Air Force unveils new fitness program

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Revisions to the Air Force fitness program take affect Jan. 1, 2010, and bring about some of the most significant changes to fitness standards in the last five years. (U.S. Air Force graphic)
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Air Force unveils new fitness program

Posted 8/21/2009

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by Daniel Elkins
Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs

8/21/2009 - RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) -- Approval of the new Air Force fitness instruction in the coming weeks will bring about some of the most significant changes to the Air Force fitness program in the last five years.

Those changes, which take effect Jan. 1, 2010, shift a greater responsibility of maintaining physical fitness 365 days a year to all Airmen.

In June, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz announced changes to the service's fitness program following an audit that identified inconsistencies in fitness testing that failed to create a culture of fitness required to meet the warfighting demands on today's Airmen.

"I take fitness seriously, and so should you," said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy. "The new Air Force fitness test is coming soon and will incorporate significant changes aimed at creating a continuous culture of fitness."

Chief Master Sgt. Mark Long, the Air Force's enlisted promotions, evaluations and physical fitness chief, also underscored the importance of fitness in maintaining that combat capability while at the same time advising that Airmen shouldn't wait until the new year to begin preparing for the changes.

"The culture of fitness that began with earlier endeavors intended to prepare Airmen to be 'fit to fight' established a sound foundation to build upon," Chief Long said. "We've come a long way in the last five years, only now it's time to incorporate changes that will bring about not only increased fitness, but greater clarity and understanding for both commanders and Airmen."

Some of the significant changes outlined in the new Air Force Instruction 10-248, Fitness Program, include the testing frequency, establishment of fitness assessment cells to proctor tests and increased emphasis on the aerobic component in scoring. The instruction is expected to be signed and approved by the Air Force chief of staff in the coming weeks.

Until then, Airmen can learn more about some of those changes on the horizon and view the approved fitness charts and other valuable fitness related information at the Air Force fitness program Web site at www.afpc.randolph.af.mil.

Comments

2/14/2011 3:17:34 PM ET
With the new EPR form, every Airman's No 1 priority has to be fitness. A failure has the same impact as getting an Article 15. Airmen who perform the duties associated with their AFSCs at a high level will be kicked out ahead of mediocre performers who have the genetics or place high priority on PT.

C Florida, Macdill

7/7/2010 8:18:38 PM ET
While I wholeheartedly agree that fitness is important to the military - and should be - the new testing standards don't make sense. The researchers who developed it said that aging is no excuse for being in worse shape so they've reduced the number of age brackets while increasing the difficulty for scoring. The way they worded it sounds like the goal is to have a universal test. Jim retired USAF - Sir I believe you would agree that you can't run now as fast as you did when you were 23. I think the leadership missed the mark on this - age brackets make sense.

John, Scott AFB IL

7/1/2010 11:14:21 AM ET
S Florida wrote I propose a minimum height of 75 inches for men and 70 inches for women. Several studies suggest taller people are better leaders. This Test would then do exactly what the Air Force needs.I hope you are not serious...

J Shields, Colorado Springs

6/3/2010 10:54:35 PM ET
The main ones that have no issue with the program are the ones who have had no issues in the first place since they've always passed...they're the ones who always look down on those who struggle to run lose weight etc. and do so on a constant basis. 'If you can run get out grr grr grrrrr' Give me a break and the retiree who said he got a 93 at 50 What was your run time in the 15-16's That means failure for those that are even 15-20 younger...now if you ran your run like the young ones in say 11-12's I'd be more impressed...otherwise you're just one of many who look down your noses at those who have a tougher time...gee I wish I could get away with a 1600 run and still pass...wow

Mita, MS and beyond

10/3/2009 9:13:44 PM ET
I guess we really are not safe at all at our deployment locations. It does not matter how well you can shoot but it's how fast you can run. Oh and don't forget to wear you reflector belt.

