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AFT field setup

Equipment, layout, sequence, and roles for administering the Army Fitness Test, from ATP 7-22.01 (12 March 2026). The ATP makes all aspects of AFT administration the unit commander's responsibility.

ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-1, p. 17

What depends on your unit

The ATP fixes the grader ratio and lane dimensions but leaves the number of lanes, support personnel, and on-site medical support to commanders and local policy. Plan these for your group size rather than copying a fixed layout.

  • Each test has an OIC or NCOIC and one grader for every four Soldiers tested. Soldiers may not self-administer a record AFT.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-9, p. 18

  • Each lane has a grader. On the SDC, two graders work together across two adjacent lanes.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-12 – 2-13, 2-65, p. 18–19, 32

  • With only one grader available for an individual or small group, the OIC or NCOIC may act as the second grader (for example, timing events and watching the 25-meter line).

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-13, p. 19

  • Use of support personnel depends on local policy and unit standard operating procedures.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-10, p. 18

  • Medical support on site is not required unless local policy says so, but the OIC or NCOIC must have a medical support plan as required.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-10, p. 18

  • The ideal site has 16 lanes and tests 64 Soldiers (4 per lane) in 120 minutes or less. If 16 lanes are not feasible, commanders may use as many lanes as they need.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-15, p. 19

Equipment checklist

ItemSingle lane16-lane setSource
Hexagon bar (60 lb)116para. 2-21, p. 20
Barbell collars232para. 2-21, p. 20
Bumper plates for the MDLMinimum (120-lb) lane: 4 × 15 lb. Maximum (340-lb) lane: 4 × 45, 2 × 35, 4 × 15 lbAbout 4,000 lb: 42 × 45, 24 × 35, 22 × 25, 22 × 15, 10 × 10 lbpara. 2-21, Table 2-1, p. 20–21
5-lb bumper or cast-iron platesOptional36 encouraged, to make weight changes easier and saferpara. 2-21, p. 20
Nylon sled with pull strap116para. 2-23, p. 21–22
45-lb bumper plates for the sled2 (4 on a modified surface)32para. 2-23, p. 21–22
40-lb kettlebells232para. 2-23, p. 21–22
StopwatchesHRP: 2 (OIC/NCOIC and back-up timer). SDC: 2. Plank: 1. Run: 2–17SDC: 17. Plank: 16. Run: one for the OIC/NCOIC and one per graderpara. 2-22 – 2-25, p. 21–22
Foam or rubber mats (HRP, plank)OptionalOptionalpara. 2-22, 2-24, p. 21–22
Metric measuring tape (30 m minimum)1 recommendedTwo lanes may share onepara. E-15 – E-16, p. 89–90
DA Form 705-TEST scorecards1 per Soldier1 per Soldierpara. 2-27, 2-30, p. 22–23
Cones, one stopwatch per lane, outdoor timing clock for the runNot required; assist testingNot required; assist testingpara. E-1, p. 87
Equipment specifications

Hex bar

  • 60 pounds unloaded; other weights allowed if weighed unloaded and loads recalculated.
  • Sleeves long enough for four 45-pound bumper plates plus a collar on each end.
  • Parallel handles about 1.34 inches in diameter, about 25 inches apart.
  • Preferably no D-handles (face them down if present). Adjustable-handle and walk-in bars are allowed.
  • The OIC or NCOIC verifies the bar's weight before the AFT.

ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. E-2 – E-3, p. 87

Bumper plates

  • Per lane: 4 × 10 lb (1 3/8 in wide), 4 × 15 lb (1 7/8 in), 2 × 25 lb (2 1/4 in), 2 × 35 lb (3 1/8 in), 8 × 45 lb (3 3/4 in).
  • Standard diameter 450 mm (17.7 in); insert opening 50.4 mm (1.98 in); weight within ±1% of the stated weight; thickness within 1/16 in.
  • Other plate types (iron, steel, plastic) are authorized if they meet the basic design and are verified by the OIC or NCOIC. OICs measure and weigh plates.

ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. E-4 – E-6, Table E-1, p. 88

Hex bar collars

  • Two per lane, plastic or metal, about 0.5 pound per pair.
  • Not included in weight calculations.

ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. E-7 – E-8, p. 88–89

Sled and pull strap

  • Thick, heavy-duty nylon; 22 inches long and 19.5 inches wide; holds up to four 45-pound plates.
  • One-piece pull strap 92 inches (±2 inches) with a loop handle on both ends.

ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. E-12, p. 90

40-pound kettlebells

  • Two per lane, within 2 pounds of 40 pounds, cast iron or cast steel, coated to resist rust.
  • About 11 inches (±1 inch) tall with a flat base so the handle stands vertically.

ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. E-13 – E-14, p. 90

Measuring tape

  • At least 30 meters long, marked in meters and centimeters.
  • Vinyl-coated fiberglass recommended; metal tapes allowed but need more maintenance.

ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. E-15 – E-16, p. 89–90

Uniform and prohibited items

  • Only prescribed APFU components may be worn. Gloves that conform to AR 670-1 are allowed for any event.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-39, p. 25

  • Not allowed: nasal strips, back braces, elastic bandages, kinesiology tape, limb braces, music players, and cell phones.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-39, p. 25

  • Allowed: biometric devices such as watches, heart rate monitors, step counters, and fitness trackers.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-39, p. 25

  • Chalk, powder, weightlifting belts, and wrist straps are not authorized.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-21 note, p. 21

Field and lane layout

  • Outdoor grass or artificial turf that is flat and free of debris, and includes the start and finish point for the 2-mile run.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-16, p. 19

  • An area of approximately 37 meters by 40–50 meters holds up to 16 lanes for the field events.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-16, p. 19

  • Each lane is 25 meters long and 2.5 to 3.0 meters wide, subdivided and marked in 5-meter increments.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-16; E-29, p. 19, 93

  • Allow approximately 4.0 meters past the 25-meter line for the sled turn-around and approximately 8.0 meters behind the start line for staging equipment and running through the finish.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-16, p. 19

  • Leave space next to the lanes for up to 16 hex bars for the MDL, and an area for the Preparation Drill and Recovery Drill.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-16; E-30, p. 19, 93

  • A storage shed or container with enough space and security for all equipment. Permanent or portable lighting is required when testing in limited visibility.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. E-31, p. 93

Sample AFT field arrangementSixteen 3-meter lanes side by side, about 48 to 50 meters wide and about 37 meters long, with the start line near one end and the 25-meter line near the other. The deadlift area, the Preparation and Recovery Drill area, and equipment storage sit beside the lanes.Start / finish line25-m line16 lanes (ideal) · HRP, SDC, plank≈40–50 m (16 × 2.5–3.0 m lanes)≈37 mMDL area(hex bars)PD / RDareaEquipmentstorage
Sample arrangement with 16 lanes, the ATP's ideal. Commanders may use as many lanes as needed (para. 2-15). Area of about 37 × 40–50 m from para. 2-16; para. E-29 instead gives about 30 × 50 m. MDL space beside the lanes and storage from E-30 – E-31. Approximately to scale. Illustrative RuckOn drawing, not an official Army graphic.

SDC lane layout and movement sequence

Full event rules are on the Sprint-Drag-Carry guide.

Sprint-drag-carry lanes with dimensionsTwo adjacent 25-meter lanes, each 3 meters wide, marked every 5 meters. About 4 meters beyond the 25-meter line for the sled turn-around and about 8 meters behind the start line for staging and the finish, about 37 meters in total. One grader stands at the start line and times both lanes; the other stands at the 25-meter line.5 m10 m15 m20 mStart25 mLane 1Lane 2sled · kettlebells2.5–3.0 m≈4 m25 m≈8 m≈37 m totalG25-m line grader:checks touches andthat the sled crossesGStart-line grader:times both lanes,enforces standardsSled turn-aroundStaging and finish
Two adjacent SDC lanes drawn to scale for 3.0 m lanes (the ATP allows 2.5–3.0 m). Lane length, 5 m markings, turn-around, and staging distances from ATP 7-22.01 para. 2-16 and E-29; grader positions from para. 2-65. Illustrative RuckOn drawing, not an official Army graphic.
Sprint-drag-carry sequenceFive 50-meter shuttles in order: sprint, drag, lateral, carry, sprint. Each goes 25 meters out to the 25-meter line and 25 meters back, for 250 meters in total. Sprints and laterals touch the line with a foot and a hand, the whole sled must cross on the drag, and the carry touches with a foot.Start25 m line1. SprintSprint from proneSprint backfoot + hand50 m2. DragDrag sled backwardDrag sled backwhole sled crosses100 m3. LateralLateral, lead one footLead with the other footfoot + hand150 m4. CarryCarry 2 × 40-lb kettlebellsCarry back, set downfoot200 m5. SprintSprintSprint through finishfoot + hand250 m
Order, distances, and line touches from ATP 7-22.01 para. 2-68 and 2-70. Not to scale. Illustrative RuckOn drawing, not an official Army graphic.

