SubscribeAir Force Physical Fitness Requirements
In January 2004, the Air Force scrapped their complete reliance on the dreaded “bike test” and returned to the roots of physical fitness. Airmen and officers must now pass a multi-part physical fitness test (PFT) on at least an annual basis. The test consists of three components: aerobic fitness, muscle strength and body composition.
In the remainder of this article, we examine each of the three test components. The scoring tables are complex, so we’ve created an online Air Force PFT calculator to help you compute scores.
Aerobic Fitness
Cardiovascular fitness is one of the cornerstones of a solid physical fitness foundation. In fact, the Air Force used to rely completely on this component during the era of the bike test. Under the new system, cardiovascular fitness accounts for 50% of your total physical fitness score. All Air Force servicemembers must complete a 1.5-mile timed run to determine their aerobic fitness score.
Servicemembers who are physically unable to run may receive a medical waiver authorizing them to participate in an alternative aerobic fitness assessment. Available alternatives include cycle ergonometry (yes, the “bike test”!) and a 1-mile walk. Choice of an alternative test rests with the unit commander, based upon medical guidance.
Muscle Strength
The muscle strength component of the test determines 20% of your fitness score and consists of two tests. First, you must perform the maxmimum number of push-ups you can accomplish in one-minute. Next, you perform a similar series of one-minute timed crunches. Each of these tests is weighted equally as 10% of your final fitness score.
Body Composition
The final component of the test, body composition, accounts for the remaining 30% of your score. If you have a body mass index (BMI) of less than 25%, you are exempt from measurement and receive the full 30 points. If your BMI is greater than 25%, the Air Force will measure the circumference of your abdomen and determine your body composition score. This component replaces the height and weight testing performed in the past.
Calculating Your Score
You may calculate your score using the following formula:
(Aerobic Score X 50%) + (Push-Up Score X 10%) + (Crunches Score X 10%) + (Body Comp Score X 30%)
This will produce a score on a scale of 1-100. Use the table below to convert your numeric score to an Air Force fitness category:
| Fitness Level | Total Score |
|---|---|
| Excellent | >=90 |
| Good | 75-89.9 |
| Fair | 70-74.9 |
| Marginal | <70 |
Testing Requirements
Airmen and officers who score in the Excellent or Good categories must retest within 12 months of their assessment. Members who score in the Marginal or Poor categories must retest within 90 days of their assessment.
August 21st, 2007 at 1:36 pm
Thanks for this calculator it gave me a lot of insight as to where I stand on my pt test!
August 27th, 2007 at 8:20 pm
Is there any way you could release a version that has “Exempt” status for the calculations? I’m on a no run/push ups waiver and I would like to accurately gauge where I stand for those.
December 18th, 2007 at 1:31 pm
For Crunches, are those full range sit ups or 45 degree angle crunches?
February 7th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
what exactly are crunches as compared to situps?
June 25th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Thank you for the eye opener. I found this particularly interesting. Years ago I had to do the 1.5 mile run for the USAF once a year. I was a smoker and had a terrible time jogging that distance. Now, at the age of 56 I can easily pass the PFT for a male under the age of 25, and yet the U.S. military tells me I am physically incapable of performing the duties of a chaplain - merely because of age - sight unseen, physical fitness untested. That’s pretty messed up!
September 28th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
I think this “new age” concept of testing ones physical fitness is probably the most descriminatory against older service members that has ever been conceived by the Air Force. Without a doubt whoever thought this up must have been the sameone that truely believes that every airman should have a perfect 29 inch waist. Nobody has a perfect waistline so they can look perfect in their blues. With the calculator you can’t even figure out how many pushups, situps, and the runtime to pass the fitness assessment. I’m sure this was designed as a method of easing older members out of the service is a quiet age descrimination sort of way. Is it no wonder that nobody wants to re-enlist in the Air Force?
October 2nd, 2008 at 6:59 pm
EXACTLY WHERE ACCORDING TO REGULATION IT IS SUPPOSED TO BE MEASURED THE ABDOMINAL CIRCUMFERENCE FOR MALES?
EX. 1.5 INCHES ABOVE THE BELLY BOTTOM?
PLEASE REGULATION NUMBER WERE IT APPEARS
October 15th, 2008 at 10:42 am
Just took it an hour ago and now I’m feeling pretty good about my results.
December 4th, 2008 at 9:28 am
[...] I have to do a PT (physical training) test every 6 months to stay employed. My confession: The last two tests I did, I was TOTALLY out [...]
January 17th, 2009 at 10:04 pm
Well this helps me alot, and makes me feel really great about my husband. He has not taken it yet, but has an appt to take it the 4 of Feb but I’m sure that he is going to do really good.
Thanks alot! 
January 22nd, 2009 at 3:51 pm
Does anybody know if you use your currnet age or is it the age that you will turn that year? For example, I am currently 29, but I will turn 30 in Oct. Thanks.
January 23rd, 2009 at 5:08 pm
Honestly I think that the BMI and waist measurment is retarded. I am in shape and and easily pass my PT test if it was not for my waist measurement and BMI. I do not look fat in or out of uniform but a 28 year old man that is 6′1″ and 200 pounds is overwight. therefor I can’t get max points for my waist. Thanks for letting me vent.
February 18th, 2009 at 5:39 pm
It is the age you are at the time of testing.
February 18th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
I think that when you take the PT test you should go at it with an open mind and just do the best you can. Many people who show improvement are given opportunities to retest if they fail and usually do succeed (believe me I know). It would be great if everyone could score in the 90s but people have different body shapes which means some of us have to work harder. But that doesn’t mean to give up.
