JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- Air Force announced its suspension of PT testing from Oct. 1, 2020 to Jan. 1, 2021.
“We are pushing the PT testing to Jan. 1 and that’s really for the safety of our Airmen,” said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne Bass during a media briefing with Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr., at the Air Force Association’s 2020 Air, Space & Cyber Conference.
The announcement extends the current suspension of PT tests that began in March.
The 446th Airlift Wing will follow specific health and safety guidelines as outlined by Public Health authorities, Centers for Disease Control as well as state and installation official guidance before testing resumes. This ensures appropriate physical distance standards are rigorously followed as well as health and safety personal protective equipment is procured.
“Safety is the number one priority,” said Master Sgt. Anthony Terry, 446th Force Support Squadron fitness non-commissioned officer in charge. “Testing will begin when the proper go ahead is received.”
What can 446th Reserve Citizen Airmen expect?
Expect fitness testing to look a little different from before to ensure safety of test takers and evaluators.
No height or weight measurements. No abdominal circumference measurement, though everyone will receive maximum points. Social distancing enforced. The use of toe bars to the maximum extent possible. Masks required, but may be removed during the test.
Also, Airmen will have more flexibility to how the test is completed. Tests can be taken during the week with active-duty and 446th units will have the option to self-test under the supervision of a 446th FSS member.
The 446th FSS fitness specialists team is reviewing each of the more than 1,700 wing members to establish priority once testing resumes.
How can 446th Reserve Citizen Airmen stay ready?
Despite the continued gap in fitness testing, it is important to maintain a health and readiness mindset.
“Resiliency is essential,” said Terry. “Reserve Citizen Airmen are facing many additional pressures right now, it is important to try to find balance.”
“Mental wellness first, then physical, and the rest will fall into place.”
Looking to the Comprehensive Airman Fitness program, a fit, ready and resilient force depends on the balance of mental, social, physical and spiritual fitness.
Tech. Sgt. Kanphirom Kananin, 446th FSS Fitness manager, offers a few tips to enhance Reserve Citizen Airmen’s physical mindset.
“Intentionally building healthy practices into a daily routine is key to staying ready,” said Kananin. “One of our core values is excellence. We should always be ready for whatever mission the Air Force has for us. Be your best self.”
Exercise three to five days per week in the house or outside, try YouTube videos, fitness challenges, running outside or High Intensity Interval Training to get your heart rate up, and practice eating health are just a few tips Kananin recommends.
The Air Force recently partnered with Wellbeats, a virtual on-demand fitness app, to give Airmen free access until Jan. 31, 2021, to over 500 classes. The Wellbeats App can be downloaded on any app store. For access, use the invitation code: 479b0f59.
The options are endless for discovering and maintaining new routines. This is a great opportunity to make lasting changes for health and readiness beyond when testing resumes Jan. 1.
For more information on the physical assessment exemption and the adjusted fitness dates, please visit myPers.