Air Force fitness program revision rewards excellent Airmen

  • Published
  • By Beth Gosselin
  • Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (AFNS) --  Based upon service-wide feedback, Airmen who score a 90 or higher 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 July 1, allows Airmen who test in all four components of the assessment and receive an "excellent" to test only once a year. The components of the new fitness standards 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 assessment once a year.

Airmen must successfully complete all components of the fitness test to qualify for the once a year testing. Airmen who score an "excellent" but are medically exempt from testing in at least one of the components will still need to test twice a year.

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