March 4th, 2009 at 10:29 am
I have not problem with the current fitness test but do have a problem with the fairness in the scoring. After sitting and playing with the calculator I have found that I entered entries for 74″, 200lbs, 38″ waist, and changed it to 62″, 300lbs, 38″ waist and got the same score 21.6 on the Body Composition category. If this is the case they might as well throw the Body Comp category out because it is seriously flawed and causing people to fail. You can not in anyway possible get a Body Comp without taking height and weight into consideration. Someone who is 5′2″ with a 38″ waist is pretty portly. Not to say that they could be physically capable. I have seen the 6″ guy with the 29″ waist unable to do much of anything physical for any lenght of time fly right throught this PT test and past. But physical fit they are not. This needs calculator needs some tweeking. The test itself I believe is okay.
March 9th, 2009 at 7:44 am
FYI
The grading criteria posted above is wrong. It should read:
Excellent - 90 or above
Good - 75 - 89.99
Poor - 74.99 or below
Ref: AFI 10-248 dated 25 Sep 06
March 9th, 2009 at 11:21 pm
I am 57, and agree entirely that the waist measurement is not fair to anyone older than about 40.
I have not had a 32in waist since high school, and at 175lb and 5′9″ I am not overweight. In order to get full points for body composition, I would have to weigh 159lbs. I guess they want everyone to look like a marathon runner, after the marathon.
March 13th, 2009 at 10:43 pm
my height is 61, but my body is proportional. is it possible for me to qualify the physical requirements?
April 8th, 2009 at 5:17 pm
Thank you for this calculator. I just passed with an 84.5%! Whew!!! I agree that the weight vs height vs waist is not accurate at all. I am just luck that my BMI is < 25% and I get my full 30 points for my waist. I just measured at a 34″ waist at 5ft 6in tall. I am thick and could stand to loose a couple of inches and I suck at running. My poor husband is 6ft 2in, 300lbs, and can lift a house…im exaggerating a bit, but you get the picture. He has a 42in waist which means he could loose about 2in and have a flat stomach. He has failed the last 2 tests and his skinny pilot looking commander is threatening to kick him out and is currently holding his bonus. Who was the “professional” the AF talked to to get this point system in place? I’d like to kick him in the face.
May 10th, 2009 at 3:48 pm
Quit whining about being old - if your gut is over 40″ you are ridiculously fat. Also - how do you get a no running/ push up waiver #2?
Does everyone expect to get a perfect fitness score if you aren’t in phenomenal shape? Look in the mirror, be realistic. It’s not based on body weight - it’s on body fat which weights MUCH less than muscle! Numerous studies have proven that gut fat (visceral) is the most dangerous type in regards to heart health.
May 12th, 2009 at 12:09 pm
The PT test for the AF fails at what it’s intended to do. I’ve been doing the P-90X workout for over 3 months and am in great shape. I just don’t run fast and have a higher heart rate. Sitting here, typing, I’m in the 90s. Yet, after 3 minutes of stepping I’m expected to have a heartrate IMMEDIATELY under 105. I was only stepping because I kept failing due to the run times and I started sprinting 2 miles, only to get plantar fascitis. I reverted back to my normal “3 mile run”. My waist is 35″ and you’d be hard pressed to see any belly fat. So long story made longer, I’m being kicked out this month. Nevermind the fact I’m not fat, and am more physically active than 95% of my squadron.
May 14th, 2009 at 11:13 am
First: That scoring table on here is wrong. I am a manager of the fitness program for the AF. <75.0 is a Poor. Ther eis no fair or marginal. Second: All those whining, quit. You are in the military and that means staying in shape the right way. Third: Step back and ask yourself this: If you are in the middle of an Iraqi summer and your vehicle broke down and you are surrounded by terrorists or disidents, do you want to be in the curernt shape you are in now or would you rather be in better shape to survive? 53% of AF members (at one base) exercise less than 2 x week! Take that to the bank. Terrance posted a 62″ person weighing 300lbs and have an AC of 38″. That is not possible. That person will be in the 50+ AC range and get a fat ZERO on the Body Comp. Get real man!
I get tired of listening to the whiners. In reality, there shouldn’t be age or gender categories when it comes to being out in a combat zone. You are only as strong as your weakest link. A 50 yr old getting an 80 on his/her fit test is still extremely less fit than a 25 yr old getting an 80 on his/her fit test. In a combat zone, would you want your life dependent upon someone that can run to get help at 10min/1.5 mile ability or someone that can only do a 17min/1.5 mile run? Life or death. This is not a game people. There is a 70 yr old woman that can run under 11 min for a 1.5 mile run. What is your excuse?
To John Claude: Get real. Just because you get older, doesn’t give you the excuse to get fattera nd have an easier AC measurement scale. Why does the military make uniforms to fit people with fat 50+” guts? Looks bad for the military and for the individual. Lose your fat and stop whining. Bodies are different. Not everyone can get a 32″ perfect score, but at the same time, not everyone will ever get a perfect run time or perfect pushups and crunches (situps). Be glad you aren’t in the Army where your PT score earns you more promotion points. As I said….you are in the military. Get over it, quit whining, and just do it!
May 16th, 2009 at 11:54 am
I am soon to be 39. Over the last few years I have scored in the Excellent category every time I do the run. About 2 years ago, I suffered an ankle injury that is now chronic and requiring surgery. I have been exempted from the cardio part of the PT test before and had max points on my waist, crunches and pushups- No, I’m not a PT slouch!! I recently had to do the bike test and failed twice because of pain (heart rate too high)- and I let my UFM know this. Now I am having surgery next month, my Podiatrist and an Orthopedic surgeon BOTH recommended that I not do the run, bike, or the walk due to my ankle being so bad. I saw my provider and was told that my Commander said I had to do the bike test and that my profile would not be changed. So I am forced to do the bike test- which I will more than likely fail again. Has anyone out there had this same experience? I’m also looking at a referral EPR and losing the MSgt stripe I just made the other day.
