Air Force fitness program revision rewards excellent Airmen

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Airmen who earn an "excellent" on the new fitness test will now only have to test once a year according to a new revision to the Air Force Fitness Program.
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Air Force fitness program revision rewards excellent Airmen

Posted 6/4/2010

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by Beth Gosselin
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

6/4/2010 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Based upon service-wide feedback, Airmen who earn an "excellent" on the new fitness test will now only have to test once a year according to a new revision to the Air Force Fitness Program.

"We believe this will recognize fitness excellence and serve as an incentive for more Airmen to improve their fitness," said Col. Joan Garbutt, the chief of military force policy division.

The revision, which takes effect the same day the new program kicks-off on July 1, allows those Airmen who test in all four components of the test and receive an overall score of 90 or better to test only once a year. The four components of the new fitness test include a 1.5-mile timed run, abdominal circumference, push-ups and sit-ups. Prior to this revision, all Airmen were required to test twice a year.

Approximately one of every five fitness scores documented in 2009 was "excellent" for those Airmen who tested in all four categories, said Capt. Sean Brazel, the chief of officer promotions, evaluations and fitness policy.

"Factoring in these numbers, we forecast a reduction in the fitness testing workload when this new policy takes effect," the captain added.

Airmen must test under the new standards to qualify for this change. Therefore, only Airmen who test after June 30 will be able to earn the opportunity to do their fitness test once a year. Airmen who score an "excellent" but were medically exempt from testing in one or more of the four components will still need to test twice a year. In other words, Airmen must successfully complete all four components of the fitness test to qualify for the once a year testing.

"We believe this is another step in the right direction towards cultivating a fitter Air Force," Colonel Garbutt said.

Comments

9/1/2010 6:51:22 PM ET
In my opinion if you have a 39-inch waist you are not considered fit. I mean, a 39-inch waist is not that small. Anyone can get good at running and all it takes is practice. If you eat right and exercise then you will have no problem passing. You are in the military..... and I am a PTL and I say that if you don't want to run and exercise or are lazy then get out. I know guys well into their 30s and 40s that can still run a 1.5 mile run in under ten min. I can run a 1.5 mile in under 9 min and max out on my push ups and sit ups. and I plan on doing still be doing it when I get commissioned down the road and retire from the Air Force in my 40s. It just takes some discipline and hard work. Do your best and forget the rest.

A1C Jerry Bailey, Fairchild AFB WA

6/26/2010 12:36:15 PM ET
Has anyone ever seen a 5'9 male with a 39 waist? That is simply obese no matter now you cut it. Why not use a simple waist to height ratio? According to an AFIT thesis, this is THE most accurate way to determine your health. It's scalable to height, the AF can still impose an arbitrary number and it ensures that people who are passing the new fitness test can actually see their feet. Take your height in inches and multiply it by .5 and you have your maximum waist size. Plus you can still give a range of values to rack and stack people if you want. Since I can't post links search for a thesis by Steven J. Swiderski B.S. Captain USAF. Cheers

MSgt L, Robins AFB

6/15/2010 1:38:02 AM ET
Who knows a valid point of contact to ask questions of or make comments or suggestions to concerning the fitness program and regulations?

Joe, Washington

6/14/2010 11:53:28 AM ET
There are many comments on this article...some good, some bad and some from way out in left field. I do agree with the promotion points for excellents. Maybe give out .5 for each excellent up to 5 points and deduct .5 for each failure. I never liked taking the PT test because I was always heavier and would score around 78. Last year I went on a long TDY and lost 35 pounds while getting into great shape. I have received an excellent on the last two PT test...not bad for a 38 year old

G-Man, Hurby Airplane Patch

6/11/2010 1:46:34 PM ET
The purpose of the PT test was not to reward PT performance per se. It was meant to be a measurement. Commanders weren't ever supposed to give 1-day passes to people who got excellents. It specifically said it in the 10-248. Now if you get an excellent you get to only test once a year. Whoever came up with this rule forgot their 10-248. News flash to all that think having a 39 inch waist automatically makes you fat. Consider this - there are different body types. At the very least endomorph/ ectomorph /mesomorph. If you're taller and have a thicker build you're going to be toeing a line with the test. I was 6'2 210 leaving high school and skinny with a 36 waist. Still have a 38 waist and am heavier. To be asked to get back to my high school weight seems silly. I'm not worried. I'll do whatever it takes to pass the PT test within integrity. You should too. Don't just fall back on 'this test is hard.' Because you'll be a civilian in no time if you do.

