The ACFT Plank is the fifth event in the Army Combat Fitness Test and assesses its core strength and endurance in a stationary position. The soldier is assessed by how long they can hold the proper Plank position.
The ACFT Plank event is an alternative to the leg tuck event; other ACFT events include a 2-mile run, sprint-drag carry, hand release push-up, standing power throw, and deadlift.
ACFT Plank Scoring
The ACFT Plank scoring system determines how long the soldier can hold in the plank position without breaking form.
ACFT Plank standards outline the minimum time required to get a passing score for males & females in various age groups
For example, a male soldier under 22 requires a minimum time of 1 minute & 20 seconds to pass the test, while a female soldier in the same age group requires a minimum of 1 minute & 20 sends to pass the test; click to see the new acft score chart 2023.
The maximum score for the plank event is 4 minutes for male and female soldiers in all age groups.
The following table shows the minimum times required to pass the ACFT Plank event based on age and gender:
| Age Group | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| 17-21 | 1:03 | 1:20 |
| 22-26 | 1:06 | 1:22 |
| 27-31 | 1:09 | 1:25 |
| 32-36 | 1:12 | 1:28 |
| 37-41 | 1:15 | 1:31 |
| 42-46 | 1:18 | 1:34 |
| 47-51 | 1:21 | 1:37 |
| 52-56 | 1:24 | 1:40 |
| 57-61 | 1:27 | 1:43 |
| 62+ | 1:30 | 1:46 |
What Are The Acft Plank Standard Instructions?
All right, let’s talk about the ACFT 3.0 plank. But first, I will review some standards and answer common questions about this event.
One key thing is, at the beginning of the ACFT, you need to let your Grader know whether you’re testing for the plank or you’re testing for the leg tuck.
You can’t just attempt the leg tuck, realize that you won’t hit your reps, and then decide to do the plank. So before starting the ACFT, tell them which one you are testing.
How do we set up this event?
You’re going to be on your knees. You will position your elbow underneath and align with your shoulder on both sides.
You can choose whether to perform it with your fist against the ground, pinky side down, or your hands flat with your palms on the ground.
Your hands, whether you’re a fist or palms, are no wider than a greater fist width apart.
Your forearms will be flat against the ground, and you’ll make a triangular shape with your elbows, forearms, and hands or fists, so this is your setup position.
Once you have set up, you are ready; your Grader will let you know when to start.
And when you get that cue, you will extend your lower body and lower your hips to get into a neutral position from the head down to your ankles. Your feet can be up to a boot width apart.
The only thing in contact with the ground is your fists, forearms, and toes. Your head is facing down, and your eyes are facing the ground the entire time.
Now, natural trembling and shaking can occur. You’re giving max effort. As long as it’s not throwing you out of alignment, that’s fine, and you won’t be terminated for that.
Three errors will terminate the event.
- The first one is if a body part touches the ground.
- The second one is if you move out of that neutral alignment, so any shifting.
- The third one is if the body parts that are supposed to be against the ground are removed, such as if you lift your hands and forearms to adjust or lift your legs.
The Grader can give one verbal warning, and if the soldier cannot correct the error or repeat the mistake, the event is terminated.