The 2026 Coast Guard Mandatory PFT
The U.S. Coast Guard is the only military branch that historically did not require a mandatory physical fitness test for all members. That changed on September 2, 2025, when the Coast Guard announced that starting July 1, 2026, all active duty and Selected Reserve members would complete a mandatory PFT twice per year. The 2025 assessments were conducted as informational and non-punitive data collection.
New in 2026: The mandatory PFT uses the updated Boat Crew Physical Fitness Standards from May 2025. These replaced sit-ups with forearm planks and added a 2,000-meter row and 12-minute swim as alternate cardio options alongside the 1.5-mile run.
Coast Guard PFT Events 2026
The PFT consists of three events, all scored on a pass/fail basis by age group and gender:
- Push-Ups — timed event. Standard push-up form. Minimum reps vary by age and gender.
- Forearm Plank — timed hold. Replaced sit-ups in the May 2025 update. Minimum hold time varies by age and gender.
- Cardio Event — primary is the 1.5-mile run. Alternatives: 12-minute swim (distance) or 2,000-meter row.
Coast Guard PFT Minimum Standards by Age Group
| Age Group | Male Push-Ups | Male Plank | Male Run | Female Push-Ups | Female Plank | Female Run |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 30 | 29 reps | 1:18 | 12:29 | 15 reps | 1:09 | 15:05 |
| 30–39 | 25 reps | 1:09 | 13:29 | 12 reps | 1:00 | 16:29 |
| 40–49 | 20 reps | 1:00 | 14:29 | 9 reps | 0:50 | 18:29 |
| 50+ | 14 reps | 0:50 | 15:29 | 6 reps | 0:40 | 20:29 |
Source: U.S. Coast Guard Boat Crew Physical Fitness Standards (updated May 2025). Verify current standards at mycg.uscg.mil.
Compare All 5 Military Branches
See Army AFT, Navy PRT, Marine PFT, and Air Force PT alongside Coast Guard.
Open Full Calculator →How to Train for the 2026 Coast Guard PFT
Push-Ups
Spread push-up practice throughout the day in sub-maximal sets of 10–15 reps. Four sets across the day builds endurance efficiently without recovery debt. Add 2–3 reps per set each week. Most members can reach the 29-rep minimum within 4–6 weeks of consistent daily practice.
Forearm Plank
Build plank endurance progressively — add 5–10 seconds per week to your max hold. Supplement with hollow-body holds for core stability. Minimum plank requirements (1:09–1:18 for members under 40) are achievable for most members in 4–6 weeks.
1.5-Mile Run
Three runs per week: one interval session (4–6 x 400m repeats), one steady aerobic run, one pace run at test goal speed. Consistent training over 8–12 weeks produces measurable improvement. The Navy Physical Readiness Program run guides at mynavyhr.navy.mil directly apply to Coast Guard standards.