New fitness standards affect Warriors of the North

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachel Martinez
  • 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Approval of the new Air Force fitness instruction in the coming weeks will bring about some of the most significant changes to the Air Force fitness program in the last five years.

Those changes, which take effect Jan. 1, 2010, shift a greater responsibility of maintaining physical fitness 365 days a year to all Airmen.

In June, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz announced changes to the service's fitness program following an audit that identified inconsistencies in fitness testing that failed to create a culture of fitness required to meet the warfighting demands on today's Airmen.

"I take fitness seriously, and so should you," said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy. "The new Air Force fitness test is coming soon and will incorporate significant changes aimed at creating a continuous culture of fitness."

Some of the significant changes outlined in the new Air Force Instruction 10-248, Fitness Program, include changing the testing frequency to twice a year, establishment of fitness assessment cells to proctor tests and increased emphasis on the aerobic component in scoring.

"The new changes will provide more accurate results for all Airmen regardless of them having a 'bad day,'" said Airman 1st Class Brian T. Colantuono, a physical training leader with the 319th Communications Squadron.

All Airmen will be expected to pass each individual portion of the fitness test, as well as the pass the overall test with a 75 percent or higher.

"These changes will allow Airmen to focus on what they need to score in order to pass the fitness test," added Airman Colantuono.

The instruction is expected to be signed and approved by the Air Force chief of staff in the coming weeks.

"The new standards will be a good thing and hold people more accountable for their fitness," said Tech. Sgt. Tarn A. Sanger, 319th Force Support Squadron.

Airmen can learn more about the upcoming changes and view the approved fitness charts and other valuable fitness related information at the Air Force fitness program Web site at www.afpc.randolph.af.mil.

(Daniel Elkins contributed to this article)