Maj W, Ft Meade MD

6/11/2010 12:34:57 PM ET
Where does smoking fit into the overall independent risk factor for disease? I have worked at a VA nursing home. The youngest patients were those that smoked or still did smoke. They were also the ones that needed the most care.

MS, ND

6/8/2010 2:45:16 PM ET
We have the lowest standard in the military If you can't pass and are too lazy to improve yourself you should lose your job. Fit to fight is just that. If you joined for the college in the last 9 years, accept the responsibility as the legal adult who volunteered your service in a time of war and act accordingly. For those who want more recognition for a higher score go Army or Marines. They for their respective missions give promotion points awards and all the tinsel to those who exceed above the masses. And lastly body builders are not healthy. They push themselves to unsafe and unhealthy limits. Most who claim to be in that category have never competed and thus are just making ignorant statements and excuses. We are the Air Force the brains not the muscle.

SSgt Fackler, Carswell AFB TX

6/8/2010 12:25:04 PM ET
Funny how this comment board has digressed from discussing rewarding those scoring over 90 on their PT test to just slamming the new PT testing overall. If you're scoring over 90 once a year then you're probably fit enough to pass the test twice a year anyway. I don't necessarily agree with this reward I'd rather see points towards promotion, but it's a step in the right direction. Remember that up until about 7 years ago marathon runners couldn't pass the ergo test while chain smokers were receiving excellent scores. I'm a weightlifter not a runner and pass my PT test in the 80s. I don't aspire to score above a 90 because I don't enjoy running. Testing twice a year forces me to incorporate cardio training into my workouts ultimately balancing my workouts. Thats really what this program is about physically preparing our Airmen to fight our nation's wars. Don't lose sight of the fact that you volunteered to serve your country.

SMSgt Portugal, Peterson AFB

6/8/2010 10:57:57 AM ET
So in shape skinny people will only have to test once a year -- nice.

39plus, LA

6/8/2010 10:48:56 AM ET
You must practice to get better. If your waist is too big, then do something about it don't complain about it. If you don't run fast enough run more. If you can't do enough pushups and sit ups then do more to practice. Personally I hope that if you can't pass the PT test they kick you out. I think Minimums are the best idea ever. They keep you from maxing your waist and run and still passing when you can't do any pushups. This PT test just further reinforces the idea of the well rounded airman. Those that can't pass the test and get kicked out are examples. They are examples to others to get out there and work out do some PT. Is twice a year better hell yes, it's better it forces you to work out and try more often especially for those people that only do it once a year the month before they have too test. Fitness and working out is a LIFESTYLE change. An Excellent on the PT test in my opinion should be worth something in promotions maybe a point per year up to 5 or something.

SrA Carroll, Tyndall

6/8/2010 10:42:39 AM ET
It is what it is and we all have to deal with it. Life is full of changes and this is one of many that we'll be faced with the choice to excell or fail is yours. Why not add the points to the WAPS? I would rather work for that than a yearly PT test....

JDM, Wy

6/8/2010 2:15:59 AM ET
Time to stop bitching and projecting blame and take an honest assesment. Its not about being rail thin or a long distance runner like so many of you claim. It's about being fit. Strong fast and lean. Your self reported and most likely overstated work capacity does not justify obesity. How about you make yourself well rounded? Get your run time down to where it needs to be AND have sufficient muscle mass to take care of business? Nah, that's just crazy talk.

Nate, AFG

6/7/2010 10:23:37 PM ET
I have a suggestions about the PT test program. Add a point scale for doing more than the max. I spent just under eight years in the Army before crossing over to the Air Force. In their PT test you can get more points for doing more than the max in your push ups sit ups and run. I have maxed my push ups and cruches and done it under the minute time. There is no reason to do more than that.

