Air Force revises physical fitness program, score charts to boost airmen health

The U.S. Air Force updated its physical fitness program and score charts for the fitness tests to boost the long-term health of airmen.

The modernized program utilizes a more thorough assessment model to strengthen warfighter readiness by motivating airmen to build more sustainable fitness habits for the duration of their careers, according to a Feb. 27 release.

“This update is not just about increasing the physical fitness test standards; it’s about ensuring our warfighters are fit, ready, and prioritizing their long-term health,” Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach said in the memo.

The updated score charts will have increased minimums for each scored component and separate charts are now available for Occupationally Specific Physical Fitness Assessments as well.

A baseline window for airmen to take the diagnostic tests will begin March 1, but scoring won’t become official until July 1, per the statement.

This gives the airmen time to adjust their training focus as needed before the official scoring date. The baseline period is also meant to produce data to ensure that the new program is implemented in a fair, accurate and effective manner across the Air Force.

“The baseline period will also provide the data required to assess and refine score charts in advance of full implementation of the new standards,” the statement says.

Airmen who complete the Physical Fitness Readiness Assessment during the baseline period can use that diagnostic score as their official fitness test score, according to the release.

Body composition will return as a scored component in the assessment, but airmen can elect to take it out of the test up to five days before testing the remaining components.

The release states that resources are made available to support the force through the transition, like trained experts that will instruct airmen through safe conditioning and a playbook that gives guidance on workouts, recovery and nutrition.

Earlier this year, the force announced that airmen can choose between a 2-mile run or the 20-meter High-Aerobic Multi-shuttle Run for their fitness tests every six months, following the “Culture of Fitness” initiative last September to encourage airmen and Space Force guardians to improve their physical fitness.

The statement says that the certification of the 2-mile run is in progress to ensure that all Air Force tracks meet official standards, and final measurement specifications will be published in the fitness program guide.

As announced in January, an airmen’s fitness assessment scores will become part of their annual evaluation to “incorporate a full picture of an individual’s performance and contributions.”