Airman executing a push-up.
The United States Air Force Fitness Test (AFFT) is designed to test the body composition, muscular strength/endurance and cardiovascular respiratory fitness of airmen in the United States Air Force. As part of the Fit to Fight program, the Air Force adopted a more stringent physical fitness assessment; the new fitness program was established on January 1, 2004, and replaces the annual ergo-cycle test that the Air Force had used for several years. [1][2] Some reports state that participation at fitness centers is up 30 percent since the new program was established.[1] In the AFFT, Airmen are given a score based on performance consisting of four components: waist circumfirence, the crunch, the push-up, and a 1.5 mile run. Airmen can potentially earn a score of 100; a passing score is anything over 75 points. [3] Members must complete all components unless medically exempted. If medically exempted from any component, the total score is calculated as follows: Total Component Points Achieved X 100 divided by total possible points [2].
Maximum component points are:
- Aerobic -- 50
- Body Composition -- 30
- Push-ups -- 10
- Crunches -- 10
Airmen who are physically unable to run may receive a medical waiver authorizing them to participate in an alternative aerobic fitness assessment. Available alternatives include cycle ergonometry and a 1-mile walk. Choice of an alternative test rests with the unit commander, based upon medical guidance. [4]
Ratings[]
The ratings for the AFFT are as follows[2]
- Excellent-- 90 or above
- Good -- 75 to 89.9
- Fail -- below 75
Originally, Airmen who scored below 70 on the AFFT failed, and those who scored between 70 and 74.9 received a marginal rating, while Airmen who scored above 75 passed. [5] In its current state, a score below 75 is considered failing, and Airmen are required to retest within 90 days. The test is now either pass or fail.
Components[]
Aerobic[]
The aerobic portion of the AFFT consists of a 1.5 mile run.
Body Composition[]
The Air Force is the only branch that currently incorporates a body composition assessment into their PFT. It consists of a standard waist measurement.[3]
Push-ups[]
The push-up portion of the AFFT requires that airmen perform as many correct push-ups as possible in one minute.
Crunches[]
The push-up portion of the AFFT requires that airmen perform as many correct crunches as possible in one minute.
See also[]
- Other Fitness Tests in the United States military:
- Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), a test in the U.S. Army
- United States Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test, a test in the U.S. Marine Corps
- Physical Readiness Test, a test in the U.S. Navy
External links[]
- AFI 10-248 - Air Force Fitness Program
- US Air Force Fitness Test Score Charts
- Air Force Fitness Test Calculator
- Max Out the USAF Fitness Test
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Lopez, Todd & Kovsky, Eddie (15 July), “Air Force changes fitness test criteria”, Academy Spirit, US Air Force Academy 45 (28): 1, 3, <http://www.csmng.com/images/academyspirit/academyspirit_2005-07-15.pdf>
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Rod Powers (n.d.). Air Force Fitness Test. About.com. Retrieved on 2008-06-22.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Dan Donche (11 October 2007). Max Out the US Air Force Fitness Test. FatalFitness.com. Retrieved on 2008-06-22.
- ↑ Unknown (n.d.). Air Force Physical Fitness Requirements. PlainFacts.net. Retrieved on 2008-06-22.
- ↑ Monique Randolph (21 August 2007). Air Force fitness test now pass, fail. AF.mil. Retrieved on 2008-06-22.