New components, no-fail diagnostic tests introduced

  • Published
  • By Capt. Rachel Ingram
  • 445th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

As part of the service-wide shift from a one size fits all model, Airmen in the 445th Airlift Wing now have more options when it comes to completing their physical fitness assessment. Air Force officials unveiled proposed alternate components, smaller age brackets, and diagnostic PFAs in 2021, and the 445th AW fully implemented all changes by January 2022.

The traditional pushup, sit-up and 1.5-mile run components remain options, along with the added hand-release pushups, cross-leg reverse crunches, forearm planking, and the 20 meter high aerobic multi-shuttle run.

Nearly half the 445th AW Airmen who completed a PFA during the March unit training assembly chose to perform an alternative component, said Tech. Sgt. Jared Dexter, 445th Force Support Squadron fitness specialist.

“It was refreshing to see people who have historically struggled in one component come out and succeed using another avenue,” said Dexter, who has worked in the 445th fitness assessment cell and monitored PFAs for nearly 10 years.

The Airmen facilitating official PFAs during the March UTA noted that multiple test participants achieved maximum points for the first time in their career using some of the new components. One individual elected to perform the HAMR cardio component, completing nearly 100 of the 20-meter sprints, hitting the top of the score threshold for his age category and resulting in an overall “excellent” categorization.

“He trained hard leading up to the test and he knew exactly how fast he needed to move in order to reach the line before the beep, but not waste his energy at the beginning,” said Staff Sgt. William Williamson, 445th FSS fitness specialist. “It was the first time in his Air Force career he maxed out his run.”

In harmony with the new and different options, the diagnostic PFA, introduced in 2021, allows Airmen to sample the alternative components and find the right fit.

“The diagnostic test is a great opportunity to try out the new components and see what works,” Williamson said.

Diagnostic PFAs are non-attribution, unofficial tests conducted under official standards and regulation. Within the 445th AW, Airmen who schedule a diagnostic PFA typically perform those exercises alongside Airmen who are completing official PFAs.

At the conclusion of the assessment, the Airman can choose to have the final score entered in the system as part of their official record, or to discard it. If the Airman does not obtain a passing score, the results have no adverse effect on their record. The results of the diagnostic PFA will only be recorded and shared if the participating member consents; otherwise, the final score is not reported and the Airman can re-test at another time.

“I work out regularly and stay in shape, but I still get stressed when it comes to PFAs, or any kind of test,” Williamson said. “This takes the test anxiety and risk out of the equation and gives you a realistic snapshot of where you’re at with your fitness goals.”

Airmen who have a current, passing PFA on file may complete up to three diagnostic PFAs per calendar year, depending on mission requirements. At a minimum, every Airman should have the opportunity to elect one diagnostic PFA per year, as written in Air Force Manual 36-2905, Air Force Physical Fitness Program. These assessments must be scheduled in advance and cannot occur within 15 calendar days of an upcoming PFA expiry. Airmen with a non-current fitness status are not eligible to complete a diagnostic PFA until they complete an official PFA and obtain a current categorization.