Scott AFB lieutenant colonel shares his success on achieving perfect PT scores

Published June 21, 2011
By Samantha Crane
375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- For Lt. Col. Steven Jenkins, 618th Air and Space Operations Center (Tanker Airlift Control Center) Chief of the Homeland Defense Tanker Branch, fitness is part of both his professional career and personal life, which is reflected through scoring a 100 percent on each of his last four physical training tests.

Each week, Colonel Jenkins runs 20 to 30 miles broken down into five days. One day per week is devoted to interval training, but when he nears his testing date, Colonel Jenkins ups his interval training to twice a week to ensure he's more than ready for the mile and a half run. On top of this, he makes sure to complete push-ups and sit-ups at least three days a week. To help those in his unit, he sometimes leads a group PT session, and he's always ready to lend advice to those working to improve their fitness level.

"First, set goals beyond your current capabilities," he said. "Second, be willing to work hard and accept that it will involve some level of pain. Be willing to give up those bad habits that are holding you back and find someone who wants to improve too and work out with them. It's always easier when you share your goals with someone."

Colonel Jenkins also stresses that when trying to improve your test score, the most important part is the aerobic portion, and though it may be the hardest portion to get the maximum points on, it is possible.

"In order to improve your running time, you have to run," he said. "If you aren't much of a runner, quality (speed work) is much more important than quantity (long runs)."
Colonel Jenkins recommends 20 to 30 minute runs or cross training three to four days a week.

"About two months prior to the PT test, start doing interval training at your goal pace. Quarter mile intervals are the minimum, but try to work up to half mile intervals, which are more beneficial."

Colonel Jenkins also stresses that while fitness is important for the Air Force, it's also important in your personal life.

"The Air Force has put more emphasis on fitness in the past few years. Not doing well on the fitness evaluation can affect your career. Also, when you are young, you can get away with an unhealthy lifestyle. But, it will have an impact on you when you are older. A good aerobic exercise program with healthy eating will enable a person to live a longer and better quality of life from a physical and mental standpoint."