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In a move matching the changes in other service branches’ physical fitness tests, the Air Force begins a revamped physical fitness program that began on July 1, 2021. Airmen, time to combat the potentially lessened endurance of the last year or relaxed fitness standards and gear up!
What is the Air Force Fitness Test:
Three components:
- Sit ups = 20 points
- Push ups = 20 points
- 1.5 mile Run = 60 points
This change has removed the waist measurement that was previously involved in the PFT scoring. In addition, the score for push-ups and sit-ups moved from 10 points to 20 points each. The scoring for the 1.5 mile run has remained unchanged. A separate test for body composition will continue at the beginning of FY 2022 in October and details on the body composition program will be released in the future.
One big scoring change to the physical fitness test is that the scores will be group in 5-year age groups versus the previous 10-year age groups. This age groups are: 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, and 55-59. In order to pass, all Airmen must receive 75 total point while meeting the minimum requirements per their age group and their gender in each component.
There will also be alternative “strength and cardiovascular testing exercise options” per the Air Force press release and those details will be release in future weeks. The alternative testing options are planned to be available in January 2022, providing ample time for service members and fitness monitors have several months to understand the new model and testing.
The reason for the changes was clear per Air Force Chief of Staff General CQ Brown Jr, “We are moving away from a one-size-fits-all model. More testing options will put flexibility in the hands of our Airmen – where it belongs. We know not all Airmen maintain their fitness the same way and may excel in different areas. Alternate components provide choices while still providing a mechanism to determine overall fitness.” Similar sentiments were expressed by Chief Master Sgt. Of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass, “Physical fitness is an important part of our everyday lives, it’s more than just a test – it’s a way of life, our readiness and ultimately our future success. [This is] a chance to refocus on building a lifestyle of fitness and health.”
In addition, the Space Force will utilize these guidelines for their physical fitness testing until their own physical fitness tests are established.