2-mile course requirements

  • An indoor or outdoor track, or a generally flat, measured course with a solid, improved surface.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-19, 2-77, p. 19–20, 37

  • No more than a 3-percent uphill grade and no overall decline: the start and finish must be at the same altitude.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-19, p. 20

  • There is no requirement to survey the course.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-19, p. 20

  • Free of significant hazards such as traffic, slippery road surfaces, and heavy air pollution. Not on unimproved terrain.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-19, 2-77, p. 20, 37

  • The start and finish line is at the same location as the other events.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-77, p. 37

  • Soldiers learn the course, start and finish points, turn-around points, or number of laps before the event. On a track, graders count laps.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-75, 2-80, p. 36–37

Testing sequence, timing, and rest

  1. 1

    Instructions and scorecards

    Before the Preparation Drill is completed, supervisors read the AFT, scorecard, and conclusion instructions aloud and hand out DA Form 705-TEST.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-26 – 2-29, p. 22–23

  2. 2

    Preparation Drill

    Starts the 2-hour clock. Led by an instructor who is not testing; Soldiers perform it at their own pace.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-34, 2-40, p. 25

  3. 3

    MDL warm-up (10 minutes)

    Recommended graduated sets, then Soldiers stack behind the weight they intend to lift.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-42 – 2-43, p. 26

  4. 4

    1. 3 Repetition Maximum Deadlift

    Two attempts per Soldier.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-43, p. 26

  5. 5

    2. Hand-Release Push-Up

    Soldiers rotate in stacks of four with a common start for each group.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-36, 2-53, p. 25, 29

  6. 6

    3. Sprint-Drag-Carry

    Two graders per pair of adjacent lanes.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-65, p. 32

  7. 7

    4. Plank

    When the last Soldier finishes, the 10-minute rest starts.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-71, p. 34–35

  8. 8

    10-minute rest

    Graders issue numbers or vests; Soldiers move to the run start line.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-75, p. 36

  9. 9

    5. 2-Mile Run

    Starts at the end of the 10 minutes. The 2-hour limit ends at the start of the run.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-34, 2-75, p. 25, 36

  10. 10

    Recovery Drill

    After all events, as a group or individually.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-40, p. 25

Timing and rest rules

  • The test period may not exceed 120 minutes from the first Bend and Reach of the Preparation Drill to the start of the 2-mile run (or alternate aerobic event). This applies to every scenario, including Soldiers testing alone or in pairs.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-34, p. 25

  • Apart from the 10 minutes after the plank, there is no programmed rest between events and no required rest per Soldier.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-37, p. 25

  • When only one or two Soldiers are tested, 5 minutes of rest are programmed between each of the first five events.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-37, p. 25

  • There are no event restarts. Incorrect repetitions are not counted.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-38, p. 25

  • The OIC informs the unit commander if the time standard is not met, and resolves score questions within the 120 minutes.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-34, 2-38, p. 25

Grader and support roles

OIC and NCOIC

  • The OIC supervises the AFT; the NCOIC manages the test, including the running clock.
  • Brief Soldiers during the week before the test, post the testing manual, and demonstrate the events.
  • Procure and inspect equipment, lay out the test area, and train and validate graders and support personnel.
  • Make sure events are administered and scored to standard, and report results.

ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-11, 2-13, p. 18–19

Event graders

  • Score events to standard: count repetitions aloud, time events, measure distances, and correct performance.
  • Test each Soldier individually on the MDL, HRP, and plank; work in pairs across two adjacent lanes on the SDC.
  • Record raw scores and initial DA Form 705-TEST, confirm scores with the Soldier, and return signed forms to the OIC or NCOIC.
  • Make sure lane equipment is on hand and serviceable.

ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-12 – 2-13, p. 18–19

Timers

  • Run the common 2:00 HRP clock with a back-up timer and call time at the finish of the 2-mile run.

ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-22, 2-53, 2-76, p. 21, 29–30, 36

Support personnel

  • Help prevent unsafe acts and keep the test running smoothly. How many are used depends on local policy and unit SOPs.

ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-10, p. 18

Preparation Drill instructor

  • Leads the Preparation Drill and must not be one of the Soldiers being tested.

ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-40, p. 25

Warm-up and recovery areas

  • Include an area for the Preparation Drill, the Recovery Drill, and the MDL.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-16, p. 19

  • The Preparation Drill is the dynamic warm-up before the test; Soldiers do it at their own pace to avoid undue fatigue.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-40, p. 25

  • During the events, Soldiers may do their own choice of preparation activities.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-29, p. 23

  • After all events, Soldiers do the Recovery Drill as a group or individually.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-40, p. 25

Drill instructions: Preparation Drill · Recovery Drill

Safety and emergency preparation

  • Visually inspect all equipment before the test, especially hex bars for stress cracks at welded seams and sleds or pull straps for torn fabric or stitching.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. Section II equipment safety note, p. 20

  • Complete and approve DD Form 2977 (Deliberate Risk Assessment Worksheet).

