Understanding the new Air Force fitness program Published Sept. 27, 2010 By Stacee Smith Laughlin's Health and Wellness Center dietician LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- As we all know by now, the fitness program Air Force Instruction (36-2905) changed as of July 1, 2010. We would like to help guide Laughlin Airmen through the new changes. One of the biggest changes is all official fitness Assessment testing is conducted by the fitness assessment cell staff. The Health and Wellness Center is no longer part of the testing phase. This means the fitness program has shifted from the medical to the personnel staff. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions, but please remember to refer to AFI 36-2905 or your unit fitness program manager for more guidance. Who is responsible for official Fitness Assessment testing now? FAC staff members, who are employed by the force support squadron, are responsible for all official fitness assessments. The HAWC is no longer part of the testing process. How do I schedule a Fitness Assessment? The unit UFPM is responsible for scheduling your fitness assessment with the FAC. Where do I go for my Fitness Assessment? All official testing will be conducted by the FAC staff. The FAC is located at base fitness centers. Do I need to bring any paperwork with me for a FA? Members must bring their CAC card for verification purposes. UFPM's must provide the member with the fitness screening questionnaire. The member must complete the FSQ no earlier than 30 days and no later than seven days prior to the test date. Members that report to the FAC with an incomplete or missing FSQ will not be allowed to test and will be forced to reschedule the FA. Members must also bring a copy of their AF Form 422 for the FAC to file, if on profile. May I have a practice test? Absolutely, but a practice test would be conducted by a unit physical training leader, not the FAC. What happens if I do not pass? The FAC will schedule the member in the next "Be Well" class. The FAC will also send the unit commander, UFPM and first sergeant an e-mail with Memo for Record indicating the member who failed. What is "Be Well"? "Be Well" is an Air Force standardized and mandated nutrition, exercise and goal setting interventional class taught by the HAWC staff designed to help members get back on track and pass their next fitness assessment. Be sure to bring your case file containing your AF Form 108 to receive credit for the class. If I am on profile, do I need to bring my AF Form 422? Members on a profile must bring a copy of the AF Form 422 to the FAC at the time of their FA. Members that report to the FAC without their AF Form 422 will not be allowed to test and will be forced to reschedule the FA. What is the minimum passing score? Members are required to pass with a cumulative score of 75 AND meet the minimum standards for each component of the FA within their age bracket. Where can I find the Fitness Assessment requirements for my age bracket? Please refer to AFI 36-2905 1 July 2010, starting on page 70. Or go to www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/affitnessprogram/charts.asp How often am I required to take the Fitness Assessment? If you receive an Excellent (score over 90 and all component minimums met) you are required to test by the last day of the month, 12 months after your last passing test. You must have tested in all components of the fitness assessment in order to test annually. If you receive a Satisfactory (score 75-89.99 and all component minimums met) you are required to test by the last day of the month, six months after your last passing test. If you receive an unsatisfactory (score <75 and/or one or more component minimums are not met), you will retest in 42-90 days. Can I retake my Fitness Assessment retest earlier than 42 days? Members who fail the FA can challenge the FA, and retest within 42 days with approval from the Unit commander. Your UFPM is responsible for handling this process with the unit commander. Who monitors my Fitness Assessment status? Ultimately, every member is responsible for monitoring their own fitness status but your UFPM should assist monitoring your fitness status, case files and currency status. What if I am exempt from a category, how do I calculate my score? Members with a duty limiting condition that prevents them from taking one or more components for the fitness assessment will have the composite score calculated on only the assessed components. Members must still achieve an adjusted 75 points to receive a satisfactory. See UFPM if you have more questions. See AF I36-2905 1 July 2010, page 21 for further guidance. Composite score = Total Component points achieved X 100 Total possible points What is considered passing the Fitness Assessment? You need to receive a minimum of 75 composite score and pass each component. See AFI 36-2905 1 July 2010 for your age and sex category minimum requirements, starting on page 70. I am a UPT student, what else do I need to know? Because of syllabus requirements, you will be required to take the fitness assessment more often than AFI36-2905 states. You will NOT be allowed to move to the next phase of training, nor will you be able to graduate if you receive an unsatisfactory on your most recent Fitness Assessment. You need a passing score (score at least 75 and pass each component) to move on. How is the new Fitness Assessment weighted? The new FA allocates 60% for Aerobic (run or walk), 20% for abdominal circumference, 10% each for sit ups and pushups. Is there still a bike test? No, the bike test was phased out with the new revision of the AFI. However, there is a 1.0 mile timed walk test for those members who are medically exempt from the run. This is only approved by the exercise physiologist and documented on the AF 422. Is there a walk test? Yes, there is a 1.0 mile timed walk test for members who are medically exempt from the run. This is only approved by the exercise physiologist and documented on the AF form 422. I think I need a waiver, what do I do? Schedule an appointment with your primary care manager and they will determine if you have medical exemptions. If you are determined to have a medical waiver, your UFPM will schedule you an appointment with the exercise physiologist to complete your AF Form 422. Can I get a courtesy tape? Yes, courtesy measurements can be conducted by your unit PTL and by the FAC staff. Who do I call if I have more questions? Your first POC should be your UFPM. You can also visit www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/affitnessprogram/index.asp for even more information, calculators and fitness charts.