Phillip, Carswell Texas

9/1/2009 7:46:30 PM ET
To Jim the personal trainer the studies that support both claims that prolonged use can cause knee joint problems and there are those that don't. So that's that. People have the right to voice their opinon of certain programs like pt and such. So please just because a person doesn't like a certain thing is no reason to say repeatedly to get out.

Med, Kansas

9/1/2009 9:18:55 AM ET
I for one am glad the Air Force has come up with a Test that measures both physical performance and size of body parts. I look forward to spending many duty hours in the gym and the track working on my job performance. No single thing I can neglect to do would lead to a referral OPREPR than a lack of working out. It will be my top duty priority. I do think the Air Force missed the opportunity to make the Test a complete package. A minimum height standard needs to be added to the Test. I propose a minimum height of 75 inches for men and 70 inches for women. Several studies suggest taller people are better leaders. This Test would then do exactly what the Air Force needs.

S, Florida

8/30/2009 6:58:04 PM ET
I am insulted by the mere concept of hiring civilians to conduct the test. You can trust me to fly a $14 billion aircraft but when it comes to something so simple, I have to rely on a civilian?

charlie, california

8/30/2009 10:56:56 AM ET
I should not respond but I will. I am also a certified personal trainer. A 1- to 2-mile run, sit ups, push ups, pull ups, weight and girth are all valid indicators of personal fitness. Please research this with the American College of Sports Medicine, Cooper Institute or others. Do not rely on your anecdotal stories about ankles and knees being hurt from running. Yes, cross-fit is good exercise. I do some myself. But learn the facts and the science. And again, if you cannot comply with fitness or other military requirements, get out. It's an all-volunteer force.

Jim retired USAF, Omaha NE

8/29/2009 7:03:44 PM ET
MedKS states running a mile and half is not preparing. It's actually taking a step back... You can't seriously think the mile and a half run is the goal. Really It's a measurement of cardiovascular ability that indicates the degree to which an individual complies with the published standard. The complaints are pitiful.

Jim, Korea

8/28/2009 10:02:22 PM ET
Oh good grief. People, get off your high horses by telling people they need get out if they don't like the new PT program. Let's see, Continued running has led to cause knee and ankle problems, and so on. Situps are not good for your back either over a long period of time. How about we adapt to the cross-fit like mentioned earlier. That would lead to a much fitter force than we have now. Let's make some sense and make the PT challenging and fun while building real endurance for a real combat situation because are we are war and need to prepare for it. Running a mile and half is not preparing. It's actually taking a step back, so take that and actually think about it before saying you should get out. Think for once

Med, Kansas

8/26/2009 2:13:59 PM ET
I am a retired colonel. I am 53 years old and was over 50 when I retired. During my final PT test in 2008 I scored 93 percent. I maxed my run, maxed my push ups and sit ups. I had a very busy duty schedule as a group commander yet somehow found time to stay fit. I am angered by Airmen -- officer and enlisted -- who say that staying fit has nothing to do with their duties. I encourage you to go get another job. It's an all-volunteer force. Show some pride please.

Jim retired USAF, Omaha NE

8/26/2009 11:41:59 AM ET
The new fitness program is actually a great idea. Just like other great ideas it has imperfections as well as room for improvement. Other people will complain about it. You can't please everybody. But sometimes people need to be open about new ideas. Don't knock it until you try it. If you have complaints about the new system try to present a better idea or a solution not just complaining about it. Comply first before you complain. People like General Schwartz were put into that position because they know what they're doing. They probably performed studies about this new fitness test. People will probably complain that it is unfair to tall or short muscular skinny or overweight but they need to have a standard for the Air Force right This is probably the fitness standard that can probably cater to most body types. Again this will be the standard. The thing is do your part as an Airman and follow and exceed the standards.