May 22nd, 2009 at 8:05 am
Having had a quick read through the posts it appears some people are forgetting you are in the MILITARY! The most basic requirement of any armed forces is to be fit enough to do your job and being in the armed forces even as a chef/chaplain/etc you may be required to go into conflict (however unlikely this may actually be) So if you cannot get an excellent on this the most basic of fitness tests. You need to take serious consideration as to whether you should be an airmen, soldier, marine. If you are not a civilian assisting the forces then you need to be able to perform the tasks the uniform calls for. Those medically unfit to do so are another matter completely. Just see too many lazy people in the armed forces these days too used to playing video games instead of breaking a sweat.
May 26th, 2009 at 11:27 pm
Wow John, I guess you are only about the MILITARY, huh or just the AF? I spent 13 years in the USMC and have been in th AF for 5. Even though I score well on the test I still think it is seriously jacked up. For example, why is it that I can do 15-16 push ups and get 7 points but I have to do 36 more to equal 50 and only get only 3 more points (which I do anyway)? I won’t even go into the waist measurment, the crunches or run time scoring. Why don’t we test like the Marines then? 5 points per pull up (20 to max, no time limit), 1 point per crunch (100 in >2 mins to max) and subtract 1 point for every 6 seconds over 18:00 ( <18 is max) for a 3 mile run. Even in this scoring range, if you do 20 pullups and 100 crunches, all you have to do is finish the run in less than 28 mins and you still get a 1st class PFT. The AF fitness test doesn’t even count toward promotion. I would rather spend time studying the PDG so I can score better on something that will get me promoted. OOH RAH and Semper Fi!
May 27th, 2009 at 5:41 pm
I think the AF PT test is ok but needs the tweaking to guage more of a muscular aspect. The guys that run a 9 min 1.5 mile, what good does that do them in combat, if you have to run for more then a mile you probably will be shot. More points for push-ups/crunchs add pull-ups or dumbbell lift, adjust the waist scores to reflect real life. A 32″ waist is doable but not the norm. For some of you that have been to a combat area how mant guys do you see that can carry all there gear issued, not many.
I have a 35″ waist, max pushups/situps but can only run 13:13. That’s passing but not perfect, and the way the AF is going you will need that excellent score for Senior rater endorser.
May 27th, 2009 at 7:50 pm
I’m not in the military at all though I have been trying to get in since high school. I am an ex-Army wife now though. I was sort of surprised by what #22 stated about most Airmen only working-out 2 times a week!?
My father is in his late 50’s now and he still wears a size 28 pants. He does have a bit of a gut going on and he also has bad knees from when he was in the AF back during Vietnam. He doesn’t try to move around too much except at work (Huge hangar bays at Boeing). There’s age and measurement limits on everything for a reason.
I myself had about a 28″ waist when I was a freshman in high school and everyone still called me “fat” so I think the ideals are a bit off there. Only recently did I realize how I wasn’t fat at all back then. At 17 I tried to get into the Air Force and I had a 32″ waist and weighed 155 lbs. The recruiter told me I was, yet again, “too fat.” And now after years of sedentary jobs my waist is up to 42″. And unlike what #20 stated being over 40″ in the waist isn’t too ridiculous. Some people have larger bone structures than others. Not that I am ok with my body image right now, which I am working on, but people come in all shapes and sizes. It is however really irritating to shop for pants when you have huge thigh and calf muscles and all you can find are little skinny jeans. I generally end up buying over sized “boot cut” jeans.
All in all I am trying one last time hopefully, to lose some weight and at least 9% body fat to qualify. I have been at this for so long it’s really irritating to me that I wasn’t able to get in when I was 17 because of my weight. Which the weight limits have changed over the years. I’m 25 now and so I have until I’m 28 to get in.
The most important things I am doing right now is watching my daily caloric intake, taking pharmacopoeia approved multivitamins, drinking a lot of water and working my fat rear off.
June 5th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
Yes, getting a good score for us broken MSgt(s) is hard. But the new Rockport should help.
With the bike test, suggest high intensity interval training as soon as your ankle can handle it. But I scored a 46 doing about 10-12 hours of “fat burning” a week. Next tried 70% hr days, on Tues and Thurs, Wed a 75% hr, and Mon Fridays 90% for intervals of 5 minutes in the anerobic state, then recovered for about 5 minutes in the 70-75% hr–did that five times. Took ten minutes to warm up in the 75% range before I did the high intensity training. It took me about a year to work up to that and HITT training days took 90 minutes. But my scores were inconsistent, sometimes average, once VO2 for 48. Today I did a 45, which is 42 points. I have to keep tweeking the program and do a test every six months to ensure I’m on track. There are many variations to HIIT training…I started out with 3 minutes…some people do one minute then recover for 15 seconds, do that six times, the 75% hr for five minutes, then repeat the one minute at an anearobic state, then recover for 15 seconds.
I wish you luck on your test.
The person who talked about whiners…that is inapproprate.
June 8th, 2009 at 12:43 am
THis was good insight. It helps me keep in mind what I need to accomplish in order to receive a 100% in my future test scores. I am gainin ever closer and it is nice to know how hard i need to push my self when i am running my 1.5 mile. Harumph to the the calculator
June 11th, 2009 at 8:56 pm
I appreciate all the comments I’m 24 years old and trying to get ready for Basic Training. I weigh about 145 and 5′11″ tall with a 30″ waist. The biggest thing I see is the RUN. That is going to be a pain, but I will keep working on it. I have about 2 months before I go in so please wish me luck.
