Air Force takes strides toward a better fitness program Published Sept. 16, 2009 By Airman Cynthia A. Haughton Nellis Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Airmen can expect to see some major changes in the Air Force fitness program starting in 2010 following the release this month of the new fitness Air Force Instruction AFI 10-248. The Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz said he wanted to improve fitness testing, promote a year-round fitness culture and send a clear message that health and fitness are critical to mission readiness. These changes will be effective Jan. 1, 2010 across the Air Force. The key changes to the fitness program include testing frequency, weighing of the test components, testing location and test administrators. All members in the Air Force will test under the new program within the first six months of the coming year, and then will test again every six months after that. There is a stronger emphasis on the 1.5 mile run portion, which is now worth 60 percent of total possible points, as opposed to the old program's 50 percent. The body composition standard changed from 30 to 20 percent, and the pushups and crunches remain the same at 10 percent each. One of the largest changes to the fitness program is centralized administration of fitness assessments (FA) by trained civilian employees. These employees will operate out of a centrally located Fitness Assessment Cell (FAC). Unit physical training leaders will continue to administer FAs at geographically separated units where local military populations aren't enough to earn FAC employees. Since the fitness program now falls under the Air Force's A-1, manpower, personnel and services directorate, Lt. Col. James S. Benoit, 99th Force Support Squadron commander, is responsible for educating Nellis Airmen about the new program. Colonel Benoit believes this is the best fitness program the Air Force has ever had. "For the first time, the Air Force has incorporated revised component weighting and scoring based on a three-tier health-fitness hierarchy. The point scale is a mathematical inverse of the health risk zones, and a score of 75 composite points is now the line between a moderate and high health risk," he said. "We are encouraging people to take their health seriously by emphasizing cardio respiratory endurance through a combination of good nutrition and daily fitness," said Colonel Benoit. "I love fitness, and I'm an obsessive runner, so I welcome the changes," he added. Being an avid runner, Colonel Benoit offered some tips for those looking to improve their overall fitness. "It is very important to have the proper running shoes for your foot type and running stride, and it is important to replace them after they reach their maximum threshold," he said. "It shouldn't matter what they look like; they are a tool, not a fashion statement." Diet also plays a large role in being physically fit. "Depending on your fitness goals, portion control and making smart choices about the foods you put into your body are essential," said Colonel Benoit. "Carbohydrates and proteins from real foods are great for runners because they provide fuel to keep you going during exercise and help speed muscle recovery," he added. "As for improving your running speed," he said, "you must continually push yourself to a greater capability and have fitness goals which support incremental improvements. The more you run, the quicker you will become and the easier it will be to lose weight if that's part of your personal fitness plan." It will no longer be required by commanders to provide fitness time during duty hours, so each Airman must be responsible for meeting and maintaining fitness standards on their own. However, commanders will continue to emphasize the importance of fitness and provide Airmen fitness time when the mission permits. Lt. Gen. Richard Y. Newton, the Air Force deputy chief of staff for manpower and personnel, said the new AFI will better emphasize the Air Force's fitness expectations of its Airmen. "With these program revisions and enhancements, we encourage a culture of fitness, empowering all Airmen to take responsibility for being physically mission ready," said General Newton. More information about the new fitness program, including fitness charts and frequently asked questions, can be found at http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/affitnessprogram/index.asp.
