The Air Force has released updated scoring charts for its new physical fitness test to mark the March 1 start of its three-month diagnostic test period. Airmen will begin taking the new test for the record on July 1.
The new assessment is designed to enhance readiness by encouraging Airmen to “build durable fitness habits” to increase performance over their careers, according to a Feb. 27 Air Force announcement. It is part of the service’s Physical Fitness Readiness Program.
The service announced in September that Airmen will be required to take the new assessment twice a year. Airmen can choose between a two-mile run—instead of the current 1.5 miles—or a 20-meter High Aerobic Multi-Shuttle Run, where participants dash between lines 20 meters apart at a progressively faster pace.
The Air Force has also authorized the “creation of Master Fitness Leaders,” which will fall under the sustainment services career field 3FI. “Once identified, MFLs will complete a two-week formal course training incumbents to instruct safe/effective physical conditioning, reconditioning, and adaptive fitness,” Brian L. Scarlett, principal deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, wrote in a Feb. 26 memo. It’s unclear when the service will offer the two-week training course.
The diagnostic test period is designed to give Airmen time to understand the new standards and test options, and to adjust their workouts to adapt to the new scoring charts. Once they have taken the new Physical Fitness Readiness Assessment, or PFRA, Airmen can elect to record their diagnostic test score as an official fitness test score.
“Our new standards are designed to help Airmen build fitness habits that will serve them throughout their careers and hopefully a long life,” Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach said in the Feb. 27 statement. “This update is not just about increasing the physical fitness test standards; it’s about ensuring our warfighters are fit, ready, and prioritizing their long-term health.”
The Air Force has updated its PFRA score charts with “increased minimums for each scored component,” according to the announcement. The service released initial score charts in September, but they have been revised substantially.
In many cases, participants will have to do more of each exercise for less points, but some of the changes don’t seem to be increased minimums. For example, the new minimum for situps for males under age 25 is 33 repetitions for 2.5 points. The score chart in September required the same age group to perform a minimum of 39 situps for 2.3 points.
There are a few other examples—for males 50-54, the minimum time of 22.50 for the two-mile run is the same as it was in September, but under the new tables, they will get 35 points for that minimum where they only got 29.5 in September.
The reason behind these specific scoring examples is unclear, but the scoring charts will likely change again since the diagnostic period is designed to provide “the data required to assess and refine score charts in advance of full implementation of the new standards,” according to the new statement.
New Scoring
Airmen can choose between a two-mile run and the HAMR scores ranging from 35 points to 50 points. For males choosing the two-mile run, the minimum time score for males age 60 and over is 24 minutes and 19:45 for ages under 25. The maximum time score ranges from 16:58 to 13:25. For females 60 and over, the minimum time 29:40 and 25:23 for under 25. The maximum time ranges from 18:20 to 15:30.
The HAMR’s point total is based on the number of times an Airman can sprint 20 meters to the tempo of a progressively faster recorded beep. The third consecutive failure to cross the 20-meter line before the beep terminates the test.
For male Airmen, the minimum number of shuttles required for a score of 35 points ranges anywhere from 26 for those over 60 years old to 42 for those under 25. The maximum for 50 points requires 65 and 87 reps, respectively. For female Airmen, the minimums go from 11 for those over 60 to 21 for those under 25.
For the strength portion of the test, hand-release pushups are scored by how many an Airman can do in two minutes. For men, the minimums for a score of 2.5 points range across age groups from 11 for the oldest group to 27 for the youngest group, and the maximums for 15 points from 36 to 52 or more. For women, the minimums go from one to 17, with the maximums going from 26 to 42.
Airmen can also choose to do one minute of standard pushups. For males, the minimums for a score of 2.5 points range across age groups from 12 for the oldest group to 30 for the youngest group, and the maximums for 15 points from 38 to 67. For females, the minimums go from three to 15, with the maximums going from 28 to 50.
For the core strength exercises, Airmen can opt to do one minute of situps, two minutes of cross-leg reverse crunches, or a timed forearm plank for scores ranging from 2.5 points to 15 points.
Males opting for situps must do a minimum of 17 for the oldest group to 33 for the youngest group, and from 42 to 58 for the highest score. For females, the minimums go from six to 29, with the maximums going from 31 to 58.
For cross-leg reverse crunches, men under 25 will have to complete at least 35 and up to 60, while men over 60 will have to do at least 19 and up to 44. Women under 25 will be scored on any total from 33 to 58, while women over 60 will need to do at least 17 and a maximum of 42.
Forearm planks will be scored based on how long an Airman can hold the pose. The lowest minimum time for men 60 and older is 55 seconds and 1:35 for men under 25. The maximum scores range from three minutes to 3:40. For women, the lowest requirement is 50 seconds for those over 60 and 1:30 under 25. The highest maximum requirement is 2:55 for 60 and above to 3:35 for those under 25.
For the body composition portion of the assessment, a waist-to-height ratio measurement requires Airmen divide their waist length by their height in inches. The scores are evaluated in three categories: low risk, moderate risk, and high risk. For example, an Airman who stands 69 inches tall and has a waist of 36 inches would have a waist-to-height ratio of 0.52, which falls into the moderate risk category and receive a 17-point score. This component counts for 20 percent of the total score.
The Air Force has also released separate score charts for Occupationally Specific Physical Fitness Assessments for Air Force special operations and explosive ordinance disposal Airmen; the Pregnancy & Postpartum Performance Training Guide for tailored physical training and wellness recommendations for pregnant and postpartum Airmen; and the Warfighter Fitness Playbook that offers detailed workouts, recovery strategies, sleep practices and nutrition guides for Airmen.
“Airmen are the heart of the Air Force, and their readiness is essential to mission success,” Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force David R. Wolfe said. “Our new standards are designed to prepare them for the demands of today and the future fight. They give every one of our Airmen an opportunity to grow in an important part of their lives.”