USAFE gears up for improved PT program
by Senior Master Sgt. Joseph Davis
USAFE Public Affairs
United States Air Forces in Europe Airmen will see major changes in the fitness program starting Jan. 1, 2010.
Some of the highlights include testing twice a year versus once and Fitness Assessment Cells will conduct the biannual testing at the main installations to alleviate the burden of individual units having to administer the test, according to Maj. Alex Garcia, Chief of Community and Sustainment Branch, USAFE Directorate of Manpower, Personnel and Services,
The goal of testing twice a year is to create a year-round culture of fitness versus getting ready for their annual physical training test, said Major Garcia.
"Placing more emphasis on aerobic criteria and reducing ranges on the run portion of the test should encourage people to incorporate fitness regiments that improve their cardio levels," he said. "Of course, having minimum requirements in all areas, prevent a focus on gaining points in one area and letting another slide, thereby resulting in a whole body conditioning focus."
The scoring aspect has also undergone some restructuring.
"Airmen will need to achieve minimum standards in each testing component and a composite score of 75 to pass," said Garcia. "Also, running time increments have been reduced to 15 second intervals, which will entice improvement in overall run times. Another significant change places more emphasis on the aerobic portion increasing the scale from 50 to 60 points, while shifting less emphasis on the abdominal circumference measurements from 30 to 20 points.
The bike test, three-mile walk test and Step test will no longer be offered as alternate aerobic tests for those on no-running profiles. The 1-mile walk test will be the only alternative offered."
The fitness program will incorporate an incentive similar to the Army for those Airmen who excel on their test.
Major Garcia said the Air Force will employ a program where incentive patches are awarded to those who score an excellent, or a perfect 100, on their fitness test. Patches will be awarded for one-time and sustained performance for consecutive tests over a two-year period. The patches will be authorized to be worn on the PT Uniform.
Commanders will also have more direct control over instilling accountability with their Airmen's physical fitness.
"Finally, commanders have more latitude to enforce standards using administrative and personnel actions," said Garcia. "Unit commanders may take administrative actions upon a member's first unsatisfactory fitness score. Two consecutive failure or unsatisfactory scores may result in discharge recommendations to the installation commander."
In preparation for the changes, Tech. Sgt. Jessica Wilson, Fitness Program Manager, USAFE Directorate of Manpower, Personnel and Services, emphasized taking advantage of the programs available through the Fitness Center, Health and Wellness Center and Outdoor Recreation.
"Talk to the staff at these activities, they are trained to provide free advice, basic programs and ideas to change up routines so boredom doesn't set in," said Wilson. "Workout with a Wingman or in a group class because people tend to push themselves more when they workout with others. Our fitness staff will also provide physical fitness assessments to create basic workout programs. The first step is getting active."
The Fitness Program Manager boasted USAFE has the largest sports program in the Air Force, and offers the most up to date equipment, as well as maintaining existing equipment.
"We are testing new equipment at some of our facilities to gauge customer feedback on new industry products," said Wilson. "At Spangdahlem and Aviano, we are pilot testing a high tech pedometer that attaches to your shoe and uploads your steps to a website so users can track activity levels during the day. If the test results are positive, the program may be offered across the command."
For more information, access the AFPC website for the new fitness program: http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/affitnessprogram/index.asp