TSgt Blankenship, FE Warren AFB

6/7/2010 4:41:40 PM ET
Better to look at the fitness thing as a lifestyle rather than an obligation. I'm still passing in the under age 30 category at age 61. If you take nothing else with you when you separate or retire at least take the culture of good health and fitness. Take a look at the retirees in line at the pharmacy and ask yourself if you want to end up like that.

tk, Travis AFB

6/7/2010 4:39:19 PM ET
In my 35 years with the Air Force I have watched the AF Fitness program change...repeatedly. Now if we want Airmen to be as fit as the Army Infantry or the Marines wouldn't it be logical to adopt a variation of their programs It's 0500 everyone fall in for mandatory daily Unit PT, I can't see that happening....The AF honor system of self-directed PT has never worked not even once on an AF-wide level. But then that's just human nature a fact the Marines and Army seem to have gotten.

GJ, Alaska

6/7/2010 3:44:57 PM ET
Everyone has their own fitness goals and they're not always in line with what the AF wants or expects. But let's be honest. If as a male you have a 39 inch AC and take 14 minutes to run 1.5 miles you're out of shape. Don't kid yourself.

Ramer, Ft. Gordon

6/7/2010 3:41:26 PM ET
So we have new PT standards. Big whoop. Either you meet them or you don't. What gets me is seeing a 200lb airman who can pass the PT test but looks like a pig in blues. I think military image needs to be accounted for also with the PT program. How is a guy with a gut sticking past his belt his shirt stretched at the buttons and high watering pants because his ass is big presenting a proper military image And I'm supposed to compete for my next stripe with him because he can pass a PT test

SC, Macdill

6/7/2010 2:59:38 PM ET
The level of whining about the PT test is astounding. The PT test may not be perfect but I have seen no suggestions as to a better options. The test is simply designed to test overall fitness. It tests cardiovascular fitness strength and body fat. All three methods for testing these areas are flawed but so will all other tests. I get the feeling that if the AF changed the test to require all Airman walk 100yds in under 2 mins some beefy Airmen would complain I ain't no skinny speedwalker. You don't have to be a great runner to pass the run portion of the test. Neither do have to be a power lifter to complete the required number of push-ups. And just to clue you in, if you have a 40 in waist you are not beefy...you are fat. It's time to put down the donuts. If you work out like you are supposed to and use your HAWC to help you when needed you will pass this test. Not only that you will be healthier and feel better.

Rob, NY

6/7/2010 2:22:08 PM ET
Reading all the comments above makes me laugh because everything changes every few years, so you need know how to adapt to change. Since joining the AF 21 years ago I have been through many versions of the fitness test, passing some and failing others. This new version is no different you need to prepare yourself to pass. Everyone should just look around and you will see all the out of shape personnel around the AF and the country. Yes, there are people out there that can run like a deer but can't lift their body off the ground and then there are those that can lift a house, but can't run to save their lives. This is why the fitness test measures four components to a minimum standard. This includes the AC measurements which studies show that at specific measurements puts you are at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease. Now everyone should just stop complaining about this version of the fitness test.

Old Maj, WA

6/7/2010 12:43:27 PM ET
I think the whole PT testing system is stupid. Yes, there need to be standards so you aren't 5'5 and 300 lbs but unless you fit into the AF 'cookie cutter' you're gonna fail. I agree with all these bodybuilders on here. I know a few of these who will NEVER score an excellent but are in better shape then most. I myself have no problem passing the test. I happen to be one of those 'skinny people' that everyone hates and yes I do go to the gym a lot. However, I personnally would NOT want to have to pull someone out of a Humvee. And I'll admit it. So the fact that I get rewarded just because I happen to be skinny is stupid. This system is skewed.

SSgt, JBER

6/7/2010 12:12:01 PM ET
The new pt test is a great idea, the only problem I have is you fail one category and you fail your pt test. Some people can run better than they can do push ups and vice versa. It should be if you fail two categories you fail, because what you saying is i can achieve an 88 percent on my pt test and still fail.

MR B, DM

6/7/2010 12:06:55 PM ET
The AF has decided what our fitness goals are, so just embrace it. This is a good incentive but promotion points would be better. If we all get in good shape there will be no beef to haul around...

