JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- It’s finally here! The rumored alternate component fitness exam is rumor no more. Trainees with the 514th Air Mobility Wing Development and Training Flight, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., were able to familiarize themselves with the new alternate Air Force Physical Fitness Assessment components during this past Unit Training Assembly, Feb. 5, 2022.
As of Jan. 1, 2022, the U.S. Air Force officially added new alternate components to the PFT. This decision came after assessing the performance and feedback of approximately 2,000 Airmen from 23 installations.
“The Air Force is trying to provide our Airmen with additional flexibility to maintain fitness standards,” said Tech. Sgt. Kristine Glenn, 514th AMW D&TF program manager. “I really feel like these alternate components to the fitness exam allow them the maximum potential to showcase their strength.”
Glenn’s decision to conduct a mock alternate component PFT with the D&TF was rooted in her desire to set her trainees up for success in the future.
“The trainees can read about the new PFT components all day, but until they actually perform the exercises, they won’t really know what to expect,” said Glenn. “I want them to be ready to perform under any circumstance.”
Airmen will be able to schedule their assessment and sign up for their desired cardio option via myFitness on the Air Force Portal. Although the desired cardio option can be chosen by Airmen while scheduling their assessment online, the desired strength components will be chosen at the time of their PFT.
“Airmen will be able to mix and match the different components from the different portions of the exam,” said Glenn. This should allow for greater success of our Airmen without diminishing the standards we are proud of.”
The new components include a 20 meter high aerobic multi-shuttle run for the cardio portion, hand release push-ups for the strength portion, and either cross-leg reverse crunches or a plank for the sit-up portion.
The trainees were separated into groups and were able to choose which of the components they wanted to participate in.
“I enjoyed the push-up and release,” said Trainee Olatunji Oyatokun, assigned to the 88th Aerial Port Squadron. “Even though it does not take away from the intensity of the test itself, I feel like I am more comfortable with the exercise.”