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New PT revision rewards fit Airmen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Alexandria Mosness
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C --  With new changes to the physical fitness test taking effect July 1, an addition was made for Airmen who excel on their physical assessment.

Airmen who receive an "excellent," or a 90 or above, will only have to take the PT test once a year.

Shaw Airmen are among many across the Air Force gearing up for the changes to the fitness test.

With this new addition, it pushes Airmen to go that extra step in taking care of their fitness.

"This memo not only gives an opportunity to individuals who may have been hovering around an 85 to push themselves that extra few pushups, situps, or to shave a few more seconds off of their run; it also rewards those Airmen who always do their best to remain physically fit," said 1st Lt. Jordan Smith, 20th Force Support Squadron officer-in-charge.

It's a great incentive for members to push themselves and remain fit all year long, added Lieutenant Smith.

Approximately one of every five fitness scores documented in 2009 were "excellent" for those Airmen who tested in all four categories, said Capt. Sean Brazel, chief of officer promotions, evaluations and fitness policy.

The new fitness test includes a 1.5-mile timed run, abdominal circumference, push-ups and sit-ups.

Airmen must pass every component of the test. If they received an "excellent" but were medically exempt from one portion of the test, they would still have to test twice a year.

With the new test starting to take effect, Lieutenant Smith has some advice for Shaw Airmen.

"Do your best to remain physically fit all the time, not just a few weeks before the assessment," she said. "Also, I would advise them to do a variety of fitness activities that will prepare them for each component of the assessment, rather than relying on one or two components to get them through."

But remember, although a new test, it is still an assessment Airmen have been performing for years, she said.

"The PT test itself is nothing new; only the way it will be administered is different," she reiterated. "Airmen will be tested on the same components as before, however, the standards themselves have changed slightly. An added challenge is the minimum score in each component, which may make it difficult for Airmen who struggle with a particular component. The administration of the test will be extremely fair; the key is limiting the variables as much as possible. Everyone will experience the same test and procedures. Your test will be the same as your supervisor's, your peers and those who work for you."

Airmen must have tested after June 30 to be eligible for the new revision and must have tested under the new standards to be eligible for the once-a-year testing.

Airmen must also test under the new standards to qualify for this exemption. Airmen who test after June 30 will be eligible to receive the opportunity to only test annually.

The revision will take effect the same day as the new program begins July 1.