Fitness assessment cell stands up at Incirlik

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Alex Martinez
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  In accordance with Air Force-wide revisions to the fitness program, Incirlik's fitness assessment cell began administering all base physical fitness tests July 1.

For the past two months, the FAC has been conducting mock physical training tests to help people become familiar with the process of the test and PT test changes.

Changes in the program include an introduction of minimum scores; modifications in the point values for running, push-ups, sit-ups and waist measurements with a greater emphasis on running; the elimination of the ergo bike test and three-mile walk assessment; the introduction of the one mile walk assessment; and adjustments in the male and female age groups and their scoring.

"I think the new PT test is beneficial to the Air Force because it gives a more accurate score in all areas," said Jaime Sauceda, Fitness Assessment Cell test facilitator.

Mr. Sauceda said a big challenge for testers will be performing push-ups and sit-ups appropriately because, although it's already a requirement, proper form will be more scrutinized to ensure an accurate PT test.

"Physical fitness is a fundamental part of being an Airman today, and it is no surprise that the 39th Air Base Wing and Team Incirlik take fitness very seriously," said Col. Eric Beene, 39th ABW commander. "I want every Incirlik Airman to stay in front of our fitness requirements and to make the preparations we need to do well on the new PT test. Your health depends on it, our wing depends on it, and our Air Force depends on us to be fit to fight at all times."

Here is how it works

The FAC consists of a two-person team of civilian facilitators who conduct the PT tests for the base, along with enlisted fitness center liaisons.

Individuals who need to be tested should contact squadron/unit physical training leaders or unit fitness program managers to receive a scheduled PT test date with the FAC. Some squadrons/units may already have people pre-scheduled for the month they test. Once the test is scheduled and the date is close, the tester will receive a fitness screening questionnaire and test score sheet that needs to be appropriately filled out and ready to turn in at their test appointment. Testers are also required to have their Common Access Cards.

The FAC will conduct mass tests twice a day: 6 - 8 and 8 - 10 a.m.

"Since we have so many people who need to test, we need to keep the ball rolling, so the doors will close at six and eight exactly," Mr. Sauceda said. "This is a mandatory appointment."

The testers will immediately watch an instructional video on the processes of the test; then begins the testing.

Fitness machines are available for testers who need to warm up before the test segments.

All individuals will have their abdominal circumference measured, and tested in pairs on push-ups and sit-ups. Then the group will head out to the base running track and complete the running portion of the test.

Since the tests are done in the morning, temperatures are normally lower than the day's high, but if temperatures are determined to be too high to run in, the test will be rescheduled for a later date.

For more information on the new PT standards, review Air Force Instruction 36-2905 or visit http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/affitnessprogram/index.asp.