Air Force postpones fitness tests to July

The resumption of physical fitness tests for airmen and guards, which had been interrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, has been further delayed.

Rather than restarting in April, which was expected, Air Force officials announced that fitness testing would now resume in July. Commanders will also have the option to postpone testing even further if necessary based on recommendations from local public health officials.

“This is the right move for our Airmen, to make sure we get past controlling the spread of COVID and to make sure we are taking the right steps to build a fitness lifestyle in our military. airmen, rather than aviators who can just pass a physical fitness test, ”Air Force Chief Master Sgt. JoAnne Bass said Thursday in a Facebook post.

Airmen can expect some changes when taking the physical fitness test assessment. The test will consist of three parts – a timed 1.5 mile run and one minute each of push-ups and sit-ups – but will use a new three-part scoring table that will be divided into five-year age brackets instead of 10. years. Details on how the three components will be rated will be released in June, the Air Force said.

Additionally, Airmen will no longer be subjected to the waist circumference measurement element of the test as a points-based aspect, but will be included to ensure Airmen meet body composition requirements.

The Air Force is also reviewing several other options for the strength and cardio components of the test, such as a 20-meter-tall aerobic multi-shuttle run, rowing ergometry, planks, burpees and more.

“We are also conducting a holistic review of the policies associated with the fitness assessment program to determine if they are still a good fit for the Air Force today,” Lt. Gen. Brian Kelly, chief of Air Force deputy staff for manpower, personnel and services, said in an Air Force press release. “This includes a review of who is responsible for performing our tests and how they are administered. “

This is not the first time the PT test has been delayed due to COVID-19. The PT test was scheduled to resume in October 2020, then January 2021, then April 2021. But for now, it looks like aviators will have to wait a few more months.

The Air Force said Airmen can take a diagnostic test or a mock test and use it as an official score if they pass. If they are not successful, the score will not be withheld against them.

Guardians of the Space Force will also be subject to these guidelines until the service creates its own fitness standards.