New PT regulations change Air Force culture

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Christopher L. Ingersoll
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  In January 2010 the Air Force is releasing new standards and policies for its physical training program which will be implemented Air Force wide and could have a dramatic impact.

The new standards at a glance will include all the same testing areas: running, push-ups, sit-ups and waist measurements. The change, however, is in how they are scored. Each category will include minimum passing scores that, if are not met, will result in failure for the whole test. Testing will be twice per year and will be proctored by a civilian in order to maintain integrity in the scores. The points system is going to be much more incremental and have smaller steps between levels.

With projected standards having been released recently, many are wondering how they will fare under the new system and what sort of impact it will have on the Air Force at large.

Lt. Col. Ginger Wallace, 488th Intelligence Squadron commander, recently decided to step out of the realm of speculation to see how she would perform under the new system, and she didn't come away disappointed. She scored 100 percent and was pleased with the new test and what she said she feels it will do for the Air Force.

"I think the new standards are much more realistic in general," she said. "Having reasonable waist measurements means that more than just the very, very thin will be able to max out that portion of the test. And, having to pass a minimum score in every category to pass your overall test means that Airmen won't be able to maintain an unhealthy lifestyle and still slide by."

Anthony Cook, the fitness program manager at Hardstand Gym agreed.

"Overall, I'd say the test is more difficult, but certain elements are also more realistic," said Mr. Cook. "Under the old system, someone who is just naturally skinny could max the waist measurement and if they can run well, they could pass the test with an 80 percent without ever doing a push-up or sit-up."

"Then minimum scores eliminate that possibility and forces everyone to deal with the muscular component, while the waist minimums force everyone to watch their overall fitness, while still managing to be fair and realistic."

The scoring, however, isn't the only change that will be implemented in January. After seeing the number of passing scores drop drastically during a random test conducted by independent parties in Pacific Air Forces the Air Force decided to implement independent civilian employees to conduct and record the tests and bring integrity back into the system.

"I think the Air Force will take a hit in the beginning when the numbers aren't fudged anymore but in the long run it will help the Air Force weed out those who aren't complying with standards and it will help morale," said Mr. Cook. "When someone who is working hard to maintain their fitness levels sees that there are others in uniform who are still getting by with being overweight and out of shape, it lowers morale. Under the new system everyone will have to take fitness seriously."

Whether you are excited or nervous about the new standards, they are coming hard and fast, and it may bring a heavy impact with it.