KE, AF

6/7/2010 10:52:59 AM ET
Overall there are definitely things that can be changed to improve the measurement of an Airman's fitness levels, that's a fact. The biggest thing is body composition. In my opinion the HAWC and FAC areas could incorporate displacement or air plethysmography and it would be far more accurate than a waist measurement due to varying shapes and sizes of people. Regarding the other components, I also am not psyched about the extremely picky way the FAC counts push-ups. However, if you are actually fit it isn't a problem to do at least the minimum. This is coming from a person who once was in the marginal category and dropped 90 lbs to make sure I could stay in the service and look and feel like a military professional. ANYONE can meet these minimums. It's all a matter of focusing on your weaknesses and getting yourself ready for when the AF needs you. Service before self.

SSgt Manak, Wright-Patterson AFB

6/7/2010 10:49:20 AM ET
I do believe the AF fitness assessment needs to be tweaked to some degree or another. But the run seems to be the only part that makes sense to me yet everyone on here is complaining about it because they are bigbeefy. But nobody cares if you can lift a 300 pound body from a humvee if you get winded just trying to carry him 3 feet let alone to wherever safety may be. You cant just lift weights pump protien shakes and say you are fit cause thats not fit. Fit encompasses cardio and strength training. The marines and army seem to be able to do both just fine and run longer distances so whats the AF's problem

Airman L, McConnell AFB

6/7/2010 9:47:39 AM ET
I understand why they are changing the PT regulations and making us test twice a year. What I don't understand is why they do not have a post-pregnancy program to help women get back in to shape. After 2 months of recovery, they expect you to pass a PT test in 4 months, and then they wonder why you fail. Some people are lazy but personally, I have been working my butt off and there seems to be no help. I think they should use the true BMI with the electrical pulse that tells you your fat ratio, water ratio, and bone ratio. Baby pouch doesn't just disappear no matter how hard you work out.

SrA G, Sheppard AFB

6/7/2010 9:27:59 AM ET
Unlike many of you, I'll actually put my name on my posting. I find it humorous that many folks here correlate being a good worker with being out of shape like that's mutually exclusive. I'm good at my job but I can't run so everybody who can't run must be good at their jobs. There are plenty of people who can do both. If you can't pass this easy PT test then maybe you should find work elsewhere. The AF has mandated that you stay fit. I personally don't want to be led by an Airman who can't meet standards, any standard. Per AFI 36-2618, it's a requirement for our leaders to be physically ready to accomplish the mission and maintain excellent physical conditioning. If you are not willing to be fit to fight then go work for United Airlines.

Craig Kirwin, Shaw AFB

6/7/2010 9:11:56 AM ET
Rarely do I add comments but this is a topic that is special to me. Fitness standards in the military are extremely important and every Airman should strive to maintain a consistent level of true fitness. Regardless of AFSC you never know when an attack or situation will require you to perform. I served many years in the Air Force and was faced with real-world attacks and events that pushed my physical limits as well as those around me. We depended on each other to get us through the situation whether is was carrying out a wounded comrade or lifting tools and equipment to get a job done.That being said notice I used the term true fitness. There are standards that measure true fitness which I think should be adapted not just for the Air Force but for all military branches including guard and reserve. Body fat percentage testing versus a simple waist measurement. Aerobic endurance testing versus just a speed test. Muscular strength and muscular endurance should be tested.

Brad S, Tyndall AFB

6/7/2010 9:11:29 AM ET
1.5 miles is not long-distance nor do you have to be a marathon runner to run. Running faster just requires practice running faster no matter your body type.

Maj A, JBMDL

6/7/2010 9:03:38 AM ET
The AF is not trying to create a bunch of skinny runners. Running a mile and a half in a reasonable time can be obtained by most anyone if they try. Also for the record if you have a 39 or more inch waist you are not fit. I'm 5'10 and 220lbs with a 34 inch waist. If I had a 39 inch waist I would just be another out of shape AF SNCO which we have plenty. The new program is a step in the right direction. It is hard to create a program that fits everyones person fitness expectations but we are moving in the right direction. I'm tired of hearing everyones personal excuse of why they can't pass the new test. So if it's such a joke then it should be no problem to score excellent.

