Under a directive issued by Air Force headquarters, the new physical training requirements go into effect July 1.
The Air Force means to have healthier, better-prepared members at all levels, and the new emphasis brings into play aerobic conditioning, strength training and flexibility, and healthy eating
"Health benefits from an active lifestyle will increase productivity, optimize health, and decrease absenteeism while maintaining a higher level of readiness," the Air Force Web site on the new standards explains.
Under the new testing, 1st Lt. Nathan Allred, 75th Force Support Squadron deputy sustainment flight chief, indicates that the percentage increase for fail rates from the old standards to the new standards is 10 percent; failures with the current standards are at 18 percent, and failures based on the new standards would be at 29 percent as of the last statistics available for a recent testing in January.
Roger Braner, 75th FSS sustainment flight chief, strongly recommends intense circuit training classes available at the Warrior Health and Wellness Center for those concerned about improving fitness levels for testing.
Currently all testing is being conducted by Fitness Assessment Cell personnel at the fitness center under both criteria and demonstrates to those being tested where they fall under the new guidelines before they come into play July 1.
The new test focuses on waist circumference, a timed 1.5 mile run, and how many push ups and sit ups can be performed in one minute. These fall into gender and age specific parameters and receive composite scores.
Since the new standard, once in place, will be used in twice yearly fitness testing, the concept of being physically fit should become standard practice for all those subject to the new testing requirements.
Quote from Chief David Nordel, 75th ABW on operational readiness or how it improves the health of active duty enlisted anticipated.
For more specifics on testing charts or how your current values might fall within them visit the Web site at http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/affitnessprogram/charts.asp.
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