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| Time for a PFT change Edition 4907, May 3, 2007 |
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The changes won’t undermine the concept of a healthy lifestyle and the need to maintain a valid level of fitness to meet Air Force’s operational requirements. They will also make it easier for members to train at home and when deployed. PTI Mustering Sponsor WOFF Gerard Hallinan said the current PFT, first introduced in 1992, had served Air Force well as a measure of fitness, but it was time to review whether its standards were still appropriate. Also, to determine if any additional testing options could be introduced to allow those with varied body types and strengths to demonstrate their fitness. Changes should allow a broader range of potential recruiting applicants to meet a standard that enabled them to provide unrestricted service. They should also cater to members who elect to serve beyond the current compulsory retirement age. “They [the tests] will keep it simple,” WOFF Hallinan said. With the help of the Australian Institute of Sport, the PFT standards were reviewed and compared with the latest studies and demographic changes. From the review, some alternative options to those in the current PFT were introduced. Members undertaking the Operational Readiness Physical Fitness Standard may now choose one of two options from each of the following components: aerobic – a 2.4km run or a 5km walk; upper body muscular strength – flexed arm hang or push-ups; and core strength – sit-ups with feet either secured or unsecured. Feet-secured sit-ups are easier to complete due to the leg muscles (hip flexors) coming into play and therefore the requirement for this component is higher than for unsecured sit-ups. “If someone fails one component, where time and resources allow, they can retry either the failed component or the alternative option (for example, push-ups in lieu of the flexed arm hang) and still pass the PFT,” he said. For PTIs, GRDEFOs and ADGs, the only change is the option to substitute the current sit-up requirement with sit-ups where the feet are secured. “Success in the PFT helps define operational readiness and should be the end result of members training and maintaining a healthy rather than athletic lifestyle,” he said. “Members are encouraged to see their PTIs if they think they will have any problems meeting the revised Air Force fitness standards. In addition to training strategies, PTIs can also address a range of factors potentially affecting fitness, including nutrition, body function, injury and lifestyle.” The introduction of the new changes includes a transitional period from April 16 to June 30. This allows the training and operations areas time to prepare and enable the PTIs to bring in the new standards and techniques and prepare new or modified training programs. Anyone having difficulty with the new standards should be given remedial training under the supervision of a PTI. WOFF Hallinan said that to prepare for the PFT and maintain the required level of fitness, members should train a minimum of three times per week for a minimum of 30-40 minutes in a session; this will depend on what aerobic and/or strength components of the test they are training for. “They should be able to do that by a combination of exercises at home, in the field or in the gym,” he said. “If you have any questions or concerns, see your PTIs; they are there to help and advise you on how to develop and maintain your fitness and live a healthy life.” The new standards are promulgated in CAF Directive 6/07, dated April 16. |