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-8, p. 18

  • Do not test Soldiers who are fatigued, ill, or on a physically limiting temporary profile, or who have done fatiguing duties before the test.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-8, p. 18

  • Schedule so weather and environmental conditions do not degrade performance, with a uniform suited to the conditions.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-8, p. 18

  • Have a plan for medical support. On-site medical support depends on local policy.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-10, p. 18

  • Select a site free of significant hazards and an SDC surface that is safe and level. Never run the SDC on unimproved dirt or gravel, rubberized surfaces, ice, or snow.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-16 – 2-18; E-10 – E-11, p. 19, 89

  • Provide permanent or portable lighting when testing during limited visibility.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. E-31, p. 93

  • SDC graders control two adjacent lanes to keep Soldiers and graders safe and prevent interference.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-12, p. 19

The ATP does not prescribe a specific emergency action plan beyond the medical support plan and risk assessment; follow local policy.

Setup and close-out checklists

Before test day and setup

  • Select and train the OIC or NCOIC, graders, timers, and support personnel.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-7, 2-11, p. 18

  • Brief Soldiers during the week before the test and post the testing manual; make each event's instructions available.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-11, 2-52, 2-64, 2-70, 2-74, 2-80, p. 18, 29–37

  • Complete and approve DD Form 2977 and confirm the medical support plan.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-8, 2-10, p. 18

  • Inventory and inspect all equipment (hex bar welds, sled and strap stitching).

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-7; equipment safety note, p. 18, 20

  • Weigh each hex bar and verify plate weights and dimensions.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. E-3, E-6, p. 87–88

  • Lay out lanes: 25 m × 2.5–3.0 m, marked every 5 m, with turn-around and staging space.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-16; E-29, p. 19, 93

  • Classify the SDC surface and load two 45-lb plates per sled, or four on a modified surface.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-17, 2-23, p. 19, 21

  • Load MDL bars using the plate arrangement table.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-21, Table 2-1, p. 20–21

  • Set up the MDL area, the Preparation and Recovery Drill area, and the 2-mile course start and finish.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-16, 2-77; E-30, p. 19, 37, 93

  • Prepare DA Form 705-TEST scorecards, stopwatches, and numbers or vests for the run.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-22 – 2-27, 2-75, p. 21–22, 36

Close-out and teardown

  • Graders confirm scores with each Soldier, and each Soldier signs DA Form 705-TEST before leaving.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-12, 2-38, p. 18–19, 25

  • Convert raw scores to points for every event, enter the total, and make sure each event is initialed.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-12, p. 18

  • Graders return all signed scorecards to the OIC or NCOIC; resolve any scoring questions.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-12, p. 18–19

  • Report results in the Army's system of record.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-11, 2-32, p. 18, 23

  • Soldiers complete the Recovery Drill.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-40, p. 25

  • Secure equipment in the site's storage shed or container.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. E-31, p. 93

  • Note any damaged equipment so it can be replaced before the next test.(RuckOn suggestion)

    RuckOn suggestion; the ATP does not list teardown steps

Source notes

Inconsistencies in the official text are reported here rather than resolved:

  • Field size: para. 2-16 gives approximately 37 × 40–50 meters, while para. E-29 says approximately 30 meters long by 50 meters wide. The sample layout (figure E-8) shows 37 × 50 meters.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-16; E-29; figure E-8, p. 19, 93–94

  • Plates per lane: para. E-4 says each lane requires 550 pounds of bumper plates, but the quantities in table E-1 add up to 580 pounds.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. E-4 – E-5, Table E-1, p. 88

  • Reporting: para. 2-11 says results are reported in the Digital Training Management System, while para. 2-32 names the Army Training Information System as the system of record.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-11, 2-32, p. 18, 23

  • Restricted SDC surfaces: para. 2-17 lists rubberized track or gym floors; para. E-10 lists only rubberized track.

    ATP 7-22.01 (12 Mar 2026), para. 2-17; E-10, p. 19, 89

Event guides

Sources

Checked against the publications on 2026-10-02.

RuckOn Fitness is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Army, and this guide is not a grader certification. Test administration follows ATP 7-22.01 and your unit's OIC or NCOIC.