AMC Airmen transition to new Air Force Fitness Program Published Jan. 21, 2010 By Ed Shannon Air Mobility Command Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Airmen across the Air Force and Air Mobility Command began last week transitioning to the new Air Force Fitness Program testing cycle that promotes and supports a year-round fitness culture, according to Capt. Heather Sullivan, deputy chief for the AMC Sustainment Services Branch. "The chief of staff wants a fitness program that is clear, understandable, and much simpler, and we are assisting AMC Airmen with the transition to the new program," Captain Sullivan said. Air Force officials published the new Air Force instruction, 36-2905, Fitness Program, to the Air Force Publications Website on Jan. 12. The new instruction and fitness standards become effective for all Airmen on July 1. "This new fitness program further defines the Air Force's commitment to fitness readiness," said Col. Frank Jones, AMC Chief of Services. "Every Airman has an individual responsibility to be physically fit 365 days a year." The Air Force provided interim policy guidance to bridge the gap between the existing AFI and new AFI, Captain Sullivan said. "Essentially, the interim policy puts into writing the bi-annual testing requirement and testing schedule." The interim guidance allows for Airmen to begin biannual testing under the current fitness standards, while training to the new standard and learn about the requirements outlined in the new instruction. Airmen will see a handful of changes in the new program, including an increase in testing frequency to twice a year and establishment of fitness assessment cells to administer tests. AMC Wings are in the process of hiring fitness assessment cell technicians, Captain Sullivan said. Minimum scores in each component area - push ups, sit ups, body composition, and 1.5 mile run - is another change according to the new instruction. "This transition period is good because it will give Airmen the time to understand and prepare to meet the new requirements," she said. According to Air Force Personnel Center officials, a hybrid implementation approach that incorporates the biannual testing cycle is the best way for the Air Force to transition to the new policy. "The hybrid approach gives active duty Airmen time to train to the new standard and understand requirements outlined in the new instruction," said Chief Master Sgt. Mark Long, the Air Force's chief of enlisted promotions, evaluations and fitness policy. In an Air Force fitness interim guidance memorandum published Jan. 6, Airmen testing through June 2010 under the present scoring standards will receive two score cards. The first score card will be calculated using present fitness standards and will be loaded into the Air Force Fitness Management System. This score will be used to document evaluation reports as "Meets" or "Does Not Meet" standards or "Exempt." The second score card will be calculated using the new fitness standards that become effective in July and serves as a means for Airmen and commanders to gauge performance under the new scoring system. During the hybrid period, Air Force Reserve Airmen will fitness test 12 months after their 2009 test date, then again 6 months later to progress to a biannual cycle. Air National Guard Airmen on active duty and drill status will fitness test 12 months after their last 2009 test date. "This new fitness program further defines the Air Force's commitment to fitness readiness," said Col. Frank Jones, AMC Chief of Services. "Every Airman has an individual responsibility to be physically fit 365 days a year." To learn more about the new fitness program and view scoring components that become effective in July, visit www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/affitnessprogram. (Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs contributed to this story)