Airmen with 'excellent' PT score test only once a year

Published July 13, 2010
By Monica Mendoza
21st Space Wing Public Affairs staff writer

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Air Force officials have a little carrot for Airmen who score "excellent" on their physical fitness test: they only have to take the test once a year.

"Those who test in all four components - and earn 90 or above in each - can go to an annual test schedule," said Capt. Jesse Johnson, 21st Force Support Squadron Sustainment Services Flight commander. "That could be motivation."

Everyone else will take the fitness test twice a year as prescribed in the new Air Force fitness standards which went into effect July 1. Last year, the Air Force made its fitness program more rigorous, putting more emphasis on the aerobic portion of the test. The new fitness program aims to create a culture of fitness, so that Airmen are not just working out in the month leading to their annual test, but rather maintain physical fitness year round, Captain Johnson said.

Along with the new standards is the creation of the Fitness Assessment Cell, a five-member team of physical fitness experts who will conduct all of the physical fitness testing for the roughly 6,000 active duty, Reserve and Guard Airmen stationed at Peterson Air Force Base. Joshua Fly, who has worked in the Peterson Sports and Fitness Center for the past four years, is the lead FAC.

"The focus of the new (Air Force Instruction) fitness standards is overall fitness," Mr. Fly said.

Under the new rules, there is a minimum requirement in each of the four areas - waist, sit-ups, pushups and mile and half run. Requirements vary depending on age. Under the old rules, an Airman could test well in two areas and not pass two areas but have a combined passing score.

"Now, you have to be proficient at pushups, sit-ups, waist and the run," Mr. Fly said.
Careful instruction is given before the start of each test. For example, Airmen are instructed on what is a proper sit-up and what won't be counted as one. This month - the first month of the new test requirements - at least two Airmen have failed the PT test each day, Mr. Fly said.

"During unit PT, everyone should take at least 15 minutes to work on pushup and sit-up technique and form, and refer to the AFI as to what we are looking for," Mr. Fly said.

New physical fitness tests

Airmen will take a PT test twice a year. Airmen who earn an "excellent" score on the test in all four categories can resume an annual test schedule.
The test breakdown: aerobic, 60 percent; waist, 20 percent; pushups, 10 percent; sit-ups, 10 percent. Airmen must be proficient in each of the four areas to earn a "satisfactory" score.

Preparing for the test

During unit PT, take 15 minutes to work on technique.
For pushups, elbows should be at a 90 degree angle and then the arms should be fully extended when you come up.
For sit-ups, shoulder blades should touch the mat, arms should stay crossed and in contact with your chest at all times.
For the run, Airmen should practice running 1.5 miles at least two times a week.

Taking the test

Wear PT uniform and come prepared. Airmen not in prescribed PT uniform will be turned away.
Airmen on a medical profile need to bring the proper paperwork to the PT test.