The Air Force has released further guidance on the implementation of several changes to the physical assessment test, which will take place Oct. 21.

The new guidance includes additions to the body composition component of the fitness assessment, delegation of appeal authority for fitness assessments and changes to the walk test.

According to the new policy, those taking only the abdominal circumference component of the fitness assessment will pass with the component minimum score as opposed to the composite 75 score as was previously required. Males must now achieve an abdominal circumference of 39 inches, which is also the component minimum. Females must now achieve an abdominal circumference of 35.5 inches, which is also their component minimum.

Airmen who fail the abdominal circumference, or AC, measurement but score 75 points out of the remaining 80 points on the other components will take the body mass index, or BMI, screen, the policy states. If the Airman does not pass the BMI screen, the Airman will take a body fat assessment, or BFA. If the Airman passes either the BMI screen or BFA, the Airman passes the body composition component of the fitness assessment. This addition to the body composition component upholds our confidence in the AC measurement while allowing those rare Airmen who fail the AC measurement, but do very well on the other three components, to meet the DOD body fat standards.

Additionally, the policy states that to pass the BMI screen, regardless of age or gender, the Airman must achieve a BMI equal to or less than 25 kg/m2. This figure is obtained using the height and weight measurements taken at the beginning of the fitness assessment. To pass the BFA, males must achieve a body fat percentage equal to or less than 18 percent. Females must achieve a body fat percentage equal to or less than 26 percent. These percentages are obtained using the two or three site taping procedures.

The wing commander or equivalent will be the first appeal authority for fitness assessments. This change will expedite the appeals process and put the chain of command back in the appeals process. The second appeal authority will be the Fitness Assessment Advisory Board at Air Force Personnel Center. The final appeal authority is the Air Force Board of Correction of Military Records.

The last clarification that has been made is to the walk test.

In an effort to simplify administration of the walk test, the heart rate measurement will no longer be required. An Airman must now walk two kilometers in a certain amount of time dependent on age and gender. The walk test will be pass / fail.

“These adjustments to the Air Force fitness program will strengthen the program and continue to promote a “Fit to Fight” mentality”, said Col. Dawn Keasley, the chief of the military force policy division.

For more information, contact your unit fitness program monitor, your fitness assessment cell, or visit http://www.afpc.af.mil/affitnessprogram/