June 16th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
In following up on my post in regards to the AF fitness exam scoring I think Wayne missed my point. I exaggerated the inputs to specifically point out that the they are not taking height and weight in to their so called BMI measurement. Yes it is impossible for some one 62′, 300lbs to have a 38″ waist but that doesn’t change the fact that the BMI calculations are flawed. BMI can’t be obtained from just a waist measurement. You have to take height and weight into account. As for your scenario of possibly needing someone to run 1.5 miles in the heat of battle for help, keep in mind that they won’t be doing it without carrying a weapon and perhaps may need to try and carry you more then 50yards to cover. I’ve been deployed with a mix crowed and watch young 32″ waisted 20 year olds dying walking a couple of hundred yards in full flax carrying 40 lbs of equipment. A good 1.5 mile time doesn’t account for that. I am 6′2″, 240lbs, with a 39″ waist. I max push-ups and crunches, and the 1.5 in about 13 min. However, I also use to be an avid weight lifter, and wear a 52″ coat due to my shoulders and chest not gut and have an 18″ neck and good sized legs. Room for improvement, “yes” but at the same time I don’t think that the scoring covers a good overall fitness of an individual for all of the things that you really may have to do in the field outsides running. And if I am not mistaking, the push-ups and crunches are to try and accomplish just that. I don’t know about you but I would hate to be in action with some one that could run the 1.5 in 9 or 10 minutes, has a 32″ waist but struggle to give 15 good crunches or push-ups in a minute. How fit is this individual really?
I passed my test but just see room for improvement in the scoring and evaluation of the fitness of an individual.
June 17th, 2009 at 4:50 am
I run an AF fitness center, I am also a PTL and a wing UFPM. Most days I deal with the AF PT program. The problem I see is that people are down right lazy. I realize people come in all shapes and sizes, that’n not an excuse for failing. The people who come across my desk with a failing PT score “ARE GROSSLY OUT OF SHAPE”! To achieve a 75 on the PT test is a give away, its not a test of fitness its a test of following instructions. It doesn’t take max effort in any of the events to pass.
The largest proportion of people with failures(looking at AFFMS)have an average waist measurment of 39 do an average of 22 pushups and 31 situps and run in over 14 minutes. Now I ask you are these individuals in any shape at all?
I have seen PT test scores under 20!!! I have seen waist measurments over 60!!!
This is not hard people, you all know how to pass, “Excellent” doesn’t mean anything. It says “meets/does not meet” on all our EPRs. Don’t sweat it, pass it and go about your business. If you struggle with it, you know why.
You choose to pass or you choose to fail, its that simple. The system will never be perfect and its only going to get harder not easier so if your on the bubble expect to get knocked off.
June 17th, 2009 at 6:25 pm
i see a lot about everyone whining and you should be glad your not in the army for fitnees.
well here we go smart guy the army doesnt do a body comp. the navy does not do a body comp, the marines suprise suprise does not do a body comp and besides all other services have a pass scale of 50-60 or over not 75.
plus there does need to be more exeptions to the test because you loose a lot of good workes because some one might have a 40 inch waist.
also the statment you choose to pass or fail is inaccurate
i did not choose to fail.
i ruptued a disk in my back doing my job in the air force had to have back surgery was on bed rest for 7 weeks was not able to do anything and because i have a 39 inch waist which is not even measured at the waist. i failed. and am about to get kicked out of the air force most likley because only 7 months out of surgery i still can not pass the test waist only because you need under a 35 inch waist so how is that fair for someone who gave almost 9 years of there life to the air force to get screwed over because of something as stupid as not being able to pass a pt test.
and the air force doesnt care about the fact that they caused this to happen either.
June 20th, 2009 at 8:23 am
RE: Chris
Sorry my friend…about the back. As I said the system is not perfect. People will fall through the cracks.
I agree, AC only tests are crap. But you did have 42 days after your exemption expired to lose 4 inches. Then you had another 90 after your first Poor score on your test to lose 4 inches, a total of 4.5 months to pass your test. Commanders can’t start the “Kicking out” until you fail a second test and then really can’t do it until the 3rd failure and that’s a seriously PT oriented CC.
So in my estimation…just guessing, you’ve failed at least 2 tests possibly 3. On top of that your commander is scary serious about PT or there are “other” issues with you and your squadron.
Seriously though, disregarding your PT score, if you can’t do push-ups, crunches or run then what the hell good are you to the rest of the Air Force?
Life isn’t fair, if I was in your situation I would be pissed off too.
June 26th, 2009 at 3:08 am
RE: James
HATER
June 29th, 2009 at 9:32 pm
RE:james
i had 42 days after surgery to test. lol that is just funny.
3 months after my surgery i could still barley walk and it wasnt untill 4 months after my surgery that i could start to burn 300 calories daily as per my back doctor ad the ufpm. and today can still only burn 400 cals.
just when did i have time to lose those 4 inches. and i have lost about 2 inches but even 37 isnt good enough.
here i am 6 montns after the fact and still cant run with out being dubbled over in pain
cant lift more than 20 lbs by air force standards but realisticly i can lift about 50 lbs.
push ups i can do but was advised against and sit ups are a no go for 1 year after back surgery for obvious reasons
anyway lets get real what the hell do push ups or sit ups have to do with me doing my job. i would take a crusty old fat man who cant run a lick but knows his way around an airplane any day over some cocky 22 year old kid who spends more time at the gym than at work and doesnt know his a@# from a hole in the ground wouldnt you?
im not mad at anyone people can say what they want and it doesnt hurt my feelings there just words.
and i have only failed 1 pt test and am going to retest soon and this time i can do the ergo which is not much better than waist only. i was just making a point as to how stupid the system actualy is. and i think you kind of proved my point there a little.
the air force has us so wrapped around pt we think it is all that matters and you said it best your self.
“Seriously though, disregarding your PT score, if you can’t do push-ups, crunches or run then what the hell good are you to the rest of the Air Force?”
nothing against you james but this just shows how ignorant we have gotten.
June 30th, 2009 at 1:29 am
RE: Chris
No offense taken, but I retort with. If you don’t think push-ups, sit-ups, and running has to do with your job then I think you might be displaying a bit of ignorance yourself. Your job is on the line because of those factors!??!
The only thing you should be thinking of is that this is part of my job. The old mentality of “I can do my job without being physically fit” is out dated. You may be able to turn your wrench or type your documents, but you are in the military and you do have an obligation to be fit, at least to the standard set before you.
