HAWC oversees centralized PT testing

  • Published
  • By Airman Jack Sanders
  • 3rd Wing Public Affairs
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  The Pacific Air Forces is taking a new approach to physical training. 

All PT testing will be centralized through some form as stated in a recent newsletter from Gen. Carrol Chandler, the PACAF commander; Air Component Commander for U.S. Pacific Command; and Executive Director, Pacific Air Combat Operations Staff. 

A December 2008 Air Force audit, which was held at 13 Air Force Bases with Elmendorf being one, determined that the current fitness program is failing to keep Airmen fit year-round. 

At Elmendorf, that means all PT tests conducted are taken through the Health and Wellness Center here. No longer will Airmen be able to grab a physical training leader, and run to the gym anytime needed for the PT test. "As a result of the Air Force audit, directed by Chief (Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney) McKinley, it was clear that there were issues with standardization and integrity of testing," said Leyla Kelter, the chief of the 3rd Aerospace Medicine Squadron Health Promotions Flight and the PACAF Fitness Program consultant. 

Kelter, who has been working for the Air Force for 16 years, has had multiple opportunities to work with Air Force members. 

"I started testing active-duty members in late 1993 at the Air Force Academy," said the Ohio native. She has also been influential as far as injured member alternatives for physical training. She introduced the upper body ergometer, which is a handcycle to assist Airmen with lower-body limitations. "It's surprisingly challenging," she said. 

The change doesn't affect Airmen much. "We still test like normal on a yearly basis," said Tech. Sgt. Joshua Beutler, a radio maintainer from the 381st Intelligence Squadron. "The only difference is where we test." 

Beutler, who's a PTL for his unit, is augmenting the HAWC for a month. The HAWC expects to accomplish 5,700 PT assessments before Aug. 1. "I'm here right now just doing what I can to help things get started," said Beutler. 

The HAWC is making flexible additions to the staff to accommodate Airmen, and is asking Airmen to be willing to be just as flexible. "We're going from some 846 PTLs that are available for testing to just the fitness cell, which can be anywhere from five to 10 fitness test cell specialists," said Kelter. 

Kelter is hoping to get three people to help out with the testing. "It could take up to 180 days to hire the GS-05 civilians," said Kelter. Until the HAWC's staff is able to get the contractors they need, they are happy to use augmentees with specific additional training to accomplish the tasks ahead. 

Airmen who don't pass their fitness test must attend the two-hour healthy living program. Airmen have 10 duty days to report, and take the class. The program contains three components: a mental health component, a nutrition component, and a fitness training component. Each component keys into specific areas of the PT test, and shows individuals how to get a better score. 

The mental health component is designed to keep Airmen motivated to be fit to fight. The mental portion has a goal setting section that talks about assigning goals and overcoming barriers. 

The nutrition component keeps Airmen informed about the best nutritional values. "A nutritional medicine specialist from the 3rd Medical Group teaches the nutrition aspect," said Kelter. Nutrition is a key component to being physically fit, according to Kelter. The nutrition portion also shows Airmen how to lower their waist size, as well as make healthier eating choices. 

The fitness training portion of the program shows Airmen how to improve their existing PT test. It shows Airmen how to maximize push-ups, and how to cut their runtime. 

Airmen should be fit to fight at any time of the year, according to Beutler. The PT test is constantly undergoing changes. "We need to be physically fit at all times," he said. Being physically fit, and remaining flexible are two aspects that Airmen must keep in mind from day to day.