Changes ahead for the Fitness Program

  • Published
  • By Danielle Lutes
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Vance Airmen can expect changes in the fitness program, with implementation starting in January 2010. 

One of the significant changes will be the frequency of the physical training test. With the current program, the physical training test is performed once a year. Under the new program, it will be twice a year.

Along with changes in how often the test will be taken, the percentage values for the components of the PT test will change. The run will count for 60 percent instead of 50 percent and the body composition test will count for 20 percent instead of 30 percent. The push-ups and crunches will remain at 10 percent each.

There will be a dual requirement to pass under the new program: minimum requirements for each component and a composite score of 75, instead of only a composite score of 75 or more, under the current program.

"Changes are definitely coming," said Kellie Jensen, Base Fitness Program manager.
Instead of five-year age groupings, the new program will implement 10-year groupings: under 30, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60 plus.

Currently at Vance, each squadron has a unit representative called a physical training leader who is trained to administer fitness tests and lead unit PT. With the new program, there will be a civilian group administering testing in one centralized location for the whole base.

"This change will make testing more consistent across the board. Right now we have about 120, 130 PTLs administering tests. By limiting the number of people administering testing, it'll make it an even playing field," said Ms. Jensen.

Ms. Jensen thinks that the new program will be simpler and better for Airmen.

"I think that the intent of the original fitness program was that we would be fit to fight, meaning that we're a deployable force and should be ready to go at a moment's notice. We shouldn't be cramming for our PT tests a week to a month out. We should maintain a healthy lifestyle with fitness and nutrition year-round," said Ms. Jensen.