Fitness assessment cell is ready for Air Force’s new program

Published Feb. 17, 2010
By Angela Cutrer
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The Air Force is counting on its new fitness standards to inspire Airmen to care about the physical self all year long and not just in time for testing.

This new Air Force Fitness Program, which takes effect July 1, has a goal of motivating Airmen to "participate in a year-round physical conditioning program that emphasizes total fitness, to include proper aerobic conditioning, strength and flexibility training and healthy eating," the Air Force Personnel Center Web site noted.

"Health benefits from an active lifestyle will increase productivity, optimize health and decrease absenteeism while maintaining a higher level of readiness.

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

"This new program objective is to redefine the Air Force fitness standards and redirect Airmen's focus toward healthy living versus test passing," Major Bogany added.

The FAC operates in the sustainment flight within the 81st FSS and provides comprehensive health and fitness evaluations to Keesler active duty population with the overarching goal of centralizing and standardizing fitness testing requirements as they relate to the Air Force Fitness Program, said Major Bogany.

The FAC offers two morning sessions, 7-9 a.m. and 9:30-11:30 a.m., Monday-Wednesday, though this schedule is subject to change if needed.

The choice for the site was based on positioning.

"We needed a location close to an authorized track, the Triangle, and a large enough space to stage personnel for measuring abdominal circumference, height and weight," Major Bogany said.
"During inclement weather, personnel can perform sit-ups and push-ups inside the Vandenberg."

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 an overall fitness.

The minimum requirements must be passed for each component, including achieving a passing score of 75 or greater.

Airmen with successful fitness assessment scores will be allowed to wear a patch on their physical training uniform to recognize the accomplishment.