Navy leaders announced a return to biannual fitness assessments, a move aimed at raising overall readiness across the force. The policy returns the service to a pre‑2020 rhythm, with two assessment cycles per year, set to begin in January 2026. The first cycle runs from January through June, the second from July through December. Most sailors will repeat the current Physical Training test twice yearly, while sailors in combat arms roles will face both the PFA and a Combat Fitness Assessment. The updated guidance revises the Body Composition Assessment into a sex neutral model using waist‑to‑height ratio plus a body composition calculation. Assessment failures before 2026 reset to zero for reenlistment and promotion tracking, yet commanders will still consider prior records for other administrative matters. Sailors who fail three assessments within four years will face administrative separation. The policy includes a postpartum grace and a clear timeline for medically cleared sailors to reenter testing. For sailors who want a practical roadmap, training programs should target the test mix: push‑ups, planks, and the 1.5‑mile run, plus sustained nutrition and sleep habits to support health and performance. This shift links routine evaluation with operational readiness, and it raises the bar for individual and unit preparation.
The Navy set the new cycle to match guidance from the Department of Defense, with implementation in January 2026. Most sailors will complete two PFAs per calendar year, while combat arms ratings will take both the PFA and the CFA during each cycle.
The test sequence remains the same, featuring push‑ups, planks, and a 1.5‑mile run alongside the renovated body composition check. Leaders expect regular testing to improve unit readiness and individual performance.
Key insight, plan training around the two cycles to avoid last‑minute score chases.
Who faces which evaluations and why readiness improves
Sailors in combat arms roles, including explosive ordnance specialists and similar ratings, will take both the PFA and CFA each cycle. Sailors outside those ratings will complete the standard PFA twice per year, including Reserve members on active‑duty orders of 12 months or longer.
The Navy aims for steady performance monitoring, early intervention for struggling sailors, and clearer fitness expectations for every rank. This approach ties personal training to mission readiness and unit cohesion.
Key insight, frequent testing exposes gaps early and allows targeted corrective training.
Updated Body Composition Assessment and scoring rules
The Navy replaced sex‑based measurements with a sex neutral model using waist‑to‑height ratio plus a body composition calculation. Sailors outside the standard can still pass the PFA if they score Outstanding‑Low overall with an Excellent‑Medium or higher across the three physical events.
Pregnant and postpartum sailors receive a deferment period. Once medically cleared, sailors must complete the fitness assessment where their deferment period ends. Earlier failures reset to zero for promotion and reenlistment records as of 2026, although commanders will consider prior records for other personnel matters.
- Waist‑to‑height ratio now factors into composition results.
- Physical Readiness Test remains push‑ups, planks, and 1.5‑mile run.
- Three failures in four years leads to administrative separation.
- Postpartum sailors receive a clear medical deferment and return timeline.
Key insight, objective composition metrics plus consistent PT testing create clearer paths for improvement and accountability.
Training advice, programs, and real examples
Petty Officer Ramirez, a hypothetical sailor, split training into six‑week blocks aligned to each cycle. The blocks focused on endurance, core strength, and recovery strategies. Ramirez tracked progress by using timed runs and plank benchmarks, then adjusted nutrition to support weight management and recovery.
Use established resources to structure training. For benchmarks and program ideas, consult tools that help you assess your fitness level and articles that explain how to prioritize fitness goals. For cross‑service comparison, review Air Force training standards and exemption guides like airmen fitness exemptions.
Key insight, structure training to reflect test timing and use measurable benchmarks to track gains.
Policy effects on military careers and unit health
Failures before 2026 reset for promotion and reenlistment records, yet commanders will review prior behavior for other decisions. Any sailor who fails three assessments within four years becomes ineligible for continued service and will enter administrative separation procedures.
The policy aims to preserve force health and operational availability by linking routine testing to support programs, nutrition guidance, and medical readiness checks. For context on fitness across age groups, see research on age and fitness strength decline.
Key insight, consistent assessments protect force capability and surface health risks early.
Our opinion
The return to biannual fitness assessments will raise standards and motivate steady training habits. Sailors who align training to the two cycles, track metrics, and address composition through sustainable nutrition and recovery will improve readiness and long‑term health. Units that pair testing with constructive support will see the largest gains in operational performance. For practical drills and program options, explore community programs like Forza Fitness and trending group sessions such as Quadrobics for variety in conditioning.
Key insight, use the policy as a prompt to build sustainable habits that strengthen both sailors and the force.