Waist not, FAIL

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston
  • 917th Public Affairs Office
Barksdale AFB, LA --  What 917th Airmen have been preparing for has finally made its way to Barksdale. The new Physical Fitness Test standards begin with the July Unit Training Assembly weekend and will now take place twice a year.

Not only are there minimum standards that have to be met at each phase of the physical fitness test, but procedures will now be implemented and overseen by members of the Fitness Center's civilian Fitness Assessment Cell. (FAC)

Recently, Senior Master Sgt. Dave Roberts, chief, education and training, 917 Mission Support Flight, who is also a physical training leader, had the opportunity to witness the new testing procedures with a member of the FAC.

"When I needed to test a reservist prior to the June UTA, I had the chance to work with Phil England. He showed me exactly what the FAC personnel will be looking for," said Sergeant Roberts. "The big change is that there is a very precise verbal instruction checklist that is read out before each phase of the test, so there is no room for error. You can fail the entire test by failing any phase of it."

The first hurdle to pass in the new test is the waist measurement. For many Airmen, that may present a problem. Anything over a 39 inch waist measurement for males is an automatic failure in the new test. For women it is 35.5 inches. Four measurements will be taken to ensure accuracy.

"If you haven't thought about a diet, it may be time. But, before starting a dieting and exercise program, see a doctor to make sure it's safe to do so," said Sergeant Robertson. "With the new test, it's time to get serious about losing weight, for some people not passing the new test could cost them their job."

Push-ups and sit-ups are also affected in the new guidelines. There are now minimum requirements for each exercise which must be accomplished to successfully move on to the next phase of the test. Not only must the minimum number be met, but the proper technique for each must be adhered to. FAC personnel will correct servicemembers taking the test about what is being done wrong on the pushup or sit-ups, but when they are incorrect, they will not be counted. Improper techniques can, and will cause failure.

"I know I would always give credit when the member was showing effort for pushups and sit-ups, but those days are no more," Sergeant Roberts said. "Learn to do them right."

Changes have also been made to the 1.5 mile run and the three mile walk. One major decision concerning the run and walk is the location. This phase of the overall test will take place outside and on the track unless weather dictates otherwise. There are no options on locations.

With the Fitness Center FAC taking over the fitness testing, the 917th Wing will still have to augment the FAC with our own PTL's to accomplish testing over 1500 reservists twice a year.

"My advice is being prepared to be fit and be patient," Sergeant Roberts said. "There will be a lot of issues to overcome and working out is like working up to a steady pace on the track.

"Remember it's a way of life for us," he said. "It will better us if we are in the best shape we can be."