News

New AF fitness standards push for leaner, meaner Airmen

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Grant Saylor
  • 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  The new Air Force physical training requirements are now in effect. Reservists, Air National Guardsmen, and active-duty Airmen are now required to comply with new standards which may require more individual conditioning to get in shape. Airmen must now pass all four phases of the PT test (abdominal circumference, sit ups, push ups, and aerobic), and can no longer "make up" for a failure to pass one phase by scoring well in another. Minimum requirements must be passed for each component, including achieving a passing score of 75 or higher.

Per the new regulations, Airmen who test in all four phases of the fitness program on or after July 1 and who score an "excellent" (90 or above) are only required to test once a year. These Airmen will need to retest by the last day of the month, 12 calendar months after the previous "excellent" test date.

Airmen who score an "excellent" but were medically exempt from testing in one or more of the four components will test twice a year, as will Airmen who score satisfactory (75 to 89.9 percent).

Airmen who score an "unsatisfactory" (74.9 or below) must retest within 90 days of a failed official fitness assessment.

Members can access their fit test scores and their next testing date anytime by logging onto the Air Force portal, and selecting "AFFMS - AF Fitness Management System" from the "fitness and health links" drop down menu.

Airmen can find a wealth of information regarding the new fitness standards by selecting "Air Force Fitness Program Website" from the same "fitness and health links" drop down menu. This website answers frequently asked questions about the new program, and directs Airmen to various fitness charts and Air Force Guidance for the new fitness program, AFI 36-2905, for more information.

The Air Force Fitness Program goal is to motivate Airmen to participate in a year-round physical conditioning program that emphasizes total fitness, to include proper aerobic conditioning, strength and flexibility training, and healthy eating. Health benefits from an active lifestyle will increase productivity, optimize health, and decrease absenteeism while maintaining a higher level of readiness.

(Some information in this story was taken from the Air Force Fitness Program website.)