The US Army has put its new Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) programme on hold, due to widespread gyms closures caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.

First launched in 2018, ACFT was developed to improve individual soldier and overall combat readiness, by transforming the army's fitness culture and reduce preventable injuries. The programme also includes elements designed to enhance mental toughness and stamina.

ACFT was in the process of being rolled out across the military this year, with plans to establish it as the standard fitness test for all soldiers by October 2020. The age- and gender-neutral test will replace the nearly 40-year-old Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT).

On-base gym closures across Army facilities, however, have made it difficult for serving soldiers to train with the equipment the test requires – resulting in a negative effect on the overall fitness of active service personnel.

The new ACFT includes deadlifts, a standing power throw, pushups, a sprint-drag-carry exercise, leg tuck and a two-mile run.

Speaking to the media, Lt. Col. Robin Ochoa, a spokeswoman for the Army, said: “We have not halted the transition entirely, but postponed ACFT for now, however.

"We are not sure when it will resume as there are still some details that are being worked out.”

Announcing the ACFT rollout in October 2019, Sgt. Maj. of the Army, Michael A. Grinston, said: "Physical fitness is fundamental to sustained Army readiness.

"The ACFT, specifically linked to common warfighting tasks, will help us assess and improve the individual readiness of the force."

Each serving soldier will, eventually, be required to take the test as a diagnostic twice – six-months apart – while Reserve and National Guard Soldiers will be required to complete the diagnostic test once.