Go figure…the military puts an emphasis on physical fitness. Who would have thought?? Seriously though, if there is one thing that causes some major stress it’s the Air force Fitness Test, aka PT Test. I have a theory though; the reason why so many people stress about the test is because they aren’t prepared for it. Don’t let that happen to you. Keep reading!
The goal of this post is to shine light on the PT Test after basic training and tech school. When you arrive to your first duty station (base), the responsibility falls on you to develop a good training program. You will not be required to attend PT sessions, except on rare occasions; that is unless you are in special tactics or some other operational AFSC.
So, when you are worn out from working a long day, have night shift brain, or just plain don’t feel like it, you still have to have the discipline to hit the gym or go run. All of these standards also apply to the AF Guard and Reserve components as well. Sounds like fun, right?
Also, know the responsibility to maintain fitness currency rests on you. If you are due, you need take the initiative to test, but most bases are pretty good at letting you know that you are due and testing is scheduled.
The PT Test
The goal of the AF fitness program is to encourage Airmen to adopt fitness routines all year and not just to “cram” just before a PT Test. The test consist of:
- Abdominal circumference measurement
- Push-ups (1 min), Rest
- Sit-ups (1 min), Rest
- 1.5 mile run, Cool down
During the abdominal circumference, the measurement will be recorded to the nearest ½ inch. If the fraction is less than ½ inch, then it will be rounded down. The measurement will be rounded up if equal to or more than ½ inch.
There is a height and weight portion of the test itself, but these are not calculated into the overall result.
The order of testing components tends to go in the order listed above and must be completed within a 3-hour window.
Check out this very stimulating official AF Video explaining the test. I’ll make a bet you don’t last 3 minutes!! No worries…you’ll probably watch it again in basic training!
Calculating Results
I want to introduce you to the AF Fitness Assessment Charts. You will probably look at these charts a thousand times in your career.
On the charts you’ll notice that each component has a minimum. You must meet these minimums to pass. You’ll also notice from the charts that you can have an overall passing score, but still fail because a minimum wasn’t met.
You can download the AF Fitness Assessment Charts from the regulation HERE.
Possible Points:
- Abdominal Circumference: 20
- Push-ups: 10
- Sit-ups: 10
- Run: 60
- TOTAL: 100
Result Categories and Time Until You Retest:
- 90 or Better: Excellent (1 year)
- 75 to 89.99: Satisfactory (6 months)
- Less than 75/min not met: Unsatisfactory (3 months)
NOTE: For bases above 5,250 feet, there is an altitude correction (curve). It’s a small curve but every bit helps!:
Now the Bad News…Failing PT Tests
Serious time. There are major consequences to failing PT Tests.
If you fail a test, you will be required to take “Balanced Eating, Workout Effectively, Live Long Program (BE WELL)” training online. This training is just what it sounds like – remedial training to help you get on the right path again. You will then have to retest within 90 days.
Now comes the parts that will devastate your career and possibly even lead you to being kicked out.
As mentioned above, if you are failing or not current during any reporting period, it will result in a “Does not meet standards” on your Enlisted Performance Report (EPR). Now, your actual score cannot be annotated in your EPR, your EPRs are used for other reasons, such as special duty applications.
The worst case scenario is if you keep failing the PT test. If you have 4 failures within a 24 month period then you have basically tied your commander’s hand behind his back, because steps now have to be taken to recommend/not recommend you for separation.
You do not want to be in these positions. The Air Force WILL NOT hesitate to kick you out because you can’t pass the PT Test.
Here Comes the Motivational Speech
Listen, I am a FIRM believer that just about anyone can make it through basic training. The Air Force will train you and instill the confidence you need to be a successful Airman. This includes not just passing the PT Test but how to excel at it. Knowledge is power and by reading this, you’ve just been empowered. Now, go for a run and do some push-ups!! I believe in you.
Want More?
Check out these links for some more on the Air Force Fitness Test and Physical Fitness Program
Official AF Physical Fitness Program website
Article: Overcoming a PT test failure
Article: Dwell time, PT exemptions for new AF mothers increase to 1 year
Unofficial AF Fitness Calculator
AF Fitness Assessment Charts (10 pages, pulled from the below regulation)
AFI 36-29205, Fitness Program, 21 October 2013 (145 pages, large file)