Photo By Master Sgt. James Cason | U.S. Airmen assigned to the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing prepare to work out in the...... read more read more
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U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND - When the Air Force announced new fitness standards in early January, many Airmen expressed concern about meeting the updated requirements.
Senior Master Sgt. John Begg, 380th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron senior enlisted leader, said he wanted to take direct action by establishing a fitness acceleration program.
“I was compelled to turn my passion into purpose,” said Begg. “My mission is to ensure Airmen have the training, guidance and confidence to master the new components.”
The updated standards include the return of the two-mile run, reinstatement of body composition assessments and a shift to biannual testing for all Airmen, requiring many service members to adjust their fitness routines.
Begg said the goal of the voluntary program is to provide targeted training designed to improve performance in each test component. Sessions are held twice a week and are open to Airmen seeking additional preparation.
“Our objective is to transform weaknesses into strengths,” Begg said. “We use specialized leaders for running, upper-body and core conditioning, and we provide nutritional and holistic guidance to support a comprehensive approach to fitness.”
Begg’s experience as a physical training leader, unit fitness program manager and his background in nutrition inform his approach to the program.
“Physical readiness and combat lethality are one and the same,” Begg said. “We, as U.S. military members, should strive for nothing less than a force that is feared by its enemies and respected by its allies.”
Begg said he hopes the program will help deployed Airmen feel more prepared for the fitness assessment and reduce uncertainty about the new standards.
“The Air Force’s renewed emphasis on fitness is a wake-up call,” Begg said. “Physical readiness must be treated as a full-time commitment and integrated into daily routines.”
Staff Sgt. Javier Sanchez, 380th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge and a fitness acceleration program volunteer, said he believes the updated standards will be beneficial.
“I understand that the healthier and more physically fit I am, the better I can accomplish my work tasks,” Sanchez said. “Programs like this can help Airmen meet and surpass the standards set by the Air Force.”
The Air Force’s revised fitness standards place greater emphasis on physical readiness across the force. Through voluntary, twice-weekly training sessions, the fitness acceleration program provides deployed Airmen a structured way to meet those requirements while reinforcing a warrior mindset focused on strength and discipline.
| Date Taken: | 01.26.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 02.02.2026 04:25 |
| Story ID: | 557284 |
| Location: | (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION) |
| Web Views: | 10 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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