Airmen perform pushups during an Air Force fitness test Oct. 19, 2010, at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington D.C. The Air Force uses an overall composite fitness score and minimum scores per component based on aerobic fitness, body composition and muscular fitness to determine overall fitness. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Raheem Moore)
Air Force members sprint toward the finish line to complete their 1.5 mile run of the Air Force Fitness Test at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Oct 19, 2010. The Air Force uses an overall composite fitness score and minimum scores per component based on aerobic fitness, body composition and muscular fitness components to determine overall fitness. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Raheem Moore)
by Tech. Sgt. Amaani Lyle
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
10/29/2010 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- "Readiness," said the chief master sergeant of the Air Force, "is the primary purpose of developing the new fitness standard, and, so far, Airmen are stepping up to the challenge as the program normalizes."
The new physical-training standard is a way to ensure Airmen are prepared to do the nation's work and encourage them to embrace a culture of fitness, said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy Oct. 28.
"Nearly 50 percent of Airmen are already reaching that 90 or above score, which is a significant accomplishment," he added. "It wasn't like that the very first month out of the chute."
The statistics reflect Chief Roy's assertions.
According to Air Force senior leaders, the service has seen the percentage of the total force passing the test increase from 77.9 percent to 82.6 percent in three months since the July 1, 2010, launch of the revised fitness program. Additionally, the rate of Airmen scoring 90 points or greater has nearly doubled since 2009.
A review of recent Air Force basic military training fitness test results underscores the conclusion that Airmen can quickly train to a standard and excel in physical training. Male and female trainees significantly increased their scores at the end of the eight weeks for sit-ups, push-ups and the 1.5-mile run times.
"Our Airmen in basic training are leading the way with fitness; right now, we're proud to say that the fitness pass rate is approximately 98 percent by the time they graduate," said Chief Master Sgt. Mark Long, the enlisted promotions, evaluations and fitness chief.
"We're seeing improvements through every portion of the test as a direct result of constant exercise and fitness," Chief Long said.
Chief Roy credits leadership involvement, unit cohesion and the wingman concept for the uptick in passing numbers across the board.
"We're already seeing a cultural change, even for Airmen engaged in combat operations in extreme environments," Chief Roy said. "I see individuals, or entire commands, working with each other, helping their wingmen through team building and esprit-de-corps sports activities."
Following the review of the fitness program last year, greater emphasis was placed on the aerobic portion of the test.
Abdominal circumference measurement is a very clear indicator of health and fitness, but the abdominal circumference is now worth 20 points to allow more points for the run, Chief Long said.
The new fitness standard also mandates that Airmen must meet minimum standards in each portion to pass the overall test. Attaining minimum standards alone does not earn a passing score. Additionally, a passing score does not constitute passing if category minimums are not attained.
Fitness assessment cell monitors said a long-term health commitment is critical to success.
"Fitness is not just something you do for six-months or once a year, but something that can sustain you over different duty titles or different locations," said Sinclair Bayard, the fitness testing technician at the Pentagon. "It's really about bringing an awareness of total health and wellness."
Chief Long said the Air Force's long-term fitness goals are simple.
"We want to continue to emphasize a fitness culture for the Air Force and create a better warfighter by having healthier Airmen," he said. "Injuries or health problems take our Airmen away from the fight."
A fit force reduces not only overall health care costs, but helps keep Airmen invested in their wellness, even beyond the parameters of duty, he said.
"Leaders at all levels need to emphasize fitness year round," Chief Long said. "When Airmen see that we care from the top, I believe they'll want to take control of their fitness."
The chief noted since Airmen have already surpassed the Air Force's projected 75 to 80 percent passing rate, he predicts the service will continue to raise the bar.
"We still have more opportunity for improvement, but so far, Airmen have risen to the challenge," he said. "We're very pleased."