MSgt Paul, Bagram

6/7/2010 8:07:56 AM ET
I find it odd that you can actually get a 90 on the new PT test but fail and end up with potentially a mark on your career because you didn't meet a minimum. I know the AF used some sort of national average to come up with the push up and sit up minimums but tell me how many of those national averages had FACs looking for precision push-ups and sit ups? Essentially you can be fit but fail... how does that work?

MM, Midwest

6/7/2010 5:39:41 AM ET
I think this is a step in the right direction but I do agree that excellent scores should offer points towards promotion. Like TJ said normally people in the excellent category would gladly test every month so testing once a year opposed to twice a year isn't much incentive plus most PT programs already have a quarter or monthly practice test so you are testing regardless. The main problem I have with the Air Force PT test is the fact they have minimum standards. I myself right now have a 40 inch waist yet I run a 12 minute 1.5 mile, mid to low 11s on a good day and max out pushups situps. According to the point total I would be getting a 81.5 or lower via the new point system. So you are telling me that an 81 point total wouldn't be fit to fight because of an inch. That is garbage plain and simple. And believe me I know plenty of thick Air Force men and women who are in great shape but now with the new minimum standards of the waist they are in jeopardy of getting force shaped.

SSgt W, Texas

6/6/2010 8:34:19 PM ET
Sumo wrestlers are very fit also--but I imagine would not present a fit image in uniform. How large your waist is directly correlates to your risk of heart disease look it up--39 inches is pushing the limit no matter how big your chest. Are you really fit? The new test has us focused on fitness and getting folks to the gym. The other half of the battle formula is eating right to slim that waist down out of the danger zone. That is healthy fit.

ERB, Tokyo Japan

6/6/2010 9:56:45 AM ET
FINALLY the AF uses a bit of common sense in allowing those who are doing the right thing-a bit of a reward. This is incentive enough for me to push it a bit harder as I've always been at the 88.7 level. I will push that extra bit to get a 90. People complain too much though. The idea of the program is to encourage year round fitness-it worked for me. I dropped 30 pounds and hit the trail. I've suffered injury but am still healthier than I was in my early 20s. Isn't that the point of the program? Unfortunately at my base I see a lot of very obese people walking around the track in their PT gear. I'd venture a guess that most of these will fail the new test.

Sgt S, Offutt AFB

6/6/2010 8:41:28 AM ET
If the AF would do away with categories and scores and adopt a go-no go number for each fitness assessment component for age and gender, we would have the best fitness program in the DoD. Too many hurt feelings are driving dissent and non-compliance across the force. As always, since we're the smart branch we've declared ourselves to be too smart to follow simple instructions. Past is prologue.

JT, Washington D.C.

6/6/2010 4:18:14 AM ET
The only people I have ever seen who complain about a fitness test are those that don't practice for it. Running doesn't turn you into a weak runt. It builds your lean muscle and stamina. By the way, push ups and sit ups are good for you too and might even make you beefier. You have two choices: work out and stay in, or don't work out get a referral performance report and be forced out. The time for excuses has past. I understand how rough some airmen's jobs are. I understand that long hours in the heat make it hard. But working out makes it easier to deal with that stuff, as does loosing the excess weight.

MSgt V, Balad Iraq

6/5/2010 6:44:01 PM ET
I find the AF fitness test to be, politely put, a joke. Ask a physician and he or she will tell you we don't know the fitness level of an individual by how fast they run how many push-ups they can do etc.IF we're serious then let's get serious but this is sad. I'm 6ft, 4in, 235lbs and have a tested body fat of 9 percent. Yes I'm FIT. BUT...I'm not a rabbit with a 13 min run and I have a 39in middle but a 56 14in chest. But with the new standards I'm now on the edge of failing. Please.

Old Senior Officer, March ARB

6/5/2010 2:53:34 PM ET
To those in the Crossfit or strength training community this is yet another worthless futile attempt. I will continue to weigh 20 lbs above my MAW, squat, bench, dead lift etc and do my sprinting and interval work. I will take the test and that's the extent of my involvement with it. I can echo the feelings against the skinny poster boys in that their only merit is they do well on an outdated test. I have my own fitness goals and I feel they are more in line with a fit-to-fight mentality and I could honestly not care less about this bureaucratic mess.

