Comparing Physical Fitness Assessment Standards: Army ROTC vs. West Point

I'm interested in joining the Army through ROTC or West Point, but I'm curious about how their physical fitness assessments compare. Are the requirements for physical fitness assessment at Army ROTC and West Point significantly different, or are they fairly similar?

Those are great programs to explore if you're interested in serving our country with a career in the Army.

The Army's physical fitness test, now called the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), is administered across the entire Army and therefore the standards are the same regardless of participation in West Point or Army ROTC. The ACFT is more holistic and intensive compared to the former test. It consists of six events: a three-repetition maximum deadlift, standing power throw, hand-release push-up, sprint-drag-carry, leg tuck, and a two-mile run. Performance on these events is measured against Army-wide established minimums, with different scores required for different Military Occupational Specialties (MOSs).

For specifics on the scoring, you can look up "ACFT Standards" and you'll find score charts that show the minimum requirements for each MOS along with the maximum possible scores.

So, whether you plan on getting into the Army for a physical position or a more desk-based position, you should start training for the ACFT. Even though the same physical fitness test is administered at both West Point and through ROTC, you may find that each program emphasizes and prepares for the test in slightly different ways.

However, it's also important to note that getting into West Point is more competitive and may require demonstrating physical fitness prior to admission, whereas you don't necessarily have to pass the ACFT to participate in the initial years of ROTC. So, preparing ahead of time and demonstrating strong physical fitness could be an advantage in the West Point application process.

Good luck with your decision and your training!