HAWC prepares for fitness testing changes

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman David Carbajal
  • 3rd Wing Public Affairs
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Elmendorf's Health and Wellness Center will begin fitness testing all Arctic Warriors twice a year starting in January 2010. 

Air Force senior leaders made this and other changes to the testing program during the CORONA TOP conference June 4-6. 

With the current active-duty Airmen on Elmendorf, the HAWC staff will be required to administer about 11,000 tests annually. HAWC officials said they are prepared to handle the change. 

"When General Chandler's initiative to conduct centralized testing was first rolled out, the HAWC implemented and developed a unique testing schedule which provided the flexibility to test more than 7,000 members in a three-month period," said Leyla Kelter, HAWC director and Pacific Air Forces fitness consultant. Chandler, the PACAF commander, required centralized fitness testing within the command effective 2009. 

The HAWC will employ eight fitness test cell specialists who are trained and specialized fitness professionals, the HAWC director said. 

"Two of our specialists have master's degrees in exercise physiology," said Kelter. "I expect them to make a significant impact on our testers' scores." 

These specialists won't just test Arctic Warriors. They must also be tested and will be required to score an 80 or above on all components, she added. 

"It's important for us as PT evaluators to practice what we preach," said Ryan LaRock, a HAWC employee who recently earned his master's in exercise physiology. "We also need to lead by example for the active-duty members." 

Under the new Air Force instruction expected for publication in August, the components for the fitness testing program will change. 

· The aerobic run will account for 60 percent of the overall score compared to the 50 percent in previous tests. The body composition will account for 20 percent compared to the 30 percent, and the muscular fitness components will remain unchanged. 

· A 75 overall composite score is still required to pass the test, but all members must meet the minimum requirements for each component. 

· The age range requirements will change into five categories: less than 30, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60-plus years. 

· The categories will identify those scoring 90 or above as "excellent," 75 to 89 as "satisfactory" and below 75 as "unsatisfactory," reflecting readiness inspection rating classifications. 

To help people succeed under the new requirements, the staff will offer nearly 60 fitness improvement classes per week. While designed for people who scored less than 75 on a PT test, these FIP classes as well as Healthy Living Program class are open to others if space allows.

"This is a joint effort," said Kelter. "We've teamed up with the augmentees and the fitness center to assist with the Fitness Improvement Program classes." 

For now, augmentees will include unit physical training leaders who volunteer to assist with the FIP classes at the fitness center and conduct official fitness assessments. 

"The PTLs will continue to play a significant role in PT," said Kelter. "They'll be responsible for preparing all Airmen for their official evaluation." 

To schedule a PT test go through the unit fitness program manager.