A few thoughts on fitness

  • Published
  • By Col. David E. Pollmiller
  • 436th Operations Group commander
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Far too often, a failed fitness assessment is the subject of conversation in some form or another between service members. It has been almost 10 years since the Air Force implemented the current fitness program and clarified fitness standards as a job requirement, yet I see cases every week where members of our Air Force just don't get it. Fitness is a standard, and if you don't pass the test, you don't meet the standard.

I'm not a fitness fanatic. My favorite food is the Big Mac, and after five knee surgeries, I find little amusement in a 5K "fun run". Fortunately, some smart person invented the elliptical trainer and re-runs of "Two and a Half Men". Bottom line - the Air Force has set an objective minimum standard for physical fitness, and I am obliged to meet that standard. I want to meet that standard.

I've heard lots of reasons why folks oppose our fitness program. We test the wrong things; we test the right things the wrong way; the Physical Training uniform is terrible; the weather's not good enough; the track doesn't feel right; not enough time during the day to work out; the test is unfair to large-frame body types; the test is unfair to short people; we don't have the right training facilities; my job is different; etc., etc., etc.

The Air Force Fitness Assessment is a four question open-book test for which we have six months to prepare. Pass each component with a minimum score and get an overall score of 75 - that's the standard. Aside from legitimate medical limitations, failing the fitness test is a personal choice. The Air Force certainly encourages healthy living and a well-rounded exercise routine, but the minimum means you meet standards.

A healthy force means greater operational capability, lower medical costs, and increased resources for equipment, facilities and personnel. Staying fit generally translates to a longer life and a higher quality of life. Choose your motivation and pass the test.

Referral performance report, separations, discharges, and missed promotion opportunities are all part of not meeting standards. Make the choice to meet standards. A phrase I hear frequently is "it's just a fitness test." The thought is the fitness test is somehow less important than our other standards. The fitness assessment determines if we meet Air Force standards in physical fitness. It is not a lesser or optional standard. It is not any different than meeting standards in appearance or performance.

So, next month, when the wind is blowing at 14.5 mph and the temperature is hovering near freezing, I'll pull on my ill-fitting PT shorts with the liner that rides where it shouldn't, and proudly hit the road course to demonstrate that I meet Air Force standards. Maybe I'll see you there.