a bigger cost to achieve a better score.
“For me, I think that works,” Chow said.
Though the Army is now using the ACFT 3.0, areas for improvement are still being assessed. The squadron’s test results will be submitted as part of a data collection period meant to evaluate the efficacy of the ACFT and will not negatively impact the soldiers’ performance evaluations.
“This is a good opportunity to get soldiers familiar with the test and have time to continue to train and prepare,” said Murphy.
The Army expects to fully implement the ACFT in 2022, however policy changes will only be finalized when there is sufficient data for senior leaders to make informed decisions.

• Date Taken: 05.15.2021
• Date Posted: 05.19.2021 14:19
• Story ID: 396533
• Location: NIAGARA FALLS, NY, US