The Pentagon codified fitness standards across branches on Sept 9, 2026. The policy makes a sex-neutral army fitness test mandatory for more than 80 combat arms jobs. Male and female troops must pass identical tests to serve in those roles.
The change affects active duty, reserves and recruits. It centralizes requirements that were previously branch-specific. Military Times, Deseret News and Stars and Stripes reported the policy on Sept 9-10, 2026.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: When did the Pentagon make the army fitness test sex-neutral?
- A: The policy was codified on September 9, 2026, making a sex-neutral army fitness test mandatory for more than 80 combat arms jobs.
- Q: Who does the new army fitness test apply to?
- A: It applies to active duty troops, reserves and recruits seeking more than 80 combat arms positions across all branches.
- Q: Are male and female troops tested differently now?
- A: No. The mandate requires identical tests for male and female service members in the affected combat roles.