Recertifications, corrections continue for Air Force Physical Fitness Assessment courses

  • Published
  • Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (AFNS) --  The Air Force is nearing completion of a service-wide recertification of all installation 1.5 mile-run and 2.0-kilometer walk courses following the recent discovery of courses that were too long at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas and Hanscom AFB, Massachusetts.

Physical fitness assessment (PFA) courses were recertified on 114 bases with 31 bases reporting inaccurate track lengths, of which, 19 found their tracks to be too long.

“We were very surprised by the number of aerobic course tracks that were not the proper length,” said Brig. Gen. Brian Kelly, the Military Force Management Policy director. “We’ve been conducting fitness assessments for many years and many tests are conducted on what appear to be standard length tracks which added to our surprise. We’ve also had guidance in place for many years requiring certification of the aerobic course tracks. Our Airmen work hard to remain fit to fight, and we owe it to them to ensure policies, practices, and everything associated with their fitness testing is 100 percent reliable and accurate.”

The current AFI (36-2905) requires installation commanders to approve the 1.5-mile run/2.0-kilometer walk assessment course and file the approval memorandum at the local Fitness Assessment Cell (FAC). Following the recertification, strengthened guidance will direct courses be recertified when a change of command occurs or whenever there is a modification or change to the aerobic course.

“We’ve corrected the course lengths at the two bases originally identified, and we are working to ensure the other 29 bases are corrected as well,” Kelly said. “When we learned tracks were too long at Goodfellow (AFB) and Hanscom (AFB), we immediately initiated an Air Force-wide recertification, and have worked diligently to pursue corrections for all impacted Airmen.”

A review of fitness scores for Airmen assigned to all affected bases is under way. Airmen who tested on PFAs measuring short will retain their fitness score for the aerobic portion. An adjustment to the aerobic score will occur for Airman who tested on PFAs that were too long. Officials from all bases impacted are working with the Air Force Personnel Center to contact affected Airmen and provide avenues for remedy.

 Air Force members with questions are encouraged to contact their local force support squadron.

Aerobic courses too long:
Al Udeid AB, Qatar
Ali Al Salem AB, Kuwaitt
Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz.
Fairchild AFB (indoor, walk) Wash.
Fort Meade, Md.
Goodfellow AFB, Texas
Hanscom AFB, Mass.
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska (outdoor)
Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va. (outdoor)
Kadena AB, Japan
Laughlin AFB, Texas
Malmstrom AFB, Mont.
Nellis AFB, Nev.
Osan AB, South Korea (outdoor run/walk & indoor run)
RAF Alconbury, England
Scott AFB, Ill.
Shaw AFB, S.C.
Travis AFB, Calif.
Volkel AB, Netherlands (running)

Aerobic courses too short:
Andrews AFB, Md.
Beale AFB, Calif.
Cannon AFB, N.M.
Columbus AFB, Miss.
Creech AFB, Nev.
Joint Bases Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska (indoor)
Hill AFB, Utah
Homestead ARB, Fla.
Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va. (indoor)
Joint Base Mcguire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J.
Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.
Kunsan AB, South Korea
Osan AB, South Korea (indoor walk course)
Pope AFB, N.C.
RAF Croughton, England
Volkel AB, Netherlands (walking)