Yoked, CT

6/5/2010 1:58:31 PM ET
I think beefier is just another word for fat. The guys who actually hit the gym are there right now not posting comments on this site.

MSgt H, Ellsworth AFB

6/5/2010 5:26:04 AM ET
Okay, really. Was it really necessary to go to testing two times a year? You are now offering an incentive to ultimately reduce the workload of a system you put into place. It was obvious from the get go that this would DOUBLE the workload. McFLY, let's think Quick, the KNEE JERKING. Why not stick with the once a year for everyone? Also got to agree with the folks who are not gifted runners or blessed with small waists. Some of the small folks, men and women, might not be able to drag a larger person out of a burning vehicle or building in full IBA in 120 degree heat. How about this? The AF ought to be putting more time and effort into giving more thorough physicals to their members. The PHAs we have right now are ridiculous. If there is such a health concern and there should be, then invest in MORE preventative measures or medicine, not just the one facet of PT.

Reality Check, Iraq

6/5/2010 3:06:49 AM ET
Friendly feedback. It seems the Air Force is acting impulsively with all the changes. We need to make a decision and stick with it. Continuously making changes on the fly gives the sense that the Air Forces really doesn't know what's going on. It's a credibility thing.

N. Plante, Incirlik

6/5/2010 2:59:48 AM ET
I recently had my first PT at my first assignment. I am very new to the AF but I find it very strange that such an honored and decorated organization is having so many problems and changes to its PT testing and rules of engagement. I think they should stick with one thing and everyone should deal with it; no special rewards, no easy way out, and no cutting valuable members of our AF out because their waist is too large or they can't run as fast. I believe that if a person can do his or her job and be in shape to deploy than there is no reason for them to be kicked out. I'm not complaing about this because I'm not in shape either. I did very well actually. I just don't find it fair for everyone else.

Amn M, Hickam AFB

6/4/2010 8:24:21 PM ET
The PT test has been skewed for years. As a skinny guy I passed it with ease but I have never been able to bench my own weight. And no way would I want to drag anyones beefy Airman out of a Humvee.

MJ, MI

6/4/2010 7:43:13 PM ET
Fitness is important but we have lost the ball on other things. We need to get our priorities straight and fast. I agree with PK in Texas. The poster child fitness guys are not always the ones who can carry the biggest load.

MB, Edwards

6/4/2010 7:00:27 PM ET
Two things Everyone's whining about skinny people who can run getting the better scores. It doesn't matter what size you are, If you practice, you can run faster and better. it's only 1.5 miles. Second thing, a real incentive to do better on the fitness test is to make actual scores count towards promotion. Not the checking of the same block on piece of paper if you're a lazy slob who just passes with a 75 or if you really try and score 90 or better.

TSgt B Bagram AF, Bagram AF Afghanistan

6/4/2010 6:36:01 PM ET
I have learned many years ago that to be successful in the Air Force you must be flexible to change and learn to adopt the leaderships decisions. I am not saying that these decisions and the people making them are the smartest ones out there but we must support those who actually have the power to create and make the final call. Ride out the wave and just hope that new smarter ideas come from the next leadership team.

Charlie, HI

6/4/2010 6:00:26 PM ET
I get a kick out of the people who say you must be a distance runner to do well in the running part. I am 53 and can still run the mile and a half in less than 12 minutes. My last active duty time was under 10 and a half. I have a 35 inch waist so Idid not max that part. If you cannot pass, it is not the test's fault. It is that you are lazy, plain and simple.

Jim H, Omaha NE

6/4/2010 5:02:51 PM ET
As a Reservist close to an excellent score this is incentive to get over that hump. We only get 24 working days per year so the fitness test is a factor for us. However this is not incentive for those not near excellent.I'd like to know when we'll get the altitude adjustment back. Those of use testing at altitude are punished -- and careers potentially affected -- by this omission.

jr, Colorado

6/4/2010 4:43:26 PM ET
To all of you complaining about the changes Don't look at them as change we look at them as adapting. The only constant in this military is change. And to those talking about the untucked shirts in the pic...we used to be allowed to wear them that way but it changed. Get over it.

