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. [2][3] Some reports state that participation at fitness centers is up 30 percent since the new program was established.[2] In the AFFT, Airmen are given a score based on performance consisting of four components: waist circumference, situps, pushups, and a 1.5 mile run. Airmen can potentially earn a score of 100; a passing score is anything over 75 points. [4] 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 [3].
Maximum component points are:
- Aerobic -- 50
- Body Composition -- 30
- Push-ups -- 10
- Crunches -- 10
Airmen who are medically recommended not to run may be cleared to participate in an alternative aerobic fitness assessment. Available alternatives include cycle ergonometry or a 3-mile walk for members medically recommended not to cycle. Choice of the alternative test rests with the unit commander, based upon medical guidance. [5]
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Ratings
The ratings for the AFFT are as follows[3]
- Excellent-- 90 or above
- Good -- 75 to 89.9
- Poor -- below 75
Originally, Airmen who scored below 70 on the AFFT scored Poor, and those who scored between 70 and 74.9 received a Marginal rating, while Airmen who scored above 75 passed.[6] In its current state, a score below 75 is considered Poor, and Airmen are required to retest within 90 days. Scoring 75 or higher is now considered as meeting standards.
See also
Other Fitness Tests in the United States military:
- Army Physical Fitness Test The Army Physical Fitness Test is designed to test the muscular strength/endurance and cardiovascular respiratory fitness of soldiers in the United States Army. Soldiers are given a score based on their performance in three events consisting of the push-up (PU), sit-up (SU), and a two-mile run. Possible scores range from 0 to 100 points in each (APFT), a test in the U.S. Army
- Physical Readiness Test A Physical Readiness Test, also known as a Physical Fitness Assessment, or PFA, is conducted by United States military organizations to determine the physical fitness of their service members. Their tests have multiple scoring systems and standards depending on the branch of the Department of Defense, a test in the U.S. Navy
- United States Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test The United States Marine Corps requires that all Marines perform a Physical Fitness Test and a Combat Fitness Test (CFT) once per fiscal year. Each test must have an interval of 6 months (same standards apply for reservists). The PFT ensures that Marines are keeping physically fit and in a state of physical readiness. It consists of pull-ups,, a test in the U.S. Marine Corps
External links
- Air Force Fitness Program
- Air Force Instruction 10-248, Air Force Fitness Program
- Air Force unveils new fitness program, 8/21/2009
- Air Force Fitness Test Calculator
- Max Out the USAF Fitness Test
