Intense Military Training – Push Soldiers to their Physical Limits
There is something call the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), it is the official physical fitness assessment used by the U.S. Army to evaluate a soldier’s readiness for the physical demands of military service.
Soldiers are required to take the ACFT at least once every year to maintain their physical readiness status. In some cases, such as before deployments, promotions, or attending certain military schools, soldiers may be required to take it more frequently.
Yes, soldiers must ensure they are always physically ready, as a strong soldier can move faster, react quicker, and perform more effectively in high-stress environments. This is why they must consistently participate in intense training to pass the ACFT and gain an advantage on the battlefield through physical ability and endurance.
Cpt. Boman Tokioka Tackles Fitness Test at Gen. Omar N. Bradley Best OCT Competition
On May 20, 2024, U.S. Army Captain Boman Tokioka, assigned to the 189th Infantry Brigade under First Army Division West, was observed performing push-ups as part of the physical fitness assessment during the annual Gen. Omar N. Bradley Best Observer Coach Trainer competition in Washington.
This event is designed to evaluate and recognize the top-performing Observer Coach Trainers across the Army, testing their physical endurance, tactical knowledge, and leadership skills.
U.S. Army Ranger Blocks High Kick During 75th Ranger Regiment Combatives Tournament
A U.S. Army Ranger from the Regimental Special Troops Battalion, part of the 75th Ranger Regiment based at Fort Moore, Georgia, was seen blocking a high kick during the Regiment’s annual combatives tournament.
This intense two-day event challenges Rangers across various weight classes to showcase their martial arts skills, testing their physical strength, combat technique, and mental resilience in close-quarters fighting. The tournament, held on June 6, 2024, promotes discipline, readiness, and the warrior spirit that defines the Ranger ethos.
Infantry Division Soldiers Compete in Combatives Tournament During Victory Week
Soldiers from the 1st Infantry Division took part in a combatives tournament held at Fort Riley, Kansas, as a key event during the division’s annual Victory Week celebration. Throughout the week, participants competed within their respective weight classes, demonstrating their hand-to-hand combat skills, endurance, and determination for a chance to earn the title of top fighter in the division. The tournament took place from June 10 to 14, 2024.
1st Lt. Allene Somera Triumphs in 2024 Lacerda Cup Combatives Championship
First Lieutenant Allene Somera of the U.S. Army, assigned to the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, competed in and emerged victorious during the championship rounds of the prestigious Lacerda Cup Competition. Held at the Columbus Ice Rink in Columbus, Georgia, the event took place on April 13, 2024, and brought together top fighters to showcase their mastery of Modern Army Combatives—an advanced hand-to-hand combat system used across the Army.
The competition honors the legacy of the late Staff Sergeant Pedro Lacerda of the 75th Ranger Regiment and highlights the importance of close-quarters combat skills in military readiness and excellence.
Soldiers Deadlift 450+ Pounds in Unison at 2023 Army Best Squad Competition
At the 2023 Army Best Squad Competition held at Park in Savannah, Georgia, U.S. Army soldiers demonstrated impressive strength and coordination by deadlifting over 450 pounds together in unison. This event was one of several physically demanding challenges designed to assess the endurance, teamwork, and operational readiness of participating squads.
Staff Sgt. Joshua Hutchings Deadlifts During Army Combat Fitness Test for USARCENT Best Squad Prep
Staff Sergeant Joshua Hutchings, a competitor representing U.S. Army Central in the Best Squad Competition, was seen performing a hex bar deadlift during the Army Combat Fitness Test at USARCENT’s Physical Training Field on Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. This event was part of the ACFT, which evaluates a soldier’s physical readiness through a series of strength and endurance challenges.
The test, conducted on July 7, 2023, served as a key measure of each competitor’s preparedness for the upcoming FORSCOM Best Squad Competition.
1st Lt. Jessica Romero Conquers Swim Obstacle at CIOR MILCOMP Team Selection Camp
First Lieutenant Jessica Romero of the Army Reserve, assigned to the 416th Theater Engineer Command, tackled a swim obstacle as part of the Interallied Confederation of Reserve Officers Military Competition (CIOR MILCOMP) team selection camp at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey. This rigorous selection event brought together reserve service members competing for a chance to represent Team USA in the international CIOR MILCOMP, a three-day team competition involving NATO and Partnership for Peace nations.
Open to both noncommissioned officers and officers from all reserve components, the selection camp took place on June 16, 2023, and tested participants in a variety of physically and mentally demanding challenges.
U.S. and Republic of Korea NCOs Tackle Air Assault Obstacle Course at Mangudai Challenge
On October 24, 2024, noncommissioned officers from the U.S. Army and the Republic of Korea joined forces to navigate an air assault obstacle course at Camp Hovey, South Korea, during the Mangudai Challenge. This physically demanding event tested their strength, coordination, and endurance while fostering cooperation and trust between allied forces.
As a key component of the challenge, the obstacle course emphasized the importance of readiness, resilience, and combined strength within the U.S.-ROK Alliance, preparing leaders to respond swiftly and decisively under the shared commitment to “Fight Tonight.”
Staff Sgt. Antonio Evans Tackles Obstacle Course at 25th Infantry Division Best Squad Competition
U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Antonio Evans, serving with the 25th Division Artillery Brigade of the 25th Infantry Division, participated in a demanding obstacle course at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, as part of the 2024 25th Infantry Division Best Squad Competition. This event tested his physical endurance, agility, and determination as part of a broader assessment of both individual and team capabilities.
The competition, held on March 5, 2024, challenges soldiers to overcome complex scenarios that push their physical and mental limits while evaluating their tactical skills and ability to perform under extreme stress and fatigue.
Staff Sgt. Corey Rogers Low-Crawls Under Barbed Wire During Wolf Cup Competition
On October 14, 2023, Army Staff Sgt. Corey Rogers was captured low-crawling beneath a stretch of barbed wire during the intense Wolf Cup Competition held at the Devens Reserve Forces Training Area in Massachusetts. This physically demanding event was designed to challenge and assess soldiers on a range of essential Army warrior tasks, testing their endurance, tactical skills, and combat readiness in a realistic training environment.
Soldier Undergoes Cold Water Immersion Training at Big Sandy Lake, Fort McCoy
A Soldier took part in cold water immersion training at Big Sandy Lake, located on Fort McCoy in Wisconsin. This challenging exercise is designed to prepare troops for extreme weather conditions by exposing them to frigid water, testing their physical resilience, mental toughness, and ability to respond effectively in cold-weather operational environments.
Soldiers Test Strength with Tractor Tire Flips in Training
Courtesy: U.S. Army
During a rigorous training session, Soldiers engage in tractor tire flips—an intense physical challenge that builds raw strength, stamina, and determination. Each flip demands full-body effort, testing their ability to work under pressure while reinforcing the physical conditioning essential for mission success. The exercise also promotes teamwork and mental toughness, key traits for overcoming obstacles in both training and combat scenarios.