Comments
11/4/2010 7:55:59 AM ET @SNCO D sounds like your job doesn't take you OTW. You failed your PFT twice before sounds like you don't have an excuse if the AF cuts you loose when you return and fail it the third time. Frankly I don't how they would let you deploy again if you are not meeting the standards. But hey I'm not call the shots.
Mo, MidSouth
11/4/2010 12:01:45 AM ET SNCO D Failed twice That doesn't sound like a forced retirement to me sounds more like giving up. This can't be the first time in your career of service that you've been asked to put up with something you think is ridiculous. Why are the new PT standards becoming the one little thing that people just don't want to put up with?
A1C R, Misawa
11/2/2010 3:55:47 PM ET I have failed the new PT test twice. Despite my apparent lack of fitness to fight I have deployed five times since 2004 and I'm getting ready to ship off back to Afghanistan again very soon. I guess it's amazing that I've been able to successfully carry out my wartime mission in combat zones in my unfit condition. I don't recall any need to do push ups or situps in the field - and if I had needed to run 1.5 miles well I would have had bigger problems to deal with. Looks like a forced retirement when I fail the test after returning from my next deployment.
SNCO D, Florida
11/2/2010 3:13:27 PM ET If you can't meet the standard you don't get the opportunity to serve. It is as simple as that. The AF PFT was briefed along time a go if you can't meet the minimum standard then it is your fault. All the whining isn't going to help train to meet the standard or get out. I don't think you have to pass a PFT to work at a local fast food place.
Mo, MidSouth
11/2/2010 1:05:53 PM ET A1C R as a former dorm dweller I can voucher for what you say. I think the DFAC needs to cut back on fried foods and suger laden soft drinks. I wouldn't be opposed to getting rid of soda all together. It's just a gut buster. I do think that even the healthier options are sometimes loaded with way to much salt and/or sugar. Nutrition is a major part of fitness and it's something that Air Force does not emphasize enough or some of its information is completely outdated.
SrA L, Nellis
11/2/2010 2:46:00 AM ET Another effort to slice the force down so that the Air Force won't have too many bodies in the service. Nice job. And while you are at it, why don't we spend more money on hiring civilians to conduct PT tests because we can't trust our own people to conduct the PT test. Fantastic. I don't mind the PT test, but just because you can meet the minimum requirements or even if you get 90's on the your fitness test doesn't mean that you are ready for war/deployments.
SSgt B, Somewhere
11/1/2010 8:21:39 PM ET 10 Year AF Vet - I agree with everything you say except the part about the Dining Facility not serving healthy food. Being that I'm an unaccompanied Airman living in the dorms I eat almost all of my meals there. The Dining Facility has a decent selection of healthy options but most Airmen opt for the cheeseburgers, onion rings, french fries, soft drinks and anything else that is loaded with sugar or grease. Every time I'm waiting on grilled chicken I watch a multitude of Airmen load up on fried foods and ask for extra mayo or ranch dressing on their sandwiches. Oh and peach cobbler is an obligatory addition to any well-balanced Airman's breakfast, lunch AND dinner.
A1C R., Misawa
11/1/2010 1:48:10 PM ET Sgt Me Here - The 2 percent that do not pass do not make it through. There is a 100 percent pass to ship standard. If they do not pass they don't graduate on time and have up to 30 days to pass PT and grad or process for discharge.
MTI, Lackland
11/1/2010 1:41:56 PM ET I believe that nearly 50 percent of Airmen are already... scoring 90 or above may be driven more by changes in how scores are calculated than by improved fitness. My PT test performance was nearly identical to last year but my scores improved 10 percent.
