AF Fitness Program adds new incentive Published June 9, 2010 By Tech. Sgt. Vernon Cunningham 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Airmen who pass their physical training evaluation test with a score exceeding 90 percent will now be eligible to test only once per year according to a revision of the Air Force PT Program, which begins July 1. Currently, physical training evaluations must be conducted twice a year for all Air Force members. A score of 90 percent rates the Airman as being in "excellent" health, but does not any allow any deviation from the standard testing cycle. In line with the new AF Fitness Program guidelines, also starting July 1, which define who administers the test to Airmen, Sheppard's Fitness Assessment Cell is prepared to do their part to support the new AF standards and the revision. "Our key role is to test the effectiveness of fitness training," said Darrell Carr, 82nd Force Support Squadron lead fitness testing technician. "We provide the slots for testing and the unit physical fitness monitor will schedule Airmen to test in those slots." The Fitness Assessment Cell members will also conduct the tests. They anticipate the revision to be a positive change for the members they will be testing. Senior Master Sgt. Robert Velez, 383rd Training Squadron health care optimization operational medicine instructor, said it adds to personal motivation, since you know that you don't have to take the test every six months as a reward for maintaining your fitness all year. The revision may also help motivate members who are consistently scoring in the high 80's. "I think it's great," said Sam Novosel, 82nd Medical Support Squadron medical lab NCO in charge. "Especially if people are getting an 85 because it doesn't count for anything. They may be easily getting 85's because all you need is a passing grade. Now they have something to strive towards." The change is also seen as a return to personal responsibility. "It is a sign of trust," said Airman 1st Class Joseph George, 82nd Communication Squadron network technician. "If you got above a 90 and then it drops way below on the next year's test, then it is obvious what happened. You are trusted to continue your workouts on your own and maintain a 90." The Air Force Fitness Program revision only applies if the member tests in all four components, to include the 1.5-mile timed run, abdominal circumference, push-ups and sit-ups. "I just like the direction it is going," said Airman 1st Class Lynn Rapkovich, 362nd Training Squadron Airman in Training.