The Air Force uses an overall composite fitness score and minimum scores per component based on aerobic fitness, body composition and muscular fitness components to determine an overall fitness.
The assessment components are comprised of:
· Body composition evaluated by abdominal circumference measurements
· Aerobic component evaluated by the 1.5-mile timed run
· Muscular fitness component evaluated by the number of pushups and sit-ups completed within one minute
Members not medically cleared to complete the 1.5-mile run will be assessed through an alternative aerobic test consisting of a 1.0-mile walk as determined by the exercise physiologist/fitness program manager unless otherwise exempted.
All components of the fitness assessment must be completed within a three-hour window on the same day.
The body composition assessment, to include height, weight and abdominal circumference measurements, is performed by fitness assessment cell staff and must be the first component assessed.
The abdominal circumference is used to obtain the body composition component score instead of the Body Mass Index, or BMI. Height and weight are not factored into the composite score.
The muscular fitness components, including pushups and sit-ups, may be accomplished before or after the 1.5-mile run. The 1-mile walk has to be accomplished after the abdominal circumference measurement but before the muscular fitness components. There is a minimum three-minute rest period between components.
Fitness assessments will be completed by fitness assessment cell staff. Where no fitness assessment cell exists, assessments will be conducted by a certified unit fitness program manager or physical training leader.