Airmen finish the final laps in their biannual Air Force Fitness Test at Robert Morris University’s indoor track. This running facility provides shelter during these cold winter months, and enables Airmen to test while temperatures are below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.(Photo by Tech Sgt. Ralph Van Houtem/U.S. Air Force photo)
Senior Airman Regis Corso, a supply specialist with the 911th Mission Support Group and physical training leader, monitors the time of Airmen during the run portion of the revised Air Force Fitness Program during the January Unit Training Assembly. Due to the cold weather, the 911th AW has been using both the Robert Morris University and Sewickley YMCA indoor track facilities to conduct the run portion of the Fitness Program.(Photo by Staff Sgt. Roberto Modelo/U.S. Air Force photo)
1/18/2011 - PITTSBURGH IAP ARS -- As Airmen start the New Year, they will start it with changes made to the Fitness Program. The formal Air Force policy for the Fitness Program, AFI 36-2905, was revised on Dec. 20, 2010, but became effective January 2011.
In addition to Air Force-wide changes, Airmen at the 911th Airlift Wing will see changes to how the Fitness Program is carried out at the local level.
"Leadership will try to make the program as seamless as possible," said Lt. Col. Patrick Ryan, 911th Mission Support Group commander.
Some of the changes to AFI 36-2905 were based on feedback from the field. They include: walkers must walk before they do their abdominal measurements, push-ups, and sit-ups; the temperature threshold for testing is now 20 degrees as opposed to 30 degrees; four failures in a two year period causes an Airmen to be reviewed by a Medical Evaluation Board; an exemption for one year is reviewed by a civilian primary care manager and possibly an MEB; and no more military clinic exemptions.
The Air Force Fitness Management System has been updated for the most part to reflect the new test criteria.
At the 911th AW, the program structure will be headed by a wing fitness coordinator, the unit fitness program manager and the physical training leader. This structure will be different than in the past where these functions usually existed with each Airman's unit.
"Airmen should check with their first sergeants or commanders to know who their UFPM's or PTL's are," said Colonel Ryan.
Also, the program has been modified to try to provide continuity during inclement weather. The base fitness center will still be used for waist measurements, push-ups, and sit-ups. However, starting in January, the plan is to use the Robert Morris University and Sewickley YMCA indoor tracks during inclement weather. The Moon Area High School track is still scheduled to be used at all other times.
"Leadership will continue to try to make improvements like the indoor track in order to minimize the impact on Airmen," said Colonel Ryan.
