101st Airborne Division“Lifeliners” Take On the New Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT)

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Story by 1st Lt. Verniccia Ford
101st Airborne Division (AA) Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan. – Over 100 "Lifeliner" leaders of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Resolute Support Sustainment Brigade gathered during the early morning hours to take on the new Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT).

The event began with leaders conducting the ten physical readiness training (PRT) preparation drills to get them warmed up. Upon completion, participants dispersed to five demonstration stations where they got the opportunity to witness and perform the strength deadlift, standing power throw, hand release push up, sprint/drag carry, and leg tuck.

Although the new ACFT isn’t scheduled to be implemented until October 2020, Lt. Col. Aaron Lummer, the 101st Special Troops Battalion Commander capitalized on the opportunity to train leaders on Bagram Airfield. His goal was to introduce leaders in the Brigade to the new physical fitness test so they can familiarize themselves with proper form and execution of the five new events.

Lt. Col. Lummer stated, “From a leader perspective, it’s important that we understand the challenges of the ACFT and key tasks associated with manning, resourcing, and equipping it. Familiarization is key to flawless execution.”

The new ACFT gauges several different areas of fitness that include muscle strength and endurance, muscle power, speed, agility, aerobic endurance, balance, flexibility, as well as coordination and reaction time.

Captain Joshua Joseph, the Headquarters Company Commander for the 101st Special Troops Battalion said, “The intent for this event was to introduce, expose, and familiarize our leaders to the ACFT. We must understand the tasks, conditions, and standards of the five new events and identify areas of self-improvement. More importantly, I wanted to conduct this training in an environment that brings us together to create dialogue, build camaraderie, and share best practices."

Master Sgt. Prince, the non-commissioned officer in charge of supply operations said, “I enjoyed the training; my biggest challenges were the drag/sprint/carry and the leg tuck event. Even after watching the demonstration I completely underestimated how much of a smoker these events would be.”

Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony McAdoo, CSM of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Resolute Support Sustainment Brigade, concluded the event by sharing some encouraging words with participants. “This test proved to be not only challenging, but also identified the need to adjust individual and unit physical fitness programs to meet the added strength, power, speed, and agility measures of performance,” McAdoo said. “As leaders lets continue to be pliable and ensure that we do everything in our power to make sure our Lifeliners are ready to take on the new ACFT.”

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