Lt Col Farney, Pentagon
11/1/2010 1:21:46 PM ET The new fitness standards are a joke. Their minimum component requirements are an even bigger joke. We have people in my unit scoring in the 90's yet failing because they were one short on pushups or situps. Conversely if you meet all the minimum components you still fail Only in the air force can you meet the minimum standard yet fail. Add to that the fact that leadership more like management if you ask me is using the PT test as a scare tactic combined with the fact that it is now WORSE to fail a PT test than it is to get a DUI and the whole program is a total joke. Pretty sad when you know getting a 74.5 on your test ensures a 4 referral EPR, but if you get behind the wheel with double the legal limit of alcohol in your blood you very possibly can still get a 5 depending on your supervisor/commander. Where have our priorities gone? Get a clue air force management and get it quick before you lose all of your mid-level leaders.
1MadTSgt, Little Rock
11/1/2010 1:02:34 PM ET Wow, the comments on here are unbelievable. I do not know where to start at. First, yes the PT failures are higher but Airmen have had a few years to come to terms with this and get in shape and/or train to pass the new PT standard. If people are getting hurt with the new test then maybe they are not fit enough to be in the AF and they should get out. The new PT is tough, but its easily passable if you are in shape and put effort into it. The only person someone can blame for failing is themselves. Let's quit making excuses for people and help them, and if they don't want help then lets remove them from my AF.
SNCO Robert, Lakenheath
11/1/2010 11:48:00 AM ET All due respect to Chief Long but abdominal circumference no way shape or form tells you how fit you are. Please tell me. Anybody Who cares if their waist is a 40 can that person pass the run push-ups and situps. That's what matters. Are NFL players out of shape because they might have a waist at 39 inches or more? the Answer is NO
Ssgt. Jawback, Savannah
11/1/2010 10:58:59 AM ET Have to agree with 10 year AF Vet. Fear is the main motivator with this program, not willingness. I question the noted improvement as well. The FAC is not administering the test as strictly as they did at the start. I know that they are being pressed to show positive impact and because of this, they are getting more lenient. Even between test administrators they are already large disparities. Airmen are talking. Make sure you get tested by either the overweight tester or the smaller timid guy cause they count more pushups. All being said the AF has GROSSLY lost focus on mission and job performance in lieu of constant uniform changes, college education, leadership in volunteer activities and PT. While those things are important they should NOT be the primary focus of AF leadership.
25 Year AF Vet, USA
11/1/2010 10:08:13 AM ET Did the surveys and results also include the increasing number of injured airmen due to attempting to keep up with fitness scores? Just seems to be a lot more leg braces, canes and crutches going around lately with the big PT push. And i have to agree, airmen afraid of loosing their jobs and their future doesn't exactly count as embracing.
TSgt unsure, AF
11/1/2010 9:52:53 AM ET 4 months is not nearly long enough to get an accurate assessment of the success of this program. What the article fails to mention is TOTAL percentage of the AF that has tested under the new fitness standard.For example 100 percent of those that have tested in my section have passed, but to put that in perspective only 10 percent of my section has tested. The article has some misleading numbers when you don't look at the 'whole picture'. Let's not pat the AF on the back so soon Chief.
Sgt Sunny, Florida
11/1/2010 9:04:26 AM ET If Airmen are embracing the fitness culture why do we have 19-20 year olds who can't meet the minimum push-ups or sit-ups? Why is our unsat rate climbing to nearly 20 percent?
SNCO, USA
11/1/2010 8:54:30 AM ET Sgt Me it's 98 percent because you will always have that 1-2 percent washout rate due to various reasons. 10 Year while I understand your frustrations you cannot continually blame this that or them. Instead turn your negative attitude into something positive and DO something about the overall unwillingness to serve with excellence that you see. This would be an opportunity for YOU as a LEADER to motivate and challenge your peers to meet those high standards.
