Sprint Drag Carry: Passing Times, Standards, and Training Strategies

What is the Passing Time for Sprint Drag Carry?

The Sprint Drag Carry (SDC) is a demanding event within the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) designed to assess anaerobic power, muscular endurance, and agility. For all participants in the ACFT, the minimum passing time for the Sprint Drag Carry is 3 minutes and 0 seconds (3:00), with optimal performance times significantly lower.

Understanding the Sprint Drag Carry (SDC)

The Sprint Drag Carry (SDC) is one of the six events in the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), a comprehensive physical assessment designed to better reflect the physical demands of modern combat. The SDC is a timed event that requires athletes to complete five distinct tasks over a 25-meter lane, moving up and back for a total of 250 meters.

The sequence of movements in the SDC is as follows:

1. Sprint: A 25-meter sprint down the lane.
2. Sled Drag (Forward): Turn and grab two 45-pound sled weights (total 90 lbs) attached to a sled, dragging them backward 25 meters.
3. Lateral Shuffle: Drop the sled, then shuffle laterally (sideways) 25 meters.
4. Carry: Turn and grab two 40-pound kettlebells (total 80 lbs), carrying them forward 25 meters.
5. Sprint: Drop the kettlebells, then sprint 25 meters back to the start/finish line.

The SDC is a crucial test of an individual's ability to perform tasks requiring anaerobic endurance, muscular strength, power, agility, and coordination under fatigue. It simulates common movements encountered in combat and physically demanding occupations, such as moving casualties, carrying equipment, and rapidly changing direction.

Official ACFT Standards: Sprint Drag Carry Passing Times

The ACFT employs a gender- and age-neutral scoring system for all events, including the SDC. This means the same minimum and maximum standards apply to every soldier, regardless of demographic.

Minimum Passing Time:

• To achieve a minimum passing score of 60 points for the SDC, a participant must complete the event in 3 minutes and 0 seconds (3:00) or less.

Maximum (100-Point) Time:

• To achieve the maximum possible score of 100 points for the SDC, a participant must complete the event in 1 minute and 33 seconds (1:33) or less.

Scores are awarded on a graduated scale between the minimum and maximum times. For example, completing the SDC in 2:15 would yield a mid-range score, while 1:45 would be a high-performance score. The comprehensive scoring scale provides detailed point values for times between the minimum and maximum.

Factors Influencing SDC Performance

Success in the Sprint Drag Carry hinges on a synergistic blend of several physical attributes:

• Anaerobic Power and Endurance: The repeated sprints, drags, shuffles, and carries demand significant bursts of power followed by short recovery periods, taxing the anaerobic energy systems.
• Muscular Strength:
  • Lower Body Strength: Crucial for sprinting, lateral shuffles, and driving the sled during the drag.
  • Posterior Chain Strength: Essential for the sled drag (hamstrings, glutes, lower back).
  • Core Strength: Provides stability and power transfer throughout all movements, especially during the carry and drag.
  • Grip Strength: Critical for maintaining control of the sled and kettlebells, particularly as fatigue sets in.
• Agility and Coordination: The rapid transitions between tasks (sprint to drag, drag to shuffle, shuffle to carry, carry to sprint) and changes in direction require excellent agility, balance, and body control.
• Technique and Efficiency: Proper mechanics for each segment (e.g., low center of gravity for the drag, efficient turns, controlled lateral shuffles) can significantly conserve energy and improve time.
• Mental Fortitude: The SDC is physically grueling. The ability to push through discomfort and maintain focus is paramount.

Training Strategies for SDC Improvement

To improve your Sprint Drag Carry performance, a multifaceted training approach is necessary, focusing on the specific demands of each segment:

• Sled Work: Incorporate both forward sled pushes and backward sled drags (using similar weights as the test if possible) to build posterior chain strength and anaerobic capacity.
• Carries: Practice farmer's carries and suitcase carries with kettlebells or dumbbells to enhance grip strength, core stability, and muscular endurance. Vary distances and weights.
• Sprint and Agility Drills: Include short, maximal effort sprints (25-50m), shuttle runs, and cone drills to improve acceleration, deceleration, and multi-directional agility.
• Lateral Shuffles: Practice lateral shuffles with controlled speed and proper form to improve hip mobility and lateral power.
• Compound Lifts: Integrate exercises like deadlifts, squats, and power cleans to build foundational strength in the lower body and posterior chain.
• Interval Training: Mimic the work-to-rest ratio of the SDC with high-intensity interval training (HIIT) that combines various movements.
• SDC Simulation: Periodically practice the full SDC sequence with the actual or equivalent weights to build specific endurance, refine transitions, and develop pacing strategies.
• Grip Strength Training: Direct grip work, such as dead hangs, plate pinches, and fat grip training, can provide a significant advantage.

The Functional Significance of the Sprint Drag Carry

Beyond its role as a military fitness assessment, the Sprint Drag Carry is an excellent measure of functional fitness applicable to various real-world scenarios and athletic endeavors. Its comprehensive nature tests an individual's capacity for:

• Occupational Readiness: Directly relates to the physical demands of first responders, law enforcement, and other physically demanding professions that require lifting, carrying, dragging, and rapid movement.
• Athletic Performance: Develops attributes crucial for sports requiring multi-directional speed, power endurance (e.g., soccer, basketball, combat sports), and the ability to perform under fatigue.
• General Physical Preparedness: Builds a robust and resilient body capable of handling diverse physical challenges in daily life, enhancing overall health and functional independence.

Conclusion

The Sprint Drag Carry is more than just a timed event; it's a meticulously designed assessment that encapsulates a broad spectrum of human physical capabilities. While the minimum passing time of 3 minutes for the ACFT SDC provides a baseline, true proficiency lies in mastering the blend of anaerobic power, strength, agility, and mental toughness required to achieve a top-tier score. Consistent, targeted training focusing on these key attributes will not only help you meet the standards but also enhance your overall functional fitness and readiness for any physical challenge.