J, CA

8/25/2009 1:28:48 PM ET
This new test is another step in ensuring our Air Force is physically fit to perform the mission. Comments from many want a Combat fitness test this is a good thought and something we must strive to meet. For those I challenge you to find a way to implement this Air Force wide send in an IDEA suggestion or speak with your senior leadership Supervisor 1st Sgt or CCM. For those who think this test is not acceptable unfair too hard not hard enough doesn't really meet standards etc.. do the above to change while ensuring you meet the standard identified. Is the AF perfect NO however it's been my experience leadership listens to our comments discussions and do take that into consideration when making decisions.This is not a quit your whining email but a discussion on how WE can implement changes to OUR Air Force to ensure we can meet the taskings of our mission.

Mike, Randolph AFB

8/25/2009 12:39:38 PM ET
All along the AF has said the PT program is for long term health benefits not combat capability. That is why our test is so different from the Army. And don't tell me the change to age ranges is science based. That is baloney. It is aesthetics based. Having everything on 1 page per group is pleasing to the eye. That is the same reason the current program has the span of run times...so everything fits on one page per age group. It is plain wrong to expect a 49 year old to be in the same fitness condition as a 40 year old.

Bill, Kansas

8/25/2009 12:14:29 PM ET
The biggest gripe with the last system was the waist measurement standard being too small and the waist score counting for too much. The standard is now relaxed to a reasonable level and the score counts for 33 percent less. Now the gripe has returned to the 1.5 mile run. This just proves that no matter what system senior leaders come up with most people will dislike it because it does not suit them or because it causes them to sweat and breathe heavily now and then. Our job is on the battlefield now where we are expected to endure this kind of physical exertion. The current test sets an embarassingly low standard as it is. The least we could all do is chip in and meet it.

N, WPAFB

8/25/2009 11:20:54 AM ET
So let me get this straight all of the other armed services test twice a year using military testers without a waist measurement and all is well. But instead of mimicking our sister services and using what has been proven to work we develop a test which has even been criticized by the institute that designed the original PT test. It IS scientifically proven that loss of muscle mass occurs with age and weight tends to shift in the abdominal area as well. And instead of holding PTLs and members accountable under the UCMJ when they lie about what an individual scored the AF decides to spend tens of millions if not more on GS/NAF civilians to administer the tests. Hmmm....sounds like fraud waste and abuse to me. I'm just glad to know that we have so much extra money lying around to pay for these things while we supposedly don't have enough money to pay for more troops downrange. Seriously.....

michelle, Sheppard AFBTX

8/24/2009 5:03:52 PM ET
What kind of Air Force are we in today? No wonder the other services make so much fun of our beloved Air Force. We have people who whine because they have to do situps, pushups and run a little bit. They complain because they can't have a PT standard that is designed for them. Last time I checked, the Air Force's motto wasn't "Your way right away." Quit the whinning. Get off your butt and meet the standards. And for those of you who complain, I can't do it during duty hours either. Get over it. I am an active duty Security Forces member and work long hours just like everyone else. I have never been afforded the opportunity to work out during duty hours yet I have managed to stay in shape. If you don't like the standards get out and make room for those people who want to be in the military.

Richard, Florida

8/24/2009 2:40:40 PM ET
Stop calling it "fit to fight." Insted call it "fit to save the Air Force money." That's what it's all about.

Eric, Whiteman

8/24/2009 2:22:29 PM ET
Air Force senior leadership needs to decide what exactly the physical fitness requirements of all Airmen should be and then design a NEW test to measure how well individuals meet those requirements. The fitness program the way it is now is a mixture of requirements and measures. A few years ago there was a major change in the physical fitness test that was supposed to measure overall health and not fitness. With the change in the Air Force to a deployable force this test has been adjusted to stress more fitness but the main measure still seems to be on health. The reason given about the waist measurement was that this was a good determiner of the risk of cardiovascular disease. So it seems the Air Force is stuck with a testing system designed to measure one thing being used to determine an individuals ability to do something else. Determine the actual requirements and then develop a test to assess how well people are achieving the requirement.

