Utah National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 204th Infantry Regiment, conducted the new Combat FieldTest at Camp W. G. Williams, Utah, on September 12, 2026.
Under the direction of the Secretary of War, the U.S. Army created the CFT, an annual test alongside the Army Fitness Test, to improve physical readiness and lethality for Soldiers assigned within 25 close-combat specialties, and began a trial period on April 21, 2026.
This trial period will last until April 20, 2027, and will allow U.S. Army leadership to monitor and adjust training and provide appropriate support to ensure both leaders and Soldiers have time to adapt and prepare for the new standard.
“The Army Combat Field Test is more than a measure of strength, endurance or speed; it’s a test of willingness to keep pushing when things get uncomfortable,” said Utah National Guard Sgt. Maj. Kevin L. Mayes, Command Sergeant Maj. for the 204th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. “We train hard because readiness isn't something we can turn on when we need it; it’s built every day through consistent effort and personal accountability.”
Standards for the CFT are directly aligned with the evolving demands of modern warfighting and consists of seven events that must be completed within 30 minutes while wearing the Army Combat Uniform: (1) 1-mile run, (2) 30-dead-stop pushups, (3) 100-meter sprint, (4) 16 sandbag lifts to a 65-inch platform, (5) 50-meter carry of two 40lb water cans, (6) 50-meter movement drill (25 meter high-crawl, and 25 meter 3-5 second rush), and (7) a final 1-mile run.
“I joined the Guard wanting to do infantry, and I had the chance to transition over and made it through the first rotation,” said Utah National Guard Spc. Victor Nguyen, assigned to the 1-204th. “It's prideful being here and being among the first crew to do this.”
The Utah National Guard activated the 1st Battalion, 204th Infantry Regiment on April 18, 2026, to enhance Utah’s capabilities to respond to both overseas combat and domestic emergencies.
The CFT marks an important milestone for the 1-204th Infantry Regiment as they continue to train for future missions, future fights - The Utah National Guard is always ready, always there.
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