Fitness in today’s Air Force gets Airmen in shape Published Nov. 9, 2006 By Lt. Col. Michael R. Updike Air Force Research Laboratory TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- With the requirement to defend this nation and its interest by performing military operations, whenever, wherever and for any length of time, does the Air Force fitness program ensure members are physically ready? Fitness, or physical readiness, has seen many changes in the past 18 years. When I first entered the Air Force in 1988, the 1.5 mile run was the standard for our annual fitness test. Everyone would wait until the last minute, then start exercising two weeks prior to the test date. Then in the 1990s, the Air Force implemented the cycle ergometry test, which was fraught with rumors of marathon runners who would fail the bike test routinely and smokers who would pass. For the nervous testers, the bike test was a nightmare. The bottom line is the Air Force fitness programs, past and present, have focused primarily on an annual evaluation of aerobic conditioning, rather than participation in regular exercise, education on exercise techniques and the benefits of exercise. But finally, the Air Force has realized the "bike test" was not improving the overall fitness of the Air Force. After years of study and debate, physical readiness came to the forefront of Air Force issues due to the operational tempo and the physical condition of those deploying. The Air Force released a new version of the fitness instruction, Air Force Instruction 10-248, Sept. 25. It has revitalized fitness in the Air Force and under the new program, fitness points are awarded in four areas: aerobic (running), body composition, push-ups and crunches. There are three new changes and clarifications to the instruction. First, all components of the fitness assessment must be completed on the same duty day. Second, members testing at installations over 5,000 feet above sea level will have additional points awarded to reflect physiological differences in oxygen capacity at high elevations. Last, ongoing education and a supportive environment is available for all members and early intervention is used for marginal and poor fit members to maintain health and fitness of the force. I think this last change is especially important in providing ongoing education and a supportive environment. As a leader, I feel it is vital to provide this type of environment. Most of the major commands have implemented duty time-off policies for fitness workouts and most commanders have instituted mandatory physical training one or more times a week. This offer has been extended to the civilian workforce as well. Even in the near future, annual performance reports may include fitness evaluation scores. The culture is changing in the Air Force regarding fitness. It is no longer looked upon as a simple once-a-year test, but a lifestyle change for those who wear the blue uniform. Whether the Air Force fitness program ensures members are physically ready is yet to be seen. Look around - the base gym is filled to capacity every day, waist lines are decreasing, people are running at all times all over the base and people are entering fun runs, 5Ks, 10Ks, and triathlons at an increasing rates each year. But the real test is the harsh environment of deployments and success Air Force members enjoy due to their new found physical readiness. I foresee good things for the Air Force and its physical readiness and as we continue to fight wars jointly, I'm positive our service partners will start to notice the difference, so watch out ... here comes the Air Force!