Chris…your case is different. I think we are on the same page. You have had an injury and I accept that you need time to heal. Depending on the seriousness of that injury it can take years to recover. You still should not get a “pass” on the test. It sounds like you are trying to improve and as long as you are I applaud you. If you are seriously in jeopardy of losing your job then I am sorry. There are ways around it.
Read AFI110-248 Attachment 13
This is the guideline for administrative actions. Learn about the program and how it works there are a lot of loop holes; you can get around it pretty easily.
Talk to your local HAWC and they can help with, fitness programs and diet.
If you take the right steps, it should be pretty hard to get rid of you.
July 1st, 2009 at 1:10 am
I can’t agree with some of you more, and some of you I wish would get off your high horse. Up here at Elmendorf we’ve gone to the centralized PT testing at the HAWC as of May 1st, and at first I was all for it. But since it’s started, it would seem there have been more inconsistincies with it then there were before. Suddenly now we are being told we have to lock out on our Pushups and situps now we don’t have to go all the way down, but are just doing a mild crunch now? Sorry, but in the last 7 years I’ve been told time and time again not to lock my elbows and if my shoulder blades didn’t touch..it didn’t count. Now that’s all been reversed! So my story goes like this. Yesterday (Monday) I went over to go take my PT test. Now due to our longer winters up here it’s easier to put on some weight..and of course I did just that. Am I proud of it, or happy with the way I look..HELL NO! but I at least know I’m not fat or huge or anything else. In fact, i’m very much in shape. I’ve never had a problem maxing out my pushups and situps and normally do more just for the hell of it. My run times are about 11 min to a 12ish min max. Over all though, i’m a big guy at 6 foot and built pretty solid. My legs have always been big, and you can clearly see it’s muscle and not just fat. (was always a big issue when I first enlisted because I was sitting at a few lbs over my height weight even though I was little to no fat on me back then, but just lots of muscle!) So anyways..I go in Monday to test and do my heigh and weight. No problems there. I go next door to get taped and point out where my hip bone is at. The guy tells me i’m wrong and says it’s higher. Marks me with his sharpie and proceeds to tape me…..about an inch or two above my bellybutton! WTF…since when was my waist above my belly button? I currently wear a size 38 and have a few pairs of 40 inch pants that I wear that fall off if I don’t have on a belt…but according to this guy I’ve got a ..get ready for this…44″ waist! I hear him say this the first time and think he’s insane! I look down and see where he measured me and ask if this is correct..that in 7 years I”ve never once been taped above my belly button either by the UFPM or someone at the HAWC..hell even my doctor! He proceeds to tell my they were all wrong and that this is how you’re supposed to do it. Ya know..maybe he’s right. But Right then and there I knew I was screwed. A 44 inch waist for my 27 year old body was a nice “0″ points! An automatic failure! Even if I maxed everything out and then some..I would still fail my “phyical fitness” test. Really? You’re telling me I could pump out 100 pushups and situps, throw down a 9 min 1.5 mile and i’m not in shape? A PT failure? WTF is this thinking? I went ahead and maxed out my pushups and situps once again, and did a decent run time..even if I gave up in the end realizing it didn’t matter how fast I ran..I was going to still fail. So of course now I have to really get my butt in shape some how or the other loose some inches of my waist. (anyone got any pointers there?) But even still…this is where my real issue comes into play. How screwed up is the waist measurements! Between 40 and 43 inches…21 points are in play. So if I lose a few inches, I can pass next time with ease. But if you went from a 40″ waist..and say lost 5 inches and got down to a 35 inch waist..you’ll only gain 1.5 points?!?!?!?!?! Going all the way down to a healthy 34″ waist will only garner me 4 points? What the hell am I going to do with 4 points after changing my life and looseing probably a 100lbs and 6 inches off my waist? How hard must it be to loose that much weight/ waist compared to doing a few more pushups, situps, or dropping my run time by a minute? If the waist measurement is so important and counts for 30 points…more then the pushups and situps combined…why is no effort made to say..”Good Job!” on the weight loss and actually give you some points between for loosing it! I mean, otherwise…there is no reason to loose weight…it doesn’t help you on the test! My two cents here at least. Now i’m off to go run as much as I can and try out this EA Active on my Wii after I put the boys to bed!
July 3rd, 2009 at 2:08 am
I am not in the military but I know of the new body composition test. I have a business that specializes in fat loss. I have been seeing some airmen lately.
BMI is calulated with this formula
BMI = (Weight in Pounds / (Height in inches) x (Height in inches)) x 703
Therefore, if you weigh 175 pds and you are 5’10 (70 inches)
(175/ (70×70)) x 703
(175/4,900) x 703
.04 x 703 = 25.11
24.99 – 18.90 is good BMI. Doctors use and developed it to access risk of disease. This formula has nothing to do with age or sex. At a certain height, you should be a certain weight. If you are over that weight, it puts a strain on your heart if you are young or old, male or female. Being overweight also puts strain on the knees. Every pound of excess weight puts 3-4 pounds of pressure on you knees. Orthopedics is the fastest growing and most lucrative field in medicine. High BMI greatly increases you risk for many diseases at any age.
Sometimes athletes have high BMI’s because of their large muscle mass. Normally, athletes have stronger hearts and joints because of their rigorous training. Some Cardiologists would argue that any excess weight puts a strain on the heart.
Waist measurement is another story. A 5’8 person has a naturally smaller frame that a 6’2 person. This gives the smaller person an unfair advantage. Your waist measurement in clothes is also different from the “medical” waist measurement.
Press your fingers into your torso near the right side of your waist. Push your fingers into your skin to find the bony pelvis. Keep pushing and moving your fingers along the edge of the hipbone until you find the top curve of the bone. This spot is known as the iliac crest. The highest point will be located on the side of your torso, just underneath the lower portion of your ribcage. Generally, this spot will be at around the same level as your bellybutton, and near, or at, the narrowest part of your torso. Position the tape measure horizontally at this spot at the top of your hipbone. Then circle it around your abdomen and entire torso.
