Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Maintains Probable Implementation of 2-Mile Fitness Test, Yet Details Remain in Flux
Breaking News: The Air Force is shaking up its physical fitness assessment, but they're keeping mum on the specifics for now.
"The Air Force is wrapping up updates to its Physical Fitness Assessment following a thorough review spanning ten months," an Air Force representative told Air & Space Forces Magazine.
A message from the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, David A. Flosi, to other enlisted leaders hinted at some changes, mainly a two-mile run test and more frequent testing for Airmen. A snippet of this message was shared on the unofficial Facebook page Air Force amn/nco/snco, and Air & Space Forces Magazine verified its authenticity.
Flosi emphasized the importance of keeping Airmen physically fit for potential combat situations.
"Every day could be the day-that's been on my mind and the focus of your AF leadership these past few weeks," he wrote, referring to recent deployments to Europe and the Middle East in response to growing tensions between Israel and Iran.
"To put it simply, America's Air Force exists for one primary purpose-to eliminate adversaries and cause chaos," Flosi added. "I'm not trying to be dramatic; this is the reality of being an Airman in the battlefield-we must be prepared. Yes, fitness changes are on the horizon (not publicly disclosed-this is for you to effectively communicate with your team)-you'll notice this won't be a surprise."
Here are three expected changes, Flosi wrote:
- More frequent testing for the entire force, not as a form of punishment for fit Airmen, but as a recognition that fitness is a readiness issue. If the situation requires immediate action, fitness can make a significant difference.
- Introduction of a two-mile run with updated scoring measures to better match joint forces. Currently, Airmen can choose between a 1.5-mile run or a high-aerobic multi-shuttle run for the test's cardio portion.
- Transition to a height-to-waist ratio method for body composition assessment. The Air Force announced its switch to the waist-to-height ratio in early 2023, around three years after it dropped the traditional tape test in 2020.
The new body composition test requires dividing an Airman's waist measurement by their height in inches (e.g., a 36-inch waist divided by 69 inches height results in a ratio of 0.52). Experts consider the waist-to-height ratio a more accurate predictor of health risks related to obesity[1][2].
The upcoming alterations come four years after the Air Force last revised its physical fitness test. In 2021, the service introduced options for Airmen to choose their preferred methods for cardio, arm, and abdominal tests[1][3].
An Air Force spokesperson revealed that these changes are in line with a military-wide evaluation of fitness standards directed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on March 12. The service adjusted its minimum fitness requirements across all age categories for both men and women in May 2021[1][2].
"The Air Force acknowledges that post-COVID alterations did not effectively prepare Airmen for the demands of the current and future operational environments," the spokesperson stated. "The Air Force is working to reverse this trend, and updates to the program will be announced once the details are ironed out."
The Army is also reevaluating its physical fitness assessments, having adopted the Army Fitness Test in late June, where combat job Soldiers must meet a higher, sex-neutral benchmark, while non-combat job Soldiers need to reach lower minimum scores that are different for men and women[1][2][4].
Stay tuned for more information on the Air Force's updated physical fitness assessment as official details become available.
Quick Facts:- The Air Force is revising its Physical Fitness Assessment, focusing on increased test frequency, a two-mile run requirement, and a body composition assessment using the waist-to-height ratio.- The service is responding to the need for increased readiness, aligning with ongoing military evaluations of fitness standards.- The changes aim to better prepare Airmen for combat situations while promoting a more accurate assessment of health risks.
[1] Air & Space Forces Magazine[2] Military Times[3] Air Force Magazine[4] Army Times[5] Defense News
- The Air Force is not only revising its Physical Fitness Assessment, but it's also considering the formation of a Space Force, aiming to enhance the military's readiness for space combat.
- As part of the Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's military-wide evaluation of fitness standards, the Air Force is introducing a two-mile run test and a height-to-waist ratio method for body composition assessment, hoping to improve fitness levels for both space and traditional military operations.
- The sports world might take a cue from the Air Force's upcoming changes in physical fitness testing, as these testing methods could provide a more accurate assessment of an individual's readiness and health risks, with potential applications in various sports disciplines.
