New Air Force-wide PT standards start July 1 Published April 14, 2010 By Senior Airman Samantha S. Crane 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Editor's note: This is part two in a series of articles focusing on the Air Force's new physical training test standards and how Team Scott is preparing. Many areas of improvement to the Air Force fitness program were identified after then Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney McKinley initiated an Air Force audit of the program in the summer of 2008. Those improvements will be implemented on July 1, except for the biannual testing requirement, which went into effect Jan. 1. The following are some frequently asked questions: What are the major changes to the program? The biggest changes are civilian employees who will conduct fitness tests and point system changes. Starting in July, Airmen can earn up to 60 points from the aerobic run, 20 points for body composition and 10 points each for pushups and sit-ups. Airmen must reach a composite score of 75 while also meeting minimum requirements in each component to pass. How will getting tested work here at Scott? Members on profile for the run can say goodbye to the ergo cycle, three-mile walk or the STEP test as alternate aerobic tests. A one-mile walk will now be required in its place. Body Mass Index will also be removed from the fitness calculation for body composition. How will I know my testing cycle? Members will always know when their next scheduled test is required, however, commanders may institute practice or diagnostic tests to gauge a member's progress. These pop PT tests are not official and will not be entered into the Air Force Fitness Management System. I got my score, now what? Those who exceed standards will be authorized to wear a patch on their PT uniform. Patches will recognize both one-time and sustained (four consecutive tests over two years) performance in the excellent (scores of a 90 or above) category and those scoring a perfect 100. For those who score less than 75: Under the new standards, commanders may take administrative action for first time failures if they feel it's warranted. Available options are listed in the fitness instruction to provide clear guidance. Recommended actions are based on the number of failed tests. The current rule mandating a 42-day waiting period following a failed fitness test will be eliminated. With the new program, commanders may approve Airmen who volunteer to retest prior to the 42-day period if they are medically able and ready to test. Airmen who fail have 90 days to retest, while some have up to 180 days. While actual scores are not annotated on performance reports, failing scores may be annotated in reports if an Airman is not meeting the standard. The revised Air Force Instruction 36-2406, Officer and Enlisted Evaluation Systems, ensures no Airmen with a referral report for fitness receives an overall "5" rating on an Enlisted Performance Report. Officers and enlisted members must have a passing, current fitness score to be selected for or attend professional military education or deploy. Restrictions are also placed on retraining, reenlistment eligibility and assignment eligibility. Official fitness calculators are available in the Air Force Fitness Management System on the Air Force Portal. More information including fitness scoring charts and the new AFI can be found at http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/affitnessprogram/index.asp. A correct pushup Place hands on floor, slightly wider than shoulder width apart. Begin in the starting position with arms fully extended and the body in a straight line from head to heel. The feet may be no more than 12 inches apart. The body should maintain a rigid form from head to heel. Feet may not be supported or braced. From the starting position, lower body to the ground until the upper arm is at least parallel to the floor (elbow bent at least 90 degrees or less) before pushing back up to the starting position. The chest may touch but not rest on or bounce off the floor. A correct sit-up Begin in the starting position with knees bent at a 90 degree angle, feet or heels must stay in contact with the floor at all times. Cross arms over chest with hands at the shoulders or upper chest. Heels must remain anchored to the floor through a toe-hold or held by the monitor and a mat may be used. A complete sit-up is accomplished when the upper torso is raised off the floor, elbows touch knees or thigh and the upper torso is lowered back to the floor until shoulder blades touch the floor. Hands must stay in contact with shoulders or chest at all times.