A low fat diet helps to lower BMI and waist measurement. If you want to stay in the military, and you are overweight, then you need to make a choice. Products like NutriSystem are very effective if followed exactly but they are not gourmet food. The taste is much better than MREs. I have seen people loose three-five pounds a week on the product, all-fat. You must drink the recommended amount of water and you cannot cheat except on your birthday. A regimented eating program is the best. I cannot tell you how many overweight people tell me they eat “good.” Infrared body wraps are also very effective in fat loss and inch loss.
July 6th, 2009 at 12:22 pm
Good Day,
I am prior military USAF and have recently enlisted into the Reserves at the ripe old age of 44. I was cleared by MEPS this past March at 68″, 186 pounds, and a BMI around 21%. However, when I accomplished my first PT since 2004, my height was measured at 67″, weight at 176 pounds, and with a whopping 27%. My PT score was 72.55. If my BMI was measured using the MEPS method, I would have passed my PT. So how can MEPS clear recruits to go into Active Duty, basic training while a Reserve Unit has their own set of calculations that will fail almost every recruit on their first PT when released from MEPS? Even my Unit’s weight chart is different than the one published on the USAF’s website.
Best Regards,
SSgt Woodard
July 11th, 2009 at 9:57 pm
Re: Chris
I am pretty much in the same shape as you are been on/off this pt/fitness thing the whole time i’ve been in the past 9 years with multiple problems popping up. Latest is heel spurs which I tried to get treated for 3 years ago and was told by military docs overseas I couldn’t get surgery for them so I gave up trying and just suffered through got to passing for 2 years with the pain from running and started failing again and now am getting ready to have surgery for the spurs so I was put on an “ac” measurement only test that surprise surprise was over 43 inches so I got a fat 0 even though I felt I could have done the rest of the test with an ergo at least and got at least 60 points. I’m sitting at 4 failures now since my commander believed anyone less than an 80 should be tested every six months, now that the air force is doing everyone every six months I guess less than an 80 will be every 90 days. Why don’t we just go ahead and test once a month??? At least they are relaxing the ac measurement some can’t wait to see if 40 still is the magic number you get the most value for points on it though.
August 16th, 2009 at 8:18 am
This test is more demanding then what I did in AF Basic 9 years ago. I would love to see alot of the guys that came up with this test pass it. It is untter BS. 75% of our officers cannot pass the test and 50% of our enlisted it is turning our integrty around. When you are required to do something you cannot physically do and were not required to do when you entered the service, you will do anything to keep your job right? Lie, cheat, get on a profile so you do not have to take it. I think they really need to revise this test. O, my bad they are, soon the waist will count for 20% and the run will go to 60%.
August 16th, 2009 at 8:28 am
One more thing, we can fuss and complain about this test all we want but nothing will be done until we start to go after the creators of the test. Our until 50% of service members are kicked out for not passing. A good one to start with would be Gen. Newton.
Lastly, that some people do not know your weight plays a big part in the caculator caculating you BMI. Play around with your weight in the caculator youll see what I meen or the caculator on the portal will do that.
August 17th, 2009 at 2:41 am
What are we complaining about. Should we not strive for the Best. That is all this test is helping us as a whole to do better. I feel sorry for those that when they enlisted they were not required to do such exercises. This has helped me do so much more and I can’t wait until Jan. when we will be required to do it twice a year.
August 21st, 2009 at 5:35 pm
“Seriously though, disregarding your PT score, if you can’t do push-ups, crunches or run then what the hell good are you to the rest of the Air Force?”
What BS. I go to the gym three times a week (I stick to running, sit-ups, push-ups) and come PT season, I really ramp up; but I typically scrape by in the 77-81 range (mostly due to the run).
And this has what to do with my actual job? (2E2)
What the hell good am I? How about very? As a guardsman (full time), I can leave units at my choosing and most times I get several pleads that I don’t go… because they don’t give a damn that I can’t run fast; they want someone that can run circles around other network guys… rocking cisco routers and computers is more important. Being an effective supervisor, leader, and mentor is way more important.
Do I have to suck it up? Yes. But I don’t have to like it.
Most importantly though, your rhetorical question is absolute BS! I have never in my 15 years been hindered by my physical fitness in my job.
September 1st, 2009 at 9:36 am
Really??? PT is a joke, the test is even more of a joke. I played sports all through high school and i still have a hard time making the run. Some people just cant run for a long time. But please tell me, When are you going to run 1.5 miles straight through? I would love to hear what you have to say. I am more fit that alot of people but dont judge my fitness on a stupid run.
September 3rd, 2009 at 12:07 am
I have been in the AF for 8 1/2yrs and have seen new changes off and on. I do my best for everything I do and am the go getter for my Sqdrn. I have had a wrist issue for 4yrs now due to packing chutes in poor shop environments. I have had 3 surgeries but Docs can’t fix it due to built up scare tissue. Which leaves me exempt from push-ups. I can do alot of jobs except my current one but being that my AFSC is balanced I have to go off of the Chronic Critical which does not leave me with any choices since unfortunately I am color blind. I do my best at working out each wk and run my butt off but still cant do push-ups.I’ve been told that I have to go monthly to get a new profile which is like pulling teeth.My Career Advisor said that I can retrain but if I go infront of an MRB that it could take up to 2yrs to get a new job and if I don’t have one,when my enlistment is up they may separate me. How fair is that? the job caused my injury and what I am really good at I cant retrain into due to manning.also getting my Degree in that field but still a waste for the AF.No matter how good a member is at something the AF would sooner cut there losses than take care of their own. Reality of it is you either have to be fast runner with a slim waist and can know little about your AFSC or you get the boot.I joined to defend my country and when in time of battle I do not need a PT test to tell me to how to fight and defend my country.It will be kill or be killed what it boils down to.In the heat of battle im sure am member that didnt pass his/her PT test will not stop them from the ultimate goal which is survival and serving their country. Yes, I guess PT is a valuable asset to any branch but when you stress it soo much and lose focus of your job that will be the ? whether a person is really worth being in the AF.I have passed my PT test all the time but due to changes regs not sure of current outcome. I will be one the members going back to get a profile since my wrist issue seems to never go away. I have a family with 2 kids and am scared out of my mind with AF changes and current economic conditions on the outside world.For my last PHA I said I was stressed and what did the AF do? they told me to see lifeskills. The only reason I am stressed is due to wrist injury and Career Advisors advise was stressed about getting kicked out.I am willing to deploy to prove that I am fit to fight but have not had the chance.I know i can deploy anytime but with AF bases some are hard to.Life sucks when the help you need you dont get and the help you get leads you 1 step closer to losing your career. Oh well what can you do.
