The U.S. Army announced last week a new physical fitness test that will implement a gender-neutral scale for combat arms soldiers, after Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered the armed forces to review its fitness standards.

According to a news release by the service last Monday, the Army Fitness Test will replace the Army Combat Fitness Test as the new “test of record” starting June 1 for Guard and reserve members, and Jan. 1, 2026 for active-duty troops. Soldiers in fields such as armor, infantry, cavalry and artillery who take the test will be judged on a gender-neutral scale, reflecting Hegseth’s remarks on women in combat roles.