Assessing the U.S. Army’s Use of Kettlebells in the New ACFT
Beginning October 1st, 2020 the U.S. Army has transitioned from the previous Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) to the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT). Since 1980, the APFT was used to grade and score soldiers' endurance and strength with 3 simple events; 2 minutes of push-ups, 2 minutes of sit-ups, and a two-mile run. Now, 40 years later, the ACFT expands this fitness test to 6 more complex events. Surprisingly, kettlebells are used in one of the new events while also recommended as a training tool for several others.
