Thank you for your interest in the Tier 2 study, a landmark event for our AF. These FAQs are not all encompassing but answer key questions. If you desire to volunteer or have additional questions, please contact us at:
T2@us.af.mil, or 210 652-2043.
What is meant by Tier 2?
The AF Fitness Assessment (FA) is a “Tier 1” fitness test; it indicates health and general fitness, is gender-specific, but AFSC independent. However, when generating fitness tests for AFSCs, we must base the standards on “Tier 2” requirements - the job demands. Tier 2 tests and standards are occupationally-specific, operationally-relevant and independent of age and gender. Currently, the AF is focused on the Tier 2 approach for Battlefield Airmen (BA).
What is a Battlefield Airman?
Approximately 4,300 personnel in six AFSCs are considered Battlefield Airmen: Special Tactics Officer, Combat Control, Special Operations Weather, Combat Rescue Officer, Pararescue, and Tactical Air Control Party. BA operate as surface combatants removed from traditional airbase support, often under austere conditions and may employ alone or as part of an AF, joint, interagency or coalition force to support Combatant Commander Objectives.
What is the study about?
In FY12 the AF Fitness Testing and Standards Unit initiated a Tier 2 effort to develop and validate science-based tests and standards for BA. While the study was underway, the SecDef mandated that ground combat positions should be open to women - the Women in the Services Review (WISR); the Tier 2 Study will also meet the WISR requirements set out by the SecDef mandate.
Am I qualified to volunteer for this study?
AF AD, ANG, AFRC males and females, ages 18 yrs - 45 yrs may participate. You must have a current PHA and have a current, passing, four component AF FA.
What is the time commitment?
The AF Fitness Unit is conducting testing from 13 Apr - 18 Jul. Volunteers commit to a two week window, approximately four hours per day. We highly encourage supervisors to allow full participation in this SecDef driven study.
What will I be doing during the study?
The AF Fitness Unit will ask you to perform to the best of your ability on a series of physical demanding tests over the ten test days. Week one consists of fitness tests assessing your agility, power, muscular strength, muscular endurance, and anaerobic and aerobic capacities. Week two consists of a series of operationally-relevant task simulations, e.g., swimming, wall climbing, and dragging simulated casualties.
What should I wear during the study?
You will wear the AF PT Uniform and ABUs over weeks one and two, respectively. For aquatic events males will wear PT shorts (compression shorts underneath optional) and ABU t-shirt; females will wear a conservative, one-piece swimsuit and ABU t-shirt.
Will I need to worry about injuring myself?
This study was approved by the AF Human Subject Institutional Review Board; the board ensures study subjects are not exposed to unnecessary risk. As with any human movement, there is a minor chance of injury. To mitigate injury risk we will monitor your heart rate, ensure you are not performing any risky movements. Also, we have safety devices in place, e.g., belays on the climbing activities.
Reporting Instructions
On the first day of testing you will report at 0730 hrs to Building 4908 on JBSA Lackland, which is located near Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center. We will provide subsequent reporting locations and times to you at the conclusion of each day.
Driving Directions: take Hwy 90 to Military Drive/LAFB Exit, head south on Military Drive (0.7 mi). Turn left and enter LAFB at Luke Gate East. Remain on Luke Drive until Foster Avenue (0.6 mi). Turn left on Foster Avenue. Bldg 4908 will be straight ahead through the gate (0.2 mi).