Jerry , Oklahoma

8/24/2009 10:36:30 AM ET
If they really care about fitness why don't they change the program instead of just the test To me this is just force shaping without calling it what it is. With the new GI bill the changes to the PT program and other changes it's really hard to find a reason to reenlist.

Ed, Bama

8/24/2009 10:28:45 AM ET
I think everyone who's contributed has a meaningful point of view to add and dismissing any of it as whining is a disrespect to our fellow Airmen. With regard to just running 1.5 miles the mininum time requirement is 14 minutes. That's probably pretty easy at sea level but at an altitude of 6600 feet not so much.

Donald Branum, Colorado Springs

8/24/2009 10:26:22 AM ET
Regarding the comment by James in Korea about splitting hairs over body types. I am 6'7 tall and have never had a 32 waist since about 6th grade. I don't feel like it is right for me to be penalized just because I am much taller than average.

Jesse, Melbourne FL

8/24/2009 10:04:29 AM ET
I'd have more confidence in a 210 lb GI who can lift some weight to pull me out of a war zone then some lanky 120 lb twig who can run a marathon.

Mark, Moore OK

8/24/2009 7:49:45 AM ET
This whining is incredible You know what your fitness level is. All you have to do is a few push ups sit ups and run 1.5 miles. If you can not meet the minimum fitness standards then you need to take it upon yourself to get out there and work on your weak areas. The PT test is what it is. Suck it up or find another job

CJ, Patrick AFB FL

8/24/2009 6:30:29 AM ET
I am glad the AF is now going to spend more money for people to judge our PT tests. I guess all the aircraft parts and the people to fix said aircraft are readily available.

Jim, Japan

8/24/2009 4:00:10 AM ET
Way to go AF There has never been a PT evaluation system that everyone agrees on. And the AF has never been able to get everyone on board with a fitness program. But I'm happy to see that the CSAF and CMSAF are finally getting serious about producing a mechanism where those that choose to not meet this military standard to be less promotable than those that do. Ultimately it is about wellness and military preparedness and it's about time we stopped rewarding overweight and unfit Airmen with promotions. It comes down to pass or fail - stop splitting hairs over body types.

James, Korea

8/23/2009 11:29:46 PM ET
The Air Force is at least keeping it consistent. Haven't we fraud wasted and abused enough yet is the AFSO 21 Air Force.

P, Bagram

8/23/2009 11:17:13 PM ET
Physical fitness is a life style. One thing I have a problem with is that the PT program is only focused on running. Come on! 50pts just for the run. What about sit ups and push ups. Like Med mentioned, an Airman doesn't need to be a runner... Yes it matters that we have endurance but at the same time you can't have a an airman who weighs 150lbs wet trying to drag or carry another Airman who may weigh 200lbs. We should incorportate dips and pull ups into the overall testing. Only then will we see a true fit force.

Dan, NJ

8/23/2009 7:51:42 PM ET
I don't mind the new fitness program. However i can agree with individuals in certain AFSCs who work over 10 hr days. As with the new ABU's, people still complain and think we don't look as sharp. Being a maintainer, it was a waste of time to prep a uniform, so yes i like the ABU thus far as it saves me about an hour a day. As for the office workers, yeah maybe there should be another uniform B Class. As with the PT program, i think it should be somewhat AFSC specific. Another issue, squadron PT sessions are a joke. Personally, i'd rather PT be an individual responsibility just like showing up for duty. Leadership needs to slow down with their quick decisions lately. It's excessive and difficult to keep up with change and change.