September 3rd, 2009 at 9:57 pm
Another thing about this new Fit Test is its not realism. Yes the AF wants every member to be fit but kind of a joke with new changes. Reason why I believe this is the whole fit to fight mentality does not work if you cant fight. I haven’t got re-qualified on shooting in 4 1/2 yrs since my base does not want to waste ammo training. only when you really need to is it a must. Also why aren’t they teaching us hand to hand combat? Its good to be fit and all but what purpose will that serve in real heat of it all if we cant use a rifle good and have not been trained for combat? does anyone have any thoughts to this? the only thing I can consider myself with the whole stress on running is not fit to fight but fit to runaway from the enemy.
October 2nd, 2009 at 10:27 am
Wayne…I agree with most of what you said right up til the point where you said no one will ever score perfect on their scores. I have now seen two individuals at Tyndall AFB score perfects across the board.
October 20th, 2009 at 6:40 pm
For full disclosure before I start my rant, my last PFT scores: Age 27, Height 68″ Weight 178 AC-34.5 PU 62 SU 58 Run 9:21. I was never an athletic person in school and never ran a mile in my life before joining the military. So I had to work really hard to get to this point. It doesn’t come easy for me.
I think people get too tied up in the actual exercises and don’t realize what is being measured from those exercises. Studies have shown that fit people perform better under stress than unfit people. What is more stressful than a battlefield? Obviously you can’t generalize everyone under this observation, but you can assume that it affects the majority of people, hence the importance of maintaining fitness in the military as a whole.
I often hear people use the argument, “When will you ever run 1.5 miles at any one time on a battlefield?” It isn’t the ability to run it, or even how fast you can run it. It is the cardiovascular fitness that is important. Running is one of the best forms of cardiovascular exercises we can do (aside from swimming). It is easy to gauge (by time and distance) and it is something we all can do naturally (I never learned how to swim very well). Therefore, running is a prime candidate for testing.
Pushups and situps measure upper and lower body strength. Pushups are great because it measures tricep, shoulder, upperback, and chest muscle strength. Not many other calisthenic exercises affect that many muscle groups. They are also easy to gauge and many people have the capacity to do them (minus birth defects and injury). Situps measure core muscle strength and hip-flexor muscle strength. Core strength is vital for balance and agility, which is important in many daily functions of life, let alone military life. Again, they are easy to gauge and most people can do them (again minus birth defects and injury).
As someone else said previously, abdominal circumference is the easiest and most practical way to measure the presence of visceral fat. Since it is the most dangerous form of fat in our bodies, to me it makes sense to limit it as much as possible.
Let’s get something straight. I am not saying that the test is perfect. It has some messed up calculations that should be reworked to represent cardio fitness, muscle strength, and fat content equally, as to me, they are all equally important.
In the end, physical fitness is all a mindset. It irritates the heck out of me when someone says they can’t exercise because of (insert lame excuse here). If you are capable of doing the exercises (not injured) you should have enough mental strength to invest in yourself to improve your fitness. Instead of getting bitter, embrace getting healthy and make it a priority. Being in the military doesn’t mean just doing your job, its about being the best you can be for your country. That includes being as fit as you can be for your country.
October 29th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
I am a UFPM at Eglin AFB and I read through all these comments and really had alot to say at first until I came to #50. He explained it very well. It really comes down to if you are physically fit, you are gonna be better at your job(mentally and physically) period. Why wouldn’t you wanna be fit if you are in the AF. They give you time to exercise during duty and now it affects your EPR. Not to mention it keeps everyone else off your back. Now granted there are gonna be flaws no matter what…we will never be able to make everyone happy but get over it! The pay is good, and hey, you signed up voluntarily.
Most of the people that whine about PT are the lazy ones that have ruined it for everyone else. The regs keep getting more and more stringent because people are finding loop holes to get out of exercise when they could just better themselves and press on. If you come in the military and expect not to have to be physically fit you are VERY MISTAKEN. This program is here to stay, it really doesn’t matter who agrees and diagrees with it. Its all based on REAL studies and years of research. I can’t wait until Jan 2010 when it gets harder to pass! People are gonna start getting kicked out at an alarming rate after 2 failures and I think that is what the AF needs. Weed out the lazy unmotivated members and replace them with someone that wants to do well and make positive changes, because this branch seems to be getting more and more lazy as the years go by. Thats all about to change!!!
October 29th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
I don’t agree that just because you don’t pass makes you lazy. I can be just as hard a worker both mentally and physically and not pass the test. Even the healthiest of people who run miles on a daily basis die of heart attacks and get shin splints. I retired from the Navy and sometimes it was easy for me to get an outstanding on the PT test but other days it was hard. Not everyone has the same body make up either and that could be due to genes. So you believe we should just kick everyone out. My son is on the flight line weekly and TDY alot and away from his family but I guess for you that is not enough of a sacrifice to call him lazy just because he may not be able to pass the test, lets just kick him out. As for the getting to exercise 3 times per week while during your work time to help keep fit, he doesn’t get that luxury where he is right now.
October 30th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
My last comment said nothing about people that don’t pass are lazy across the board. It IS a fact that people who are more physically fit perform better mentally and physically. But look at it this way..it can’t possibly make you worse. Everyone has their own unique situation Please don’t take my comments as a personal attack on your son. I speak generally.
