ACFT Testing Field

- 4556 Broad Foot Rd, Fort Meade, MD 20755

Welcome to the ACFT Testing Field, a specialized gym and outdoor training facility located on the military installation of Fort Meade, Maryland. For service members stationed at or visiting Fort Meade, this field is a crucial resource for maintaining physical readiness and preparing for the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT). Unlike a standard commercial gym, this is a highly specific environment designed for a very particular purpose: to test and train for the six events of the ACFT. The purpose of this facility is to provide a standardized and consistent setting where soldiers can perform their required fitness assessments. This guide is designed to provide clear, factual information about the field, its purpose, and the unique aspects that make it a vital part of the military community's daily life.

This article will delve into the details of the ACFT Testing Field, from its location and accessibility to the specific services and features it offers. The tone is professional and informative, acknowledging the military context and the specific needs of its users. The ACFT is a modern, holistic test designed to measure a soldier's strength, power, agility, and endurance, all of which are essential for the physical demands of modern combat. Therefore, a dedicated and well-maintained testing site is of utmost importance. While a standard gym might be used for general workouts, this field provides the exact equipment and layout required for accurate and reliable testing. The information presented here is based on publicly available data and is intended to be a helpful guide for both new and experienced service members in the Fort Meade area.

The facility is part of the larger Fort Meade MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) system, which provides a comprehensive suite of programs and resources to support the well-being of service members and their families. While the field itself is focused on the ACFT, it's part of a broader network of fitness centers and wellness programs available on the installation. Understanding the role of the ACFT Testing Field is key to understanding the Army’s commitment to physical readiness. It's a place where the physical capabilities of soldiers are measured against a high standard, ensuring that they are prepared for any mission. Read on to learn more about this unique and essential "gym" facility in the heart of Maryland.

The ACFT Testing Field is located at 4556 Broad Foot Rd, Fort Meade, MD 20755, USA. As a facility on a military installation, access is restricted to authorized personnel, including active-duty military, retirees, and other eligible individuals with proper identification. This location places it conveniently for those living or working on Fort Meade, eliminating the need for a long commute to an off-post facility for testing or practice. The field's location is well-known to service members and is typically part of a designated training area on the base.

The field is designed with accessibility in mind, particularly for military purposes. A key feature is the wheelchair accessible parking lot, which provides convenience and ensures that the facility is accessible to those with mobility challenges. While the field itself may present challenges depending on weather and terrain, the parking and initial access points are made to be as accommodating as possible. The design of the field is meant to be standardized to meet the Army's specific requirements, regardless of the surface, whether it is natural grass or artificial turf. This ensures that the testing environment is as fair as possible for all soldiers, even if local conditions present minor challenges, as noted in some user feedback.

The ACFT Testing Field provides a singular but vital service: a dedicated space and the necessary equipment for performing the Army Combat Fitness Test. The test itself is a six-event assessment that includes: a 3-repetition maximum deadlift, standing power throw, hand-release push-ups, a sprint-drag-carry, a plank, and a 2-mile run. The services offered at this field are entirely focused on these events.

• ACFT Equipment: The field is equipped with all the standard tools required for the test, including hex bars and weights for the deadlift, medicine balls for the standing power throw, sleds and kettlebells for the sprint-drag-carry, and a designated running course.
• ACFT Testing Site: The primary service is providing the certified and marked field for official ACFT testing. The field is laid out in lanes with the precise measurements required by Army regulations, ensuring a standardized testing environment.
• Practice Space: While primarily used for official testing, the field also serves as a crucial training space for soldiers preparing for their test. This allows them to practice with the exact equipment and on a surface that mimics the test day conditions.

The ACFT Testing Field possesses a few key features and highlights that make it an essential resource for the military community at Fort Meade. These features are centered around the practical and logistical needs of administering a complex fitness test.

• Specialized Turf: The field itself, whether it's a newer turf or a well-maintained grass field, is designed to meet the specific requirements of the ACFT. As one review noted, a new TIRF field (Turf Information Retrieval Field) can make testing "way easier" due to better traction and a more consistent surface.
• Dedicated Equipment: Having all the required equipment in one place saves time and simplifies the logistical process for units conducting the test. This ensures that the deadlifts, sprints, and drags can all be done in a seamless sequence.
• Standardized Environment: The field is maintained to be as flat and level as possible to adhere to Army regulations, which helps ensure the fairness and accuracy of test results. While some user feedback notes that terrain can still be a challenge, the goal of the facility is to mitigate these issues.

For more information, or for units looking to schedule the ACFT Testing Field for their personnel, the following contact information is available. It is important to note that scheduling is typically handled through official military channels and unit leadership. The provided number is a general contact for the Fort Meade MWR facilities, which can direct you to the right department for ACFT testing and field reservations.

Address: 4556 Broad Foot Rd, Fort Meade, MD 20755, USA

Phone: (301) 677-0138

For service members in the Fort Meade, Maryland area, the ACFT Testing Field is a crucial and worthwhile resource for a number of reasons. Its primary value lies in its specificity. Unlike a general gym that offers a wide range of equipment, this field is entirely dedicated to the unique events of the Army Combat Fitness Test. This means soldiers can practice with the exact equipment and on the precise terrain they will face on test day. This familiarity is a significant advantage that can directly impact performance, as one review highlighted that a slippery field can negatively affect results. Training on a specialized field helps to mitigate those variables and allows soldiers to focus purely on their physical performance.

The convenience of having a dedicated field on the installation cannot be overstated. It simplifies the logistical process for units and makes it easier for soldiers to access a testing environment without having to go off-post. This efficiency is a key part of maintaining military readiness. While some user reviews may mention minor issues with field conditions, the existence of a designated space, complete with the necessary equipment, is a major benefit. It shows a commitment to providing the resources needed for soldiers to succeed on their fitness assessments, which are a critical part of their military careers. For any service member on Fort Meade, utilizing this dedicated field is a strategic and necessary step toward achieving their physical fitness goals and maintaining their readiness.

ACFT Testing Field

4556 Broad Foot Rd, Fort Meade, MD 20755, USA