Drew, Alabama

8/23/2009 6:49:57 PM ET
I don't think anyone will deny that there are overweight people no matter what branch they are in. But again this new PT progam is a bunch of hogwash. And the fact they are taking the duty time out of the progam is another dumb move. With everyone already being overworked, having them to rely soley on their own time is just taking more time away from their family. The duty time PT also builds morale with the unit. Wonder why that was taken out in the first place

Med, Kansas

8/23/2009 12:36:48 PM ET
Yet again AF officials appear oblivious to the inequity of comparing a 45 yo 5 ft female with a 45 yo 5ft 10 inch female. Both may be equally fit but the shorter person will score higher simply because she has a smaller body habitus. Another inequity- same height same fitness level but ectomorphic mesomorphic or endomorphic body types will score in descending order based on AC due to genetically predetermined body type. The message seems to be that AF values smaller stature regardless of skills and talent.

Mary Smith, CA

8/23/2009 11:32:51 AM ET
To change to a culture of fitness there must be a shift from focusing on the test. Instead focus on establishing viable PT programs with well-trained PTLs who aren't always the lowest ranking member of a unit. I suggest CrossFit affiliate status at each base and building programs on CrossFit principles. If Airmen train like that the passing the test will be an afterthought.

MSgt Meyer, CA

8/23/2009 12:05:43 AM ET
All to often I see fat bodies in the Air Force and it is embarassing. I realize we push paper more than other branches of the military but you have to admit we are fat. Let's shape up.

Brett, NV

8/22/2009 5:44:30 PM ET
Lets face it. The armchair service physical fitness is a joke. It's the only branch of the service that does not have a mandatory PT program for the units.

shawn sullivan, evergreen alabama

8/22/2009 7:49:47 AM ET
It doesn't seem right to me that with the new guidelines that someone who is 39 has to score the same as an individual that is almost a decade younger. None of it is right in my book. I find it hard to believe that no one has taken into effect different body types or environmental conditioning. Someone who works on the flightline pounding pavement and manually moving HEAVY equipment for 6 years is not going to be conditioned the same as an individual who sits behind a desk or walks circles in a building all day. Not to mention you can't just stop aircraft movement or shut down the flightline to go to the gym. It is not so easy to just hang up a sign on the door that says Office closed for PT, come back in an hour and a half. Sure I can make up for it after working ten twelve or fourteen hours after already moving the equivelent of 3 semi trailers by hand and take more time away from my family.

K, Nebraska

8/22/2009 7:32:12 AM ET
I think the new and improved PT test is a step in the right direction. They have taken a lot of heat over the past couple of years and listened to numerous complaints. It looks like they have actually listened and are trying to implement a new system. Before any of us say the system is garbage or worthless we need to give it a try. The AF is only asking you to run 1.5 miles. They are not asking to go out and run a marathon. And if you don't like it, I am sure you can find a job that will allow you to eat all you want and get as large as you want. Just be careful on what you wish for.

Thomas, Florida

8/22/2009 2:06:57 AM ET
In the last 10 years have our fearless higher ups made any decisions with anything that remotely resembles common sense I saw the article quoting that particular Captain. I would much rather be with a group of Airmen that can help me carry an injured person build pallets or any other physically demanding challenging things that we go through in deploymented environments. I could care less that A1C or SSgt Joe Blow can run a marathon or looks super-duper sharp in his uncamoflage uniform more than likely the clown can't lift his own body weight. The lack of common sense in the Air Force is just one more reason on top of about 1000 that NCO's like me are jumping ship at the first chance.

Puerto Rock, Kandahar Afghanistan

8/21/2009 8:15:58 PM ET
Great another bunch of higher ups making decisions on a fitness test that really doesn't measure overall fitnes. The mile and a half run needs to go for once and all. An Airman doesn't need to be a runner, he or she needs to be overall fit and needs to be able to have a good endurance. The run is not a good measuer of this in anyway. A captain a while back had a great idea of combat PT test like the other branches, who are getting it right by the way. The PT test overhaul isn't much of a change. If you aren't a runner then you get penalized and that's not overall fairness or fitness. How about we make some sense for once or will that ever happen in the Air Force?

Med, Kansas

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