The U.S. Army Physical Fitness Test (PFT) has become a popular go-to challenge for YouTube, but the simple combination of situps, pushups and running has been deemed an inadequate assessment of an individual’s functional fitness.
In a recent video, Heebs and Mars, aka YouTube’s Buttery Bros, spent a day with the U.S. Army Warrior Fitness Team undergoing the Army Combat Fitness Test (CFT), a new six-event assessment which is in the process of being rolled out across the Army as the new test of record, replacing the existing Physical Fitness Test (PFT).
The first event, the hex-bar deadlift, is a test of raw strength. Participants have to achieve a 3-rep max at a weight of 140 pounds or higher, with 340 pounds considered a “perfect” score. Both X and Y pass this round.
The second event is a test of explosiveness: the standing power throw, which mirrors the movement of a kettlebell swing and which recruits struggle to pass without prior training.
The third test involves doing as many hand release pushups as possible in 2 minutes. Mars completes 54 pushups in the allotted time, while Heebs is right behind with 52: both passing scores.
The fourth test is the shuttle run, and this is where things get really tough, as it tests your functional fitness and anaerobic endurance: a sprint, a 90-pound sled pull, a lateral shuffle run, a carry with two 40-pound kettlebells, and another sprint.
The fifth test, designed to challenge arm, shoulder, core and grip strength, is a pullup variation called the abdominal leg tuck, where the knees must be brought up to meet the elbow. Just one rep is needed to pass here.
The sixth and final round of the CFT is a 2-mile run, which leaves both of the brothers gasping for breath. “That was the first time I’ve clocked anything over a mile,” says Mars. “So that’s a PR, baby!”
But while they might be behind on their cardio, both Mars and Heebs achieve a passing grade at the end of the CFT challenge.
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