WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- The Air Force Materiel Command will offer diagnostic fitness assessments to Airmen starting Jan. 20.
As the Air Force continues to review the overall current fitness assessment guidance for Airmen, AFMC officials have elected to implement “mock” testing as a potential part of the policy change.
“Physical fitness is crucial to our ability to meet mission requirements,” said Gen. Arnold W. Bunch, Jr., AFMC commander. “The diagnostic assessments will give Airmen an idea of their current fitness level and where they may need to improve prior to their test due date. This is part of an overall effort to continue to encourage a culture of fitness among all of our Airmen that includes year-round physical conditioning and healthy eating habits.”
Airmen who are current on their fitness assessments may attempt up to three diagnostic assessments, or “mock tests,” during the time period ranging from 45 days prior to their official assessment month and up to 15 days prior to their assessment due date. They may elect to take a diagnostic test for certain components, such as push-ups or sit-ups, or they may choose to complete the entire test during the mock assessment.
If an Airman completes the full test during a diagnostic session, they may elect to have the assessment count as their official requirement documented in the Air Force Fitness Management System. Once officials record the assessment, an Airman may not take another diagnostic test until 45 days prior to the start of their next testing cycle.
“The practice tests aim to both motivate Airmen to maintain a year-round exercise and fitness program while reducing the stress many face during testing,” said Lt. Col. Rachel Marazita, AFMC Military Personnel. “Fear of failed PT (physical training) tests and the potential of career-ending disciplinary action is a major stressor that we are looking to eliminate through a sound testing protocol coupled with an organizational culture of fitness.”
The opportunity for diagnostic testing will be available to all AFMC Airmen, including at Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts.
“Airmen may register for diagnostic fitness assessments the same way they would for their annual fitness assessment,” said Duane Brinkley, 66th Force Support Squadron Fitness and Sports Center fitness assessment cell manager.
According to Brinkley, Airmen must notify the fitness assessor that the diagnostic test will count as the official assessment before leaving the site.
AFMC implementation teams are working with FSS leadership at AFMC installations and tenant units to develop specific guidance prior to the start date. The AFMC diagnostic testing policy will remain in effect as interim guidance until new Air Force policy is published, after which it will be revised to match any new requirements.
“Commanders must incorporate fitness into their organizational culture and establish an environment that supports maintaining fitness and health to meet mission requirements,” said Bunch. “We do our wartime mission every day, and we need to make sure our Airmen are combat-ready.”
For questions regarding the overall program change, contact the AFMC/A1D team at AFMC.A1DD.All@us.af.mil.
For information about the program at Hanscom AFB, contact the Fitness and Sports Center at 781-225-6630.
(Editor’s note: The 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs Office contributed to this article.)