Are you fit to fight?

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Thomas McGowan
  • 17th Airlift Squadron first sergeant
Are you physically ready to meet the challenges of the Air Force?

For some this is a very easy question to answer. For others it is not.

We are now in the third year of the new fitness standards. When this program was introduced, I was not ready. Thankfully, we had a one-year grace period to get ready. The Air Force chief of staff directed new standards and gave all Airmen time to get in shape for their first official physical fitness test.

Even with a year to prepare, I only scored a 76 on my first test. I realized this was unacceptable, and I challenged myself to do something about it. I made a significant lifestyle change and as a result, my most recent test resulted in a score of 95. 

If I can do it, you can too. Looking back, I realized I have had to survive several variations of fitness testing.

When I first entered active duty in 1991, the Air Force PT test was a 1.5 mile run we reluctantly did once a year. The time to complete the run was some crazy amount of time like 15 minutes. Most Airmen could have walked and still passed the test. It gave us no accurate measurement of our Airmen's fitness level. We also had a high rate of heart attacks and other serious medical issues. 

The Air Force decided to change the way we evaluated fitness. The change was to go to a cycle ergometry or "bike test." At first, the test only measured your VO2 max. Push ups or crunches were not incorporated until about seven years into the test. Because this test did not accurately reflect one's fitness level, the Air Force decided to make a drastic change.

The bike method of fitness evaluation was deemed obsolete. Higher operations tempo as a result of the war on terrorism led to the new fitness test requirements. The Air Force needed a mobile method of evaluating fitness levels to produce battle ready Airmen. And this new process had to be available at deployed locations. Since no equipment was required, we reverted back to a 1.5 mile run. However, this time we added push-ups, crunches and a waist measurement. 

Simply walking the 1.5 miles was not going to cut it anymore. In addition, you needed to ensure your core strength was effectively conditioned as well. With a year to prepare, most Airmen took the challenge to heart and prepared themselves. As noted during the first "free-bee" test, some preparation for the test was required. 

To emphasize the importance of fitness, new guidance mandated commanders establish a unit PT program. A side benefit of this program included giving all assigned Airmen duty time to conduct PT.

With the PT program fully integrated into Air Force culture, we now must challenge ourselves to maintain an exceptionally fit level.

First, take advantage of the time your commander gives you for PT. In my opinion, this doesn't always mean just playing basketball.

Second, we must train for the test. Practice makes perfect. I feel an effective cardiovascular and core fitness workout produces the best results.

Finally, a well-balanced diet is essential and effective. Fad diets generally only give you quick, short-term results. As I have found, there is no need to deny yourself your favorite snacks; just learn to have them in moderation.

As a result of our emphasis on fitness, I feel the Air Force is in the best shape we have ever been. We are ready to meet every challenge our high operations tempo can produce. And as I have personally learned, we are much better equipped to conduct joint operations with our sister services. Capitalize on the fitness opportunities you have and stay fit to fight.

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