RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Rambler Fitness Center personnel report a smooth transition as servicemembers begin testing under the revised Air Force Fitness Program.
The revised program, which requires servicemembers to take the fitness assessment twice a year and pass each of four test components, officially began July 1.
"The number of people taking the test has been low so far, but that should increase," said Ronnie King, 902nd Force Support Squadron Fitness Assessment Cell team member. "We're still early in the process. We project more people signing up and preparing for the test."
Mr. King is one of three FAC team members who conduct all four test components, another feature of the program. In the past, unit fitness program managers were responsible for testing personnel.
Three testing blocks per day allow FAC team members to test 36 servicemembers each day, but Adriana Ortiz, 902nd FSS fitness specialist intern, said only five or six Airmen are taking the test each day so far. However, testing blocks at the end of the month are quickly filling up, and people are still registering for July testing blocks that are available. August registration is also under way.
Because the former system ended last month, many Airmen will not have to take the FA for as many as six months.
"A lot tested in June, so they won't be due again until January," Ms. Ortiz said.
The revised program requires active-duty personnel to meet a mandatory minimum based on age and gender in each of four categories - push-ups, sit-ups, abdominal circumference and a 1.5-mile run.
"For the most part, everybody's doing pretty well," said Mr. King, who added that push-ups are proving to be the most difficult portion of the test.
Although the program requires semiannual testing, it also allows Airmen who score a 90 or above in each of the four categories to test again in a year rather than six months.
"A lot of people are striving for that," Ms. Ortiz said.
Airmen can register for a test date and time online at https://randolph.eis.aetc.af.mil/fast/default.aspx. When the FA is scheduled, Airmen must meet in front of Room 135 at the fitness center no later than 10 minutes prior to their testing time and wear an approved Air Force physical training uniform.