The Navy SEALs Change Physical Tests

The US Navy has initiated a targeted update of physical evaluations for the more “operational” profiles (combat arms), including communities like Navy SEALs, Special Warfare Combat Crewmen (SWCC), Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), and fleet divers. The underlying idea is to make the measurement of physical readiness more aligned with the real demands of the job: water, loads, endurance, and strength “under stress.”

The new scheme introduces two “tracks” of evaluation:

• PFA (Physical Fitness Assessment): includes the Body Composition Assessment (BCA) and the Navy's standard physical readiness test (PRT).
• CFA (Combat Fitness Assessment): includes the BCA and the new Combat Fitness Test (CFT).

For combat arms personnel, the rule becomes, in practice, one PFA and one CFA per year (instead of just “standard” tests)

Inside the Combat Fitness Test: a “combat” trial in a single session

The CFT is designed as a specialized test to be conducted in a single session and combines swimming, weighted strength, and loaded running. As described in the guidelines and explanatory sheets, the sequence is:

1. 800-meter swim (with fins) timed
2. Weighted push-ups with 20 lb
3. Weighted pull-ups with 20 lb
4. 1-mile run with 20 lb (vest/plate carrier/equivalent solution)

The “signature” element is the weight: the goal is to measure performance closer to operational contexts (moving, pushing, pulling, and running with equipment).

Scoring: “sex-neutral” standards and different thresholds for different communities

The system is presented as sex-neutral (same evaluation criteria regardless of gender) with adjustments for age group, in line with the Department of Defense's push towards uniform standards for combat roles.

While performing the same events, SEAL and SWCC are associated with stricter evaluation criteria compared to EOD and fleet divers, reflecting differences in mission and physical demands. Some journalistic reconstructions also indicate a scale that considers 45 points as “passing” and 100 as “outstanding”.

The implementation includes an initial rollout phase during which the US Navy can observe results, comparability, and benchmarks before fully consolidating the scoring and recording system.