MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- After multiple delays due to the pandemic, July 1, 2021 marked the return of physical fitness assessments to McConnell Air Force Base, Kan.
Testing has resumed with only three components: the 1.5 mile run, pushups and situps. The removal of the waist measurement as an official portion of the test has adjusted composite scoring. Push-ups and sit-ups will increase from 10 to 20 points each, while the 1.5-mile run will remain at 60 points. Airmen will also be scored in accordance to five-year age groups instead of the previous 10. Updated scoring charts can be found here.
“There’s a lot of stress and anxiety surrounding testing,” said Bill Hageman, 22nd Force Support Squadron fitness center director. “People haven’t taken a PT test in two, three years and I’ve made it a point to emphasize patience with my unit fitness program managers.”
As a precaution to minimize close contact among personnel, testing has been limited to six Airmen per session. Airmen are advised to bring water, headphones and if they have not been vaccinated, a mask. Masks will not be required to be worn during the physical performance of the test.
The following McConnell organizations will be testing through the Fitness Center: Operations Support Squadron, Logistics Readiness Squadron, Force Support Squadron, Comptroller Squadron and Healthcare Operations Squadron. All other units have been approved by their commanders for in-house testing, administered by their unit physical training leaders.
“Industries all over have had struggles getting back up to speed to where they were before the pandemic,” said Hageman. “But we’ll just keep grinding, have patience and figure it out.”
The Air Force recently released a list of five alternative exercise options for the physical assessment that will be implemented in early 2022. Airmen will select from the traditional 1.5-mile run, 1-mile walk or the High Aerobic Multi-shuttle Run to meet the cardio requirement. Then select from traditional push-ups or hand release push-ups for one strength component; and from sit-ups, the cross-leg reverse crunch or plank for the other strength component to complete the comprehensive fitness assessment. The assessment scoring charts broken down by gender and age have yet to be released.
“I think it’s great,” said Hageman. “I believe it will give Airmen the opportunity to excel in different areas while still testing overall fitness.”
Amidst all the change, the previously used Air Force Fitness Management System II (AFFMS II) has been replaced by myFitness beginning 1 July 2021. The program is intended to serve as a ‘one-stop-shop’ for scheduling, viewing, accessing and managing Fitness Assessments for the Department of the Air Force. For more information on how to utilize the new program click here.
For any additional questions regarding fitness assessments, please reach out to your respective unit fitness program managers.