Rob A, JBLM

6/4/2010 4:18:27 PM ET
I had the AF fitness poster child that worked for me at Offutt. Every year he'd score 100 on his PT test. To bad he was 30 pounds under his medical minimum weight for his height under doctors orders to eat 6 times a day had prescriptions for Ensure by the case and would spend 2-3 months every year in the hospital for collapsed lungs due to being underweight. However he sure did exercise alot. Being skinny and having the ability to run fast doesn't make you any more combat ready than a beefier Airman that can carry the skinny guy all day.

PK, Texas

6/4/2010 3:45:59 PM ET
Can leadership please make an idea and stick with it for once. This program has already been delayed 6 months and tinkered with and now this comes out less than a month before the ultimate PT solution comes on-line. What's nextEven the US Army isn't as asinine with their PT program you score a perfect on your PT test good job see you in 6 months since it's a requirement they test twice a year. It's simple and to the point. If I recall correctly isn't a primary reason we're going to twice a year because leadership decided once a year wasn't promoting a healthy fit-to-fight force and was worreid about people slacking throughout the year Maybe I'm just another troop who feels we continue to take one step forward four steps back but I do know my Airman's Creed so I guess I have that going for me.

SSgt P, southwest asia

6/4/2010 3:40:36 PM ET
Excellent Article I am sure the photo used was taken prior to policy of tucking in your PT shirts. To me it is pretty funny.

Adam Chuilli, Keelser AFB

6/4/2010 3:36:00 PM ET
This isn't an incentive 6 months versus 1 year...who cares The mentality is Fit to Fight year round Right Produce some REAL incentive for those less motivated and for those who are in that excellent range. Fitness is noted on the Performance Reports let it truly reflect in promotion.

Jasen, Work

6/4/2010 3:30:41 PM ET
As far as the untucked shirts maybe that base does not require a tucked in shirt...I just PCSd from a base where we did not have to tuck our shirts and came to a base that did...But this whole PT nonsense to me is a joke...You have different people with different levels of physical ability...I know I am not a distance runner nor have I ever been and I have not had less then a 35 inch waist since high school and I seriously doubt I will ever get that low again...If they want to do this they should have some type of training for to help people like myself who are not good runners...Instead they just throw it on you and if you fail to much you get kicked out...Seems to me this is just a way to forceshape the Air Force...You gonna have a bunch of skinny runners that can't do nothing...Meanwhile all the good workers are gonna get kicked out because they cannot run very fast...Doesn't seem right but who am I to judge

Slim, NC

6/4/2010 2:41:25 PM ET
I see alot of untucked shirts in this photo Someone should have corrected this unforgivable violation of policy and procedure.

Dane, Col

6/4/2010 2:37:38 PM ET
So is this to reduce testing workload or reward airmen or both Sounds like somebody needs to better think through the program. Fitness is important and we need to meet a standard. This is simply another case of how the standard has too often and too rapidly shifted.

TD, California

6/4/2010 2:07:16 PM ET
Apparently if you receive an excellent you don't have to tuck in your PT shirt.

Jered Schaugaard, Offutt AFB

6/4/2010 1:55:19 PM ET
This is a good idea but If you want a real incentive for more Airmen to improve their fitness score how about offering points toward promotion testing? Most of the people in the excellent category don't really care if we have to test once twice or 8 times a year. just my 2 cents.

TJ, Randolph AFB

6/4/2010 12:12:45 PM ET
This provision is ridiculous... one team one fight One team infighting more life it. The Air Force's PT test rewards you if you are a rail-thing male fashion model with a 28 inch waist. I'm a bigger guy because I hit the weight room rather than run marathons. Why am I to be punished because the wind can't blow me down at 20 miles per hour? And trust me if you and I are in a Humvee together when an IED goes off and you need someone to throw you over their shoulder and get you the heck away from an ambush which one do you want Rail-thin guy or the beefier guy who can carry more weight? THAT'S the ultimate decision when it comes to a PT test.

SSgt C, Peterson AFB

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