Upcoming Changes To The Air Force Fitness Test

The Air Force Chief of Staff has approved several changes to the Air Force Physical Fitness Test (AFPFT). The entire test is being re-structured, but the complete details won't be available until July, when the new regulation comes out. The new test will be effective on January 1, 2010. The fitness test will now be administered to active duty airmen twice per year, regardless of test score achieved. Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve airmen will continue to take the test once per year. The actual components of the test aren't changing -- it will still consist of waist measurement, 1.5 mile run, sit-ups, and push-ups. The waist standards are relaxing somewhat. Under the new program, the maximum waist size for a perfect score in that component area is going up from 32.5 inches to 35 inches for men, and from 29 inches to 31.5 inches for women. Additionally, the waist measurements will now affect only 20 percent of the total score, instead of 30 percent inn the current program. The standards for the 1.5 mile run are being recalculated, although specifics won't be known until July.Additionally, the 1.5 mile run will now account for 60 percent of the total score, vice 50 percent under the present program. Push-ups and sit-ups will each still account for 10 percent of the total score. A percent score on the test remains at 100 points. Airmen still need a minimum of 75 points to pass. However, minimums are being established for each event, as well. The Air Force is also cutting the age categories in half. The new age categories are: under 30; 30 to 39; 40 to 49; 50 to 59; and 60 or older. Also in the works is a PT patch that airmen will allowed to wear on their uniform, if they achieved a perfect score of their last test. The Air Force is also hiring civilian proctors for each base to conduct the tests, as a method of eliminating favoritism within the units. The new regulation will also prohibit giving an airman a "5" (outstanding) rating on their performance reports if they have a test failure during the reporting period. Air Force officials considered adding a combat fitness test, such as the Marines incorporated a few months ago, but that idea was shot down.