It now focuses on combat-ready strength.
The U.S. Army has made significant changes to the physical fitness test for Ranger School, raising the bar for candidates aiming to earn the coveted Ranger tab. The new test, introduced on Thursday, eliminates sit-ups and reduces the traditional push-up requirement in favor of a more dynamic, functional fitness assessment that better reflects the demands of real combat situations. Candidates will now face a timed, high-intensity circuit of physical tasks, including running, lifting, carrying, crawling, and sprints, all while wearing full combat gear.
The revamped test includes a series of strenuous exercises: an 800-meter run, 30 dead-stop push-ups, a 100-meter sprint, sandbag lifts, a farmers’ carry with heavy water cans, and crawling/rushing maneuvers, all within a 14-minute window. Afterward, candidates must complete a 4-mile run in under 32 minutes and six chin-ups. These new challenges replace the previous static exercises, such as sit-ups and a five-mile run, aligning the test more closely with the Army’s focus on functional fitness.
Brig. Gen. Phil Kiniery, commandant of the Army Infantry School, explained that this new approach is designed to better assess candidates’ potential for successfully completing Ranger School by simulating real combat tasks. The change reflects the Army’s broader shift toward functional fitness, focusing on full-body, dynamic movements rather than isolated exercises. Kiniery emphasized that this new assessment is aimed at improving soldiers’ readiness and safety, particularly in high-stress combat environments.
Ranger School remains one of the toughest programs in the Army, consisting of a 61-day course with three demanding phases. The new physical fitness test will be implemented starting April 21, setting a higher standard for those aiming to earn the Ranger tab. This update aligns with the Army’s overall strategy to reduce injuries and better prepare soldiers for combat, following the introduction of the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) in 2022, which also emphasizes functional fitness.
The Army’s approach to fitness has evolved, mirroring the needs of modern warfare. This includes greater inclusivity, as evidenced by the integration of women into Ranger School in 2015, with over 150 women successfully earning their Ranger tabs. The new Ranger Physical Fitness Assessment (RPFA) reflects the Army’s commitment to preparing soldiers for the physical, mental, and tactical challenges they will encounter in the field.
