The standard is set!

  • Published
  • By Capt. Alysia Harvey
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  July 1 has finally arrived, and as of today, Airmen are required to meet new physical fitness standards and test twice a year in accordance with Air Force Instruction 36-2905, Fitness Program.

The Liberty Wing's top leaders led by example when they took the fitness test here July 1at 7:30 a.m. along with three other Airmen.

"The new standards enforce a 'test-ready every day' mentality," said Col. John Quintas, 48th Fighter Wing commander, who scored 99.5 on the test today and 100 on all of his fitness tests since 2007. "It's really about a lifestyle change focusing on diet and exercise that consists of cardio, strength and flexibility training."

Col. Bill Lewis, 48th Fighter Wing vice commander, agreed with Colonel Quintas.

"You definitely have to train to pass under the new standards," Colonel Lewis said.

A man of his word, Colonel Lewis runs often and has completed several marathons - including the Boston Marathon - and ran a warm-up before completing the 1.5-mile run portion of the test in 9 minutes, 21 seconds.

Advocates of fitness and commanders with a "we-are-here-to-serve-Airmen" leadership philosophy, after completing their run, both colonels continued running to catch up to another Airman to run beside and encourage him as he finished his final lap.

According to the fitness testing technicians in the 48th Force Support Squadron Fitness Assessment Cell, of the 15 Liberty warriors tested on the first day of the new standards, 12 passed - seven of which scored in the "excellent" category.

With all the talk around the wing prior to the implementation of the new standards, the technicians say they see many Airmen who are nervous when they come in for testing.

"The best piece of advice I can offer is to prepare," said Jennifer Sibble, who became a member of the FAC in March. "Additionally, it's important to know what your requirements are and to do mock tests, but definitely train, train, train."

"And read the [Fitness Program] AFI," said Rick Lyons, another fitness testing technician in the FAC here. "If you struggle with push-ups, get a video camera and record yourself doing them for 60 seconds. That will serve you better than having someone watch you do one and say 'that's good.'"

Approximately 30 physical training leaders received similar tips June 28 during a class hosted by the Health and Wellness Center and FAC. While the class was intended to train the PTLs to assist the technicians with the administration of fitness tests until the cell has all four members hired and in place, those most intimately involved with the testing process were eager to share their wisdom about the new standards and testing procedures. They include:

- Airmen must be in the official Air Force PT gear to test.
- The order of testing at Lakenheath is: height, weight, abdominal circumference, push-ups, sit-ups and then the run.
- All components of the test must be completed within a three-hour window.
- Airmen must focus on their form when doing push-ups and sit-ups to ensure they are going up and down far enough for the motion to count toward their score.
- For push-ups, the technicians are looking for ear, shoulder, hip and ankle alignment.
- For sit-ups, the technicians will place their hand on the mat to ensure the shoulder blades are making contact with the mat.
- Airmen have the option to use the toe-bar for sit-ups or have their feet held by another person.
- For both push-ups and sit-ups, Airmen must return to the starting position for the last repetition to count.
- Once a member reaches his maximum in sit-ups and push-ups and returns to the starting position, he can stop even if there is time remaining in the one-minute test.
- Airmen will be given a numbered arm band when they run - this helps the technicians count the laps by each member.
- The 1.5-mile run is six laps around the track here, plus 46 feet; the 1-mile walk is four laps around the track, plus 31 feet.
- Points are no longer earned for body mass index, more commonly referred to as BMI.
- Height and weight are taken without shoes and two pounds are deducted automatically to account for clothing.
- Weight is rounded up or down to the nearest half pound.
- There are minimum requirements for each component of the test, and failure of any component means an overall test failure.
- There is only one mandatory class at the HAWC for failures: BE WELL, or "Balanced Eating, Workout Effectively, Live Long."

Even with the new standards, Colonel Lewis says he believes everyone is capable of meeting them and successfully passing their semi-annual tests.

"I hope this has a positive impact on our Airmen, in that it encourages them to commit to a healthier lifestyle and daily fitness regime," he said. "After all, your investment in health and fitness now could save your life downrange."