New Air Force Fitness Test: Could You Pass?

As she resumes her fitness tests on July 1, the Air Force is introducing a new scoring system that eliminates waist circumference and increases points for push-ups and sit-ups.

Previously, the “abdominal circumference” counted up to 20 points. Now that it is no longer part of the score, the maximum for push-ups and sit-ups will drop from 10 points to 20 points each. The third part of the test, the 1½ mile race, remains at 60 points.

To pass the test, military personnel must score 75 out of 100 points and meet the minimum requirements for their age and gender in each of the three components.

In another change, the age groups are now five years old, instead of the previous 10. Full scoring tables are attached at the bottom of this article.

The performance required for the maximum of 100 points in certain sample cohorts:

• Men 25 and under: 1.5 mile run in 9:12, 67 push-ups in one minute, 58 sit-ups in one minute.
• Women 25 and under: 1.5 mile run in 10:23, 47 push-ups in one minute, 54 sit-ups in one minute.
• Men 50-54: 1.5 mile run in 10:37, 36 push-ups in one minute, 46 sit-ups in one minute.

The changes to the fitness tests were decided during a disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially, the waistline was temporarily suspended due to social distancing issues, but it was later removed from the grading column altogether.

Although waist measurement is not part of the fitness test, it will still be recorded and may be used as part of a separate body composition assessment.

The Air Force is also planning to roll out new options, possibly as early as January, to allow members to choose the components used for their fitness tests. Options being considered include a 20-meter shuttle, rowing on an ergometer, boards and burpees.

“We are moving away from a one-size-fits-all model,” Air Force Chief of Staff General CQ Brown Jr told Air Force magazine. “… We know that not all aviators maintain their fitness the same way and can be good at different things. Alternative components offer choices while providing a mechanism for determining overall fitness.