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DOES THE AIR FORCE PRODUCE ADEQUATELY PHYSICALLY FIT AIRMEN?
1. This position paper will address why the current physical fitness program should be revamped. The first point addressed are the reasons why the current program needs to change. Second, why the program should not be changed because airmen are adequately fit. Lastly, why other forces are revamping their fitness programs and why the Air Force should follow suit.
2. The USAF’s current physical fitness program does not produce physically fit airmen for a few reasons. Training revolves around three main areas, long runs, pushups and sit-ups. AF test requirements should address the real world need to move equipment, pick up heavy objects, reach overhead for extended periods of time, or sprinting away from danger. Airmen need to be fit not only for their annual physical fitness …show more content…
In conclusion, the current AF physical fitness test does not produce adequately physically fit airmen. While the test has been revamped to develop healthier airmen it does not prepare each airman for their daily duties.
End Notes
1. “TRADOC Revises Army Physical Fitness Test,” news release, Military.com, 28 February, 2011, http://www.military.com/military-fitness/army-fitness-requirements/tradoc-revises-army-physical-fitness-test.
2. Oriana Pawlyk, “Other Services Could Overhaul the tape test. Why Not the Air Force?” Airforcetimes.com, 6 March 2016, https://www.airforcetimes.com/story/military/2016/03/06/other-services-could-overhaul-tape-test-why-not-air-force/81162032.
3. Chuck Roberts, “Are you Fit to Fight,” news release, Military.com, 2004, http://www.military.com/NewContent/0,13190,Airman_1004_Fitness-P1,00.html.
4. Ibid.
5. Ibid.
6. Monica Mendoza,. “New Fitness Test is ‘no joke’”, news release, Peterson.af.mil, 21 September 2010, http://www.peterson.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/327331/new-fitness-test-no-joke.
7. Air Force Instruction (AFI) 36-2905, Fitness Program, 21 April 2013,