The current regs state the Commander will give you 1.5 hours, 3 times a week to PT during duty hours. My AFSC also works on the flightline and if you push the issue you will get time to exercise. In Jan 2010 that is gonna change to a Commander’s option. The regs also state the Commander should look at the “whole person concept”. If your son is gone alot and there is no mandated PT program then that should be looked at if he fails. As I said before I speak generally and this is what I deal with on a day to day basis. I fight for people who fail. After doing some homework on them, if they deserve another chance I fight for it but more often than not, it comes down to laziness and that right there is what has ruined this program for people like your son. The lazy ones that find loop holes are the ones that ruin it for the people that really do get screwed over. It is still all of our individual responsibilty to be fit. If you travel and can’t work out…then eat right. Fitness is something that is being pushed on all military members like it or not so we need to learn to adapt to the standards even under unfortunate circumstances. Its only goona get worse in Jan.
December 30th, 2009 at 6:52 pm
Wow. What a bunch of whiners. Reading comments makes me really glad that there is a PT test — it might be succesful in booting out some of the whiners.
For the record, I’m a Reservist that never scores well on the test — I’m consistently score between 78 and 80 and have to work to get there. But, I always pass.
And, frankly, I don’t like to exercise and struggle with my weight. My civilian job has extremely long hours; I have four kids and a demanding wife; I love to eat.
Yet, despite that, I pass.
Two months before I test, I simply start dieting and exercising for an hour 3 times week (running, pushups, and situps). Since, this is an open book test, I know exactly what I need to pass the test.
A month out, if my waste is too big, I cut out more calories. If my run isn’t hitting my time, I increase my mileage and work on doing sprints — it’s really that simple.
And, I’m glad the Air Force has this open book test. If it didn’t, I’d probably be enormous and REALLY out of shape. However, the PT forces me to keep my weight moderate and to at least get in shape twice a year.
But having been a PTL, I know that people don’t bother to prepare. They often show up on testing day completely unaware of what they need to do to pass. They’re often shocked when they do realize their waste is over 40″ or they can’t run 1.5 miles in less than 15 minutes.
Don’t they keep a tape measure at home and give themselves an occassional waste check? Beforehand, don’t they go out and run occassionally to see how fast they can do 1.5 miles and see if they need improvement?
Recently, I asked a young Captain who failed his test what he was doing to prepare. He told me he was working out on the eliptical trainer every morning. I asked him how much he was running and he explained that he hadn’t run at all (he hates running) leading up to the test. He expected to pass the PT test without running? Seriously? Heck, he’s probably one of the whiners who posted above.
If they’re failing an open-book test, they don’t belong in my Air Force.
January 26th, 2010 at 2:20 am
sorry Mr PT instructor, but my husband has been in for 8 years, he’s 6′2″ and weighs 230…He’s a big guy but All his features are big….his head, hands, feet… etc(:…Now that the air force is “Cracking down” they’re giving him the boot… and they still have the nerve to call him at 11pm at night after hes worked a 12 hour shift, and ask him questions on how to do the job that theyre supposed to know already…my point is…he puts his work before everything, even his family, he’s given 8 years…and in my opinion, theyre just cutting their nose off to spite their face because…he can’t run 10 seconds faster. and in my opinion, I’ve seen those skinny twirps, and I would rather have an extremely strong guy who could manage to carry me (110 lb woman) and run 10 seconds slower, then a twirp with a 32″ waits who cant carry me. this IS just a way to weed people out. No one wants to get out because of the economy….so…have fun with the bean poles that can borrow my pants!
January 29th, 2010 at 2:45 am
I hate to break it to all you pro fit test “company men”, but the program is a joke. For the record - I have been in for 8 years and never failed a fit test. I love to work out, and have always been in shape. Before I blew my knee out last year I was 79″ tall and weighed 320 Lbs with a 36-38 inch waste. My legs measured 36 around the quad just to give you an idea of how big I was, and will be again. I could run like all the pencil neck tards who had a 32 or less waste, and a max push ups and sit ups, UNLIKE them.
Now that my knees tore up they tested just my AC (size of my waste), which resulted in a fail since its over a 34, causing me to receive a Marked down EPR. My legs measure 36 around the quad with 20 plus inch arms, calf’s and neck. They want me to have a 32 inch waste, BL@w me.
Here’s a question for all of you who support the program - I’d like to know how you fail someone on a fit test when they don’t do anything physical?
Oh ya, did I mentioned it took OUR AF jacking me around for 9 months and two surgeries to fix me. That’s not counting the 6 months of rehab i’m still going through. And to top it off, they took my failing waste measurement 2 weeks after I was released from hospital from my 2nd knee sugory and still on con leave.
A final parting thought. I believe in “FIT MILITARY” but thats not what this program premotes.
You can have all the little boys who have small wastes but need a waver for their body armor, because its to heavy to wear. Id rather serve with MEN who can carry an injured man off the battle field instead of running away like a pussy.
Another reason I cant wait until this contract ends. When ever you think shit cant get dumber in the AF, it does.
February 3rd, 2010 at 2:22 am
Stats: 43 y/o male, USAF 20 yrs, Physician 69″ 196 lbs
Run: 12:05
Situps: 48
Pushups: 49
AC ———-39
I work out with running/PU/SU 4-5 times a week and struggle to keep my waist below 39 to 38.5 inches.
I don’t think the 39″ waist is a good number for an automatic fail. On the prior PFT test, anyone with a 40″ waist was high risk….. Why did the standards for AC increase from 32″ to 35″ for a perfect score, but the minumum pass of 39″ is actually less than the prior test identified high risk category..
I’m hoping these standards may get adjusted a bit after the first wave of testing this summer…
But, I still see many high ranking officers and senior enlisted members with waists way larger than mine. I can only imagine how they either pass this test for find some “medical” reason to be exempt.