AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- As the Air Force's new physical fitness program begins to roll in July, Airmen will be required to put more emphasis in maintaining their fitness standards throughout the year.
Some of the most significant changes to the fitness program are testing frequency, establishment of fitness assessment cells to proctor tests and the increased emphasis on the aerobic component in scoring.
"I believe that it is a benefit that they have inputted a minimal standard for each portion of the test," said Senior Airman Brittany Van Natta, 31st Fighter Wing Staff Agency physical training leader. "Some Airmen may struggle, but this is good to have them improve more to meet that standard. We need to make sure that we have a fit Air Force so we are prepared for the worst if it may come."
Nine-hundred Aviano Airmen are slated to test in the month of April. They will receive two composite test scores; one under the old fitness standards and one to evaluate where they stand under the Air Force's new standards.
"Three-hundred of the 900 Airmen did not test in a timely manner," said Kevin Eggers, Health and Wellness Center wing physiologist. "We have lots of PTLs, but it's important for units to maintain enough PTLs to meet the numbers of people testing. Only 70 percent of the available slots in PTL class are being utilized."
Airmen will receive age and gender-specific composite scores based on the following maximum component scores: 60 points for aerobic, 20 points for body composition, 10 points for pushups and 10 points for sit-ups. Members testing in all four components will receive a score in one of three categories: Excellent, Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory. Those with exemptions testing in one to three components will be categorized as: Pass, Fail or exempt.
"I think it's somewhat better for the overall Air Force to impose stricter fitness standards," said Staff Sgt. Marius Leak, 31st Force Support Squadron Airmen Leadership School instructor. "I do however take into consideration the leadership who has served 20 years or more and the fact that testing twice a year might cause added stress or become harder for them to maintain the same scores as when they only tested once a year. I think the younger Airmen should test twice a year."
For Mr. Eggers, fitness is very important to the mission accomplishment.
"I definitely believe in fitness," said Mr. Eggers. "Airmen who participate in regular physical activity at least three to five times per week are 30 percent more productive than those who do not. With the Air Force shrinking in manning that's very important to keeping planes in the air and putting bombs on target."
To help active-duty Airmen transition and prepare for testing twice a year, the Dragon Fitness Center offers personal trainers to help maximize fitness performance. For more information, call 632-8206. The Health and Wellness Center offers monthly runner's clinic for those looking to improve on run times. Call the HAWC at 632-4573.