This year has been one of change for military branches built on tradition. The Air Force started the year by revising the new physical fitness policy it implemented last year. The updates were intended to make the branch’s fitness testing less subjective. In March, the Army started piloting two new fitness tests—the Army Physical Readiness Test (APRT) and the Army Combat Readiness Test (ACRT). The APRT replaces the Army’s 30-year-old physical fitness test and is designed to complement its new basic training program. The ACRT includes tasks designed to simulate those that soldiers might perform in the field. Likewise, the Marine Corps looked into more functional fitness training, launching its High Intensity Tactical Training pilot program this year. The strength and conditioning program is designed to better prepare Marines for the physical demands of combat and is expected to be rolled out across the branch in early 2012.