Airmen rise to challenge of new fitness program

Published July 15, 2010
By Staff Sgt. Kimberly Moore
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- July 1, the new Air Force Fitness Program went into effect.

The Air Force uses an overall composite fitness score and minimum scores per component based on aerobic fitness, body composition and muscular fitness components to determent overall fitness.

In the new program, rather than relying on the total grade to determine pass or fail, minimum requirements must be passed in all components and Airmen must achieve a total passing score of 75 for the test.

"The examinations, now held twice a year, are held at central locations, called fitness assessment cells," said Maj. Yulanda Bogany, 81st Force Support Squadron operations officer. "At Keesler, all official fitness assessments are completed by the fitness assessment cell staff on the second floor of Vandenberg Community Center."

"The Vandenberg location allows us to accommodate active duty and Reserve members in an efficient, timely manner," said Shango Sheffield, 81st FSS fitness cell leader.

When the new fitness program was announced, the new fitness requirements may have been intimidating, but Keesler's Airmen seem to have adjusted to the change.

"The Airmen at Keesler have accepted the fact that the standards have changed and they are making improvements to better themselves overall," Mr. Sheffield said.

A July 2 Air Force guidance memorandum offered an incentive for Airmen to score in the "excellent" category. It offered those Airmen who test in all four components and have a total score of 90 or above to continue to test only once a year.

Mr. Sheffield offered advice for those who'd like to improve their health and their scores.

"Participate in group physical training or work out at your own convenience in a training regiment like cross fit or circuit training and maintain a healthy diet," he recommended. "Prior to your test, stay hydrated, make sure you get enough rest and eat a healthy meal the night before. The morning of your test, avoid caffeinated drinks and eat a light breakfast.

"The fitness assessment is an open-book test," he said. "You have all the answers -- just do it and let's be fit to fight."

To view Air Force Instruction 36-2905, which covers the new fitness program, log on to www.e-publishing.af.mil/shared/media/epubs/AFI36-2905.pdf

For more information, call 376-8698.