New winter fitness assessment procedures, schedule now in effect

  • Published
  • By Sarah Olaciregui
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  The 66th Force Support Squadron has issued guidance on how fitness assessments will be conducted during winter weather conditions at Hanscom. The guidance is in accordance with AFI 36-2905.

"During winter months, the weather can be harsh in New England," said Capt. Joe Green, 66th Force Support Squadron commander. "We want inclement weather to be the last thing on an Airman's mind when taking a fitness assessment."

Appropriate weather agencies will be consulted to determine what environmental conditions exist before determining if assessments should remain outside or be conducted indoors on the Fitness Center track.

The new physical fitness assessment winter schedule begins this month. Assessments will take place Monday through Friday at 10 and 11 a.m., and 12 noon with six testing slots available per session. No indoor track assessments will be conducted unless there is inclement weather as defined in the instruction. The winter fitness assessment schedule will end April 1.

Any questions or concerns about the new policy can be directed to the Fitness Assessment Cell staff at 781-377-5154.


Environmental conditions for testing outside:
· Wind Speed: max wind allowed is less than or equal to 15 mph sustained, or less than or equal to 20 mph gusting
· Cold Stress: air temperature should be greater than 32 F with wind less than or equal to 10 mph sustained, or air temperature greater than 40 F with wind less than or equal to 15 mph sustained, or less than or equal to 20 mph gusting
· Snow: no snow accumulation on the running surface
· Ice: no ice on the running surface that cannot be easily observed and avoided
· Water: no standing water that a large group cannot easily avoid on the running surface
· Mud: no mud on the running surface that cannot be easily avoided
· Rain: no significant rain. If assessing on a wet day, to include rain, mist or heavy dew, the temperature must be greater than 50 F, including wind chill
· Hail: no hail forecasted or reported within 25 miles