FORT BRAGG, N.C. - Along with the new changes to the Army Physical Fitness Test to a more comprehensive fitness test, the Army Physical Readiness Test may soon accompany yet another fitness test -- the Army Combat Readiness Test.

Since 1980, the U.S. Army has tested the physical ability of Soldiers with the completion of three events: two-minutes of pushups, two-minutes of sit-ups and a timed two-mile run.

"The APFT doesn't accurately measure the endurance and strength of a Soldier," said Capt. Tony Soika, training officer for the U.S. Army Physical Readiness Division. "The idea is to get away from just focusing on fitness, but (also) to incorporate athleticism as well."

The APRT, which was designed to replace the current APFT, incorporates five-events and eliminated sit-ups, increased the pace of push-ups and replaced the two-mile run with shorter-faster runs. The APRT's events include a 60-yard shuttle run, one-minute rower, the standing long jump, one-minute push-ups and a one and a half mile run. Soldiers are pushed to muscle failure and aren't allowed to take breaks during the rower and push-up events.

According to the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, the new events are more accurate in testing a Soldier's anaerobic and aerobic endurance, while at the same time reducing risk of injuries.

With the additional recommendation of the ACRT, Soldiers will be put to the test wearing their Army combat uniform, advanced combat helmet, protective eyewear and a weapon.

The ACRT incorporates Soldier tasks that include a 400-meter run with a weapon, hurdles, a high crawl, an 18-pound causality drag, 30-pound ammo can shuttle run and a point, aim and move drill in which the Soldier must keep a sight picture with his or her weapon while simulating moving back and forth behind a wall.

"Many Soldiers just train for the minimum of APFT, they don't push themselves," said Soika. "A guy who never sees the inside of a weight room may be able to max out the APFT and would look more 'studly' than he really is. The ACRT tests Soldiers' ability to move fast in their equipment, jump, think quickly and test their agility -- everything that they go through on the battlefield.

This PT program not only prepares the Soldier physically, but helps build their mental fitness as well."

The physical training pilot program has been in the process of testing Soldiers at different locations in order to set standards. With about 5000 Soldiers tested between Fort Bragg and Fort Stewart, Ga., the average pace for the ACRT for males is about five minutes and seven minutes for females. Only eight people have accomplished the test in less than four minutes.

Currently, the record time for males is 3:17, and for females is 4:45. At Fort Bliss, Texas, units will be tested next month.

"This test is very rigorous and it's tough," said Sgt. Brandon Jewell, 135th Forward Support Company, breathless after completing the ACRT. "It's definitely a test rather than just doing push-ups, sit-ups and a run," he said.

"It's very tiring," agreed Pfc. Justin Barrow, Company A, 327th Field Artillery Regiment. "There's a lot of running and your legs get tired in the middle of it. Not to mention the skid (casualty drag) is really heavy."

Barrow brought up a good point. The 180-pound casualty drag doesn't change weight for female Soldiers. But the female Soldiers who were part of the pilot test at Fort Bragg didn't seem to mind.

"(This test) is hard but you really can't do anything but smile through it. It's tough but once you finish, you really feel good about yourself," said Sgt. Kaydean Henry, Battery B, 327th Field Artillery Regiment.

"The skid was rough, I only weigh 110 pounds and that was 180. But it all goes back to the battlefield. What if that person was really hurt over there and it was my duty to save him. I'd have to get him to safety no matter a weight difference."

After a thorough review and the establishment of standards, the new tests can be approved with the hope of being implemented Army-wide by fiscal year 2013.