Steve, Tampa
11/1/2010 7:28:29 AM ET I would challenge the statistics provided in the story. I agree with the 10Y Vet. Being deployed I have seen what passing the 1.5 mile run push-ups and sit-ups means and it is not combat readiness. Also I challenge the basis for how the whole fitness test was set up. Supposedly the AF used experts to develop this the charts are these the same experts who developed the PT uniform or thought the bike test was adequate. I think the test should line up with combat readiness and move away from these three categories to add things such as pull-ups sprints and some type of weight carrying event as when your in combat these are closer to what you will be doing. I don't agree that a waist measurement gives an honest assessment of an individual's overall health. I think once again the Air Force has band-aided the issue and have not fixed anything. AIM HIGH...Fly Fight Win
Maj B, USA
10/31/2010 11:21:31 PM ET The 10 year vet nails it. Anything more than five percent failure is statistically significant. Why are we not looking to right this wrong? Chief, it is time to lead and get in the boss's ear about adjusting the standard that about 15 of your service cannot meet. Meanwhile everyone is focused on the PT test and not all the other poorly designed and executed changes that are degrading our service's ability to fight and win.
TD, California
10/31/2010 6:24:20 PM ET I just retired this past April after devoting 23 years of my life to the Air Force as a weapons loader. I never had a problem passing the any of the PT Tests that were administered over that time. One of the reasons I retired early was because I saw so many Chiefs and Seniors with a waist of over 40 inches or more and they would not be on any type of training program but they would sure as heck discipline anyone that would not pass the PT Test. The hypocrisy was just to much to bare anymore and when I had my retirement ceremony I apologized to my flight for not being able to deal with the hypocrisy anymore.
Rited after 23 years, Chicago
10/31/2010 6:47:08 AM ET @10 yr AF Vet - Someone outside the squadrons giving the PT test is a good thing. Let me give an example - my last squadron was a flying one. Our squadron PTL was a pilot plus his additional duty was as a squadron scheduler. On top of this he was a PTL. Our flying hour window was typically 14 hours, so we were flying at all hours of the day. It was tough for him to get more than 1 or 2 people to take the test at a time due to his availability and everyone else's availability. So, he ended up giving 1 or 2 people the test twice a week. Takes about an hour to administer the test. Takes time to enter scores into the PT website. Takes time to write memos when people fail. Takes time to explain to the boss when people fail. Now he has to do twice as much of this work since the test is given twice a year. Get my point? It was a significant time-consuming extra duty. It's an additional duty that we no longer have to do. I'm glad.
Caveman, Bedrock
10/31/2010 4:28:25 AM ET Great, now they probably feel a need to make it harder. I'm sure that push is coming soon.
CB, Hill AFB UT
10/31/2010 1:12:20 AM ET 10 year Vet truer words were never spoken
Disheartened NCO, Yokota
10/30/2010 9:51:09 PM ET I think it is more forced than embraced...
Yes, USA
10/30/2010 6:24:53 PM ET Injuries and health problems take our Airmen away from the fight...Duh. You know what else takes our Amn away from the fight...using PFT shortcomings in conjuction w DOS rollbacks to get them out of the AF. I was deployed long before this PFT and yes, there were some people that didn't have a chance of passing AC minimums but the AOR is a great place to get in shape. Our current AF leaders have continued to talk about physical readiness in every venue that they can, I think, because the many Amn are upset on the administration of the program. I have always scored high on the test but I think utilizing as a separation tool conducted by civilians is completely asinine. I understand that physical readiness is part of the standards that what we have maintain/enforce
AF vet, USA
10/30/2010 12:02:34 AM ET Performing a 1.5 mile run some sit ups push ups and a waist measurement does not equal readiness. Scaring people to simply pass a fit test is not leadership. Having civilians administer the test openly admits we do not obey our first core value. DFAC dining facilities or whatever we call them this season still do not serve healthy food. We have a fit to fight service that still performs below average. Walk into nearly any customer service office and witness if you haven't already done so the overall unwillingness to serve with excellence. Let's continue to reward poor job performance with attaboys for doing a fit test once or twice a year.
10 Year AF Vet, USA
10/29/2010 5:55:55 PM ET Only 98 percent of basic trainees can pass the new PFT I would think that is the one stat in the AF that would be at 100 percent. How can you even get through basic without passing your PT test?
