Kunsan Airmen test against new Air Force PT standards

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Amanda Savannah
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  The first group of 8th Fighter Wing Airmen was tested against the new Air Force physical training test scoring standards here July 1.

Thirty-six Airmen were scheduled July 1 to complete the 1.5-mile run, abdominal circumference measurement, pushups and sit-ups that are now worth 60, 20, 10 and 10 points, respectively, for a total of 100 points possible on the test.

The first five Airmen tested at 8:30 a.m. Some were nervous.

"I'm kind of nervous; I made an 85 six months ago, but by the new standards I missed one of the minimum scores," said Senior Airman Paul Metzgar, 8th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons load crew member.

Others were ready.

"I feel pretty good, the new scoring system will actually help me in my run," said Senior Airman Martin Buttram, 8th Maintenance Squadron munitions inspector. "If I run the same as I did last time, I will gain an extra 2.3 points, but I'm aiming for more than that. I've been preparing and I'm ready to go."

The test was administered by 8th Force Support Squadron Fitness Assessment Cell personnel, another change implemented to the Air Force fitness program.

"The FAC implementation has worked well," said Tech. Sgt. Herman Jackson, FAC director. "Our civilian test administrators have been quality-checked and expertly trained by our exercise physiologist, William Goins (8th Medical Operations Squadron Health and Wellness Center). Having civilians administer the test helps keep scoring integrity."

Previous weighted factors to the fitness test components were 50 points for the run, 30 points for abdominal circumference, and 10 points each for pushups and sit-ups. In addition to the score changes, Airmen must also now meet minimum standards in each category. For example, a male under the age of 30 has to achieve at least 13 minutes and 36 seconds on the run, have a 39-inch abdominal circumference, and perform at least 33 pushups and 42 sit-ups.

"If an Airman fails any of the minimums, the person fails the whole test," Sergeant Jackson said. This helps Airmen keep their fitness integrity year-round, because they can no longer judge how well they need to do in one category to compensate for lacking success in another, he said.

While each category has a minimum standard, Airmen also should not just try to pass by only meeting those minimums.

"A male under age 30 who only meets the minimums for each category will only score a 65," said Sergeant Jackson. "The minimums only give Airmen a baseline to pass each component for credit. Airmen must aim to achieve better than the minimum standards. If we maintain a focus on our fitness, we will be more ready to go downrange physically and even mentally. We'll be committed to ourselves as Airmen."

Those who do not pass the PT test will be referred to the HAWC to attend the new mandatory Be Well class. This class replaces the Healthy Living Program and Body Composition Improvement Program, as of July 1.

"This class replaces the HLP and BCIP classes and is mandatory for any failure," said Tech. Sgt. Shaleika Anderson, HAWC non-commissioned officer in charge.

For those who wish to improve in specific components, the HAWC also offers new, non-mandatory classes including a run improvement class, muscular endurance and strength training class, and a nutrition class, said Sergeant Anderson.

While there are consequences for failing the PT test, there are also benefits for those who score an "excellent" rating for earning 90 points or more.

Airmen who earn an "excellent" on the new fitness test will now only have to test once a year, according to a new revision to the Air Force Fitness Program. Airmen must test under the new standards and must successfully complete all four components of the fitness test to qualify for the once-a-year testing.

Airmen achieving and maintaining "excellent" PT test scores will also be allowed to wear a physical fitness patch on their PT uniform recognizing their accomplishments, according to the Air Force Fitness Program Web site.

Credit toward wear of a patch became effective July 1; however the patches are still currently in production. Officials anticipate the fitness patches to be available in military clothing sales stores late this summer.

Four types of physical fitness patches will be available: Excellent, for Airmen with a score of 90 or above and meeting all four fitness components on their most recent test; Sustained Excellent, for those who score 90 or above four consecutive times over a two-year period; One-time Perfect 100, for Airmen who earn 100 points; and Sustained Perfect 100, for those who score 100 for four consecutive times in two years. Airmen must meet the criteria on each subsequent test to continue to wear the Sustained Perfect 100 badge.

Airmen can view the new patches on the Air Force Fitness Program Web site at www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/affitnessprogram.

At least one of the first Wolf Pack Airmen who tested July 1 will be authorized to wear the Excellent patch. Senior Master Sgt. Thomas O'Brian, 8th Maintenance Operations Squadron WS superintendent, earned a 98.2.

"My run time was 10:27, which was 10 seconds faster than I had wanted to," said Sergeant O'Brian. "I just put senior master sergeant on today, so it was a nice start for me."

He said in order to make his desired run time and achieve a 90 or above, he kept a count of what time he needed to have for each lap. He checked his time and slowed down or sped up as he needed, to prevent burn-out.

Excellent scores are not new to Sergeant O'Brian. His last PT test score was a 95.

"I always strive to excel," he said. "I want to set the bar high for other Airmen my age." Sergeant O'Brian is 41.

According to the Air Force Fitness Program Web site, The Air Force Fitness Program goal is to motivate 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. Health benefits from an active lifestyle will increase productivity, optimize health, and decrease absenteeism while maintaining a higher level of readiness.

To learn more about the new fitness program, visit the Air Force Fitness Program Web site.