Air Force Fitness Program guidelines at a glimpse

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Robert Modelo
  • 911 AW/PA
PITTSBURGH IAP ARS --  Since the new Air Force Fitness Program guidelines came out in early 2010, physical training leaders at the 911th Airlift Wing, and Airmen alike here, have been making a concerted effort to meet those new guidelines. However, there is still some confusion on how the program is administered, when it started and what are some of the details involved?

As part of the new Fitness Program, independent contractor Fitness Assessment Cells were established. These cells ensure that Airmen adhere to the new Fitness Program guidelines. However, the Air Force Reserve Command component does not have civilians who can administer it, so they rely on the PTLs to complete the function. To keep in line with the integrity of the Fitness Program, PTLs do not oversee members of their own unit.

"They are kind of like a referee," said Lt. Col. Patrick Ryan, 911th Mission Support Group commander and PTL. "They are there to ensure that rules of the test are being followed."

An Air Force memorandum was issued in January 2010 that outlined the frequency of the Fitness Program. Specifically, it outlined the change of the Fitness Program test frequency from one year to six months. However, the standardized rules for the program did not take effect until July 2010.

"This was an area where Airmen became confused," said Colonel Ryan.

"If someone tested on December 31, 2009, they would not have to take their PT test again until December 31, 2010,... but if they tested January 1, 2010, they would have to test again on June 1, 2010," said Colonel Ryan.

The standardized rules of the program are those having to deal with the pushups, sit-ups, run and waist measurement. Those rules are different than those in place prior to July 2010 and have confused many Airmen. Most of the differences have to do with the waist measurement, pushups and sit-ups.

The waist measurements are taken from the top of an Airman's right-side hip bone, on bare skin, under normal respiration a total of three times.

With pushups, Airmen must keep their hands shoulderwidth apart, coming down to a 90 degree angle with their arms. To complete the pushup, Airmen must extend their arms so that their back is flat.

For sit-ups, Airmen must start with their shoulder blades touching the ground behind them and their arms crossed. The Airmen would complete one sit-up by coming up and having their elbows touch their thigh or knee and returning to the start position.

Each of the program's components is grouped into categories consisting of Cardiorespiratory Endurance, Body Composition and Muscle Fitness. Category requirements are further grouped into age brackets. Airmen must pass each category, within their age bracket, in order to pass the Air Force Fitness Program test.

"It is possible to fail one single portion of the test and get an excellent score," said Colonel Ryan. "However, it would still mean they fail the test in its entirety."

It is important that Airmen understand the facts of the program in order to do well on their test.

Airmen are encouraged to present any questions to the designated PTLs. Airmen can visit the Air Force Fitness and Air Force Fit-to-Fight web pages to get general information on requirements. Links to these webpages are located on the Air Force Portal at www.my.af.mil