Physical training: July 2010 brings new standards to the old test

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Brian Kingcade
  • 90th Force Support Squadron
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, WYO. --  Starting today, the Air Force will begin assessing Airmen with a more physically-challenging fitness test.

In June of 2009, the Air Force decided to revamp its fitness program due to an audit that revealed irregularities in testing procedures.

With new revisions intact, the new standards hold Airmen accountable for both physical conditioning and maintaining combat readiness to ensure they are able to meet mission demands at stateside and deployed locations. Prior to July 1, members who received a 75 percent overall under the old standards successfully passed, in spite of not achieving minimum scores in muscular performance; push-ups and sit-ups, and cardiovascular endurance the one-and-a-half-mile run assessment.

However, revisions within AFI 36-2905 discontinued those trends. The new standards require members to meet minimum amounts within the categories of push-ups, sit-ups, and a one-and-a-half-mile run or one-mile walk. To pass, an overall score of 75 percent and meeting minimum amounts in each category is required. If members find themselves unsatisfactory upon completion, it could limit numerous career opportunities.

To prepare for the new standards, newly hired civilian staff, identified as the fitness assessment cell, are charged with proctoring testing for AF members daily. Warren's FAC staff will be located inside the Freedom Hall Fitness Center and will work alongside unit fitness program managers in scheduling members due for fitness assessments. UFPMs will schedule and monitor all appointments within their squadron. Each individual testing will need to arrive 10 minutes early. This allows FAC members to organize paperwork and to expedite the administrative process of testing.
Members will be notified by UFPMs of the time, date and required items needed to conduct their PT test.

If a member fails to provide required items or shows up in unofficial AF PT gear, they will be denied testing, consequently resulting in a no-show. Due to the set times and number of individuals testing each day, it is critical for members to adhere to these requirements to prevent delays in testing for that session. No-shows may result in consequences and corrective action by the member's chain-of-command.

There are a few other changes to the program, too. Other changes include lower possible points for the abdominal circumference measurements and definitive guidance on who may tape individuals. Points for abdominal circumference measurement have decreased from 30 to 20. For taping, new provisions within AFI 36-2905 (para.1.20, sect.1.20.22) state, "taping can be conducted by a FAC member of the opposite sex as long as the individual being taped, has someone of the same sex present." Additionally, the aerobic portion scoring has been modified so now the one-and-a-half-mile run or one-mile walk is worth 60 points, a significant increase compared to past standards.

Lastly, members who achieve a 90 or above will only be tested annually. Scores below 90 will require members to test biannually. Ultimately, these changes relate to physical preparedness in order to meet the challenges of our mission. These standards will reshape how Airmen approach physical fitness, and will stress that mediocrity is not an option.

Any questions can be addressed to the fitness center staff at 773-6172.