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New PT standard up and running--what to know before you go

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Shane Ellis
  • 315 Airlift Wing Public Affairs
CHARLESTON, S.C. --  Airmen had 224 days notice to modify their lifestyles and work on their physical fitness when the Air Force announced the new fitness standards were scheduled to begin July 1, 2010.
 
Although there is still much room for improvement, many Airmen throughout the 315th Airlift Wing have taken their fitness responsibility seriously and their assessment results are excellent. Over 20 percent have posted a composite score of 90 or better.

Under the new system, Airmen must meet the minimum requirements for each component of the assessment in their age group, and they must have a minimum composite score of 75 for a satisfactory rating. Airmen may visit the new Air Force fitness website to review the new PT testing criteria at: http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/affitnessprogram/index.asp

The Air Force has hired civilian personnel to enforce the new regulations. The 628th Force Support Squadron fitness testing technicians include Amanda Rawl, Ron Keur, Margie Lopez-Davis and Elizabeth Wagner. They are tasked with conducting PT tests throughout the week and enforce the standards to the fullest.

Airmen that have tested under the watchful eyes the new FTT's said paying attention to detail and following the FTT's real-time feedback can dramatically increase an Airman's overall assessment score and eliminate costly errors.

"Most of the problems that occur during the assessment are easily cured with proper form and listening to the feedback we give during the assessment," said Margie Lopez-Davis, 628 FSS fitness testing technician.

Elizabeth Wagner, 628 FSS fitness testing technician, said the best advice she can give Airmen is to listen closely to instructions before the assessment, know what is expected of them during the assessment, and make sure all questions are answered prior to the test.

Lopez-Davis said proper technique while doing sit-ups and push-ups will save Airmen from wasting precious repetitions during the exercise. While doing sit-ups, the hands must remain on the chest. If a hand comes off the chest during the exercise, that component is terminated and the individual will not pass the overall assessment.

For push-ups, the arms must reach a 90 degree angle in the down position and be fully extended in the up position to count as one repetition. If an Airman does one or more push-ups without meeting these requirements, those repetitions will not count.

The 315 AW utilizes Maj. Christina Liegl, 315 AW flight safety officer and fitness program manager, to manage the PT program for Airmen of the 315 AW. Maj. Liegl is the go-to member of the 315 AW for any Airman in need of help or advice regarding the new PT standards.

"My goal is to make fitness a part of every Airman's daily life," said Maj. Liegl. "Don't wait the week before to start preparing for the assessment, and when you show up to test, show up with a positive attitude."

Air Force Instruction 36-2905 makes it clear that it's every Airman's responsibility to maintain the fitness standards set forth in the AFI 365 days a year.

"The Air Force pays you to be fit," said Chief Master Sgt. Ben Futrell, 315 AW command chief master sergeant. "Take pride in a healthier lifestyle, be ready to deploy at a moment's notice, and exceed all your expectations."

Stay up to date with the 315th Airlift Wing at http://www.315aw.afrc.af.mil/. Follow the 315th on Facebook and Twitter.