SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Shaw was one of three Air Combat Command bases selected to test the alternative components of the physical fitness assessment.
“The CSAF recognized that Airmen condition their bodies in different ways,” said Master Sgt. Marquita Oliver, 20th Force Support Squadron Food Services superintendent. “He worked with a fitness team to move us away from a one-size-fits-all model.”
Airmen who volunteered were given the opportunity to evaluate two alternatives for the cardio portion, one alternative for the strength component, two alternatives for the core assessment and one alternative to the test completely.
Airmen tested the High Aerobic Multi-shuttle Run (20M HAMR) for the cardio requirement, the new hand release push-ups for the strength component and between the cross-leg reverse crunches or the plank for the core assessment. They also had the option to choose to do three minutes of burpees as a substitution for the whole assessment.
“I like that the test will be more encompassing moving forward,” said Senior Airman Jakob Polendo, 20th FSS food service specialist. “Maybe you’re not a strong runner so in the past you haven’t scored well but you can knock out 60 burpees and score over a 90%.”
Data from the alternative component assessments was sent to ACC then routed to Headquarters Air Force for feedback.
“We have received a lot of positive feedback during the testing phase here at Shaw,” said Oliver. “Airmen seem eager for the alternatives because they can now choose an option that fits their conditioning methods.”
Finalized fitness assessment scoring charts, with alternative components broken out by sex and age, will be provided at a later date.