The Air Force has finalized AFMAN 36-2905, Air Force Physical Fitness Readiness Program, a complete rewrite of the old fitness policy that prioritizes the long-term health and operational readiness of every Airman.
The Air Force has changed its fitness assessment standards and here’s what Steel Airmen need to know to be prepared, starting with the return of the waist-to-height-ratio. The Air Force uses WHtR to assess body composition, calculated by dividing an Airman's waist circumference (in inches) by their height (in inches). The standard, effective April 1, 2023, requires a ratio of less than 0.55. The measurement is taken at the midpoint between the top of the hip bone (iliac crest) and the lowest rib. For example, a 69-inch tall Airman with a 36-inch waist has a ratio of approximately 0.52. A ratio of 0.55 or higher is considered "High Risk" and out of the body composition standard.
The 100-point value system should be familiar to test takers but the weight of each score has changed. Now consisting of a 20-point scale for body composition, 15-point scales for both muscular strength and core endurance, and the remaining 50 points reserved for cardio.
Speaking of cardio — Airmen are now required to complete a 2 mile run or an equivalent 20-meter High Aerobic Multi-Shuttle Run (HAMR). While the application of the HAMR remains unchanged, Airmen should be aware that the minimum (and maximum) number of shuttles to receive a passing score has increased.
While test from March 1 through June 30, 2026, are considered to be diagnostic — providing Airmen time to adapt to the new standards — beginning July 1, 2026, the Air Force will resume official testing under the new PFA standards.
The new standards are geared towards active-duty Airmen who are generally a part of mandatory physical training programs while Traditional Reservists who balance civilian life with military service don’t always have the same luxury, said Jeffery Stearns, 911th Airlift Wing exercise physiologist. To help counteract this, the 911th AW fitness center offers various classes for Steel Airmen — assisting them with creating a proper diet and adopting exercise regimens in preparation for their next assessments. One of the classes taught by Stearns is high intensity interval training (HIIT) focused on fat burning, held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 0700. The fitness center also offers one-on-one strength foundations courses that can be scheduled on an individual basis.
Per the Secretary of War’s guidance, PFA scores will be included in officer and enlisted performance briefs beginning in February 2026. The first groups to be affected by this change will be colonels in February 2026, then lieutenant colonels, majors, and chief master sergeants in May 2026. Senior Airman EPBs closing out in March 2026 will not include PFA scores.
For more information on the new fitness standards, updated score charts, the new AFMAN 36-2905, Air Force Physical Fitness Program, classes and events the 911th Force Support Squadron offers, please visit the 911th FSS website at https://pittsburgh911fss.com/air-force-fitness-program/ Let's get fit Steel Airmen.