Air Force launches new ‘culture of fitness’ initiative with scoring system

The U.S. Air Force launched a new “Culture of Fitness” initiative, altering the current physical fitness assessments by adding a 2-mile run and making the test biannual for all service members. 

At the start of 2026, the Air Force will halt all physical fitness assessment testing to transition into the updated program. On March 1, the service will start testing service members under the new assessment standards. 

All fitness assessments will be diagnostic from March 1 to Aug. 31, to give service members time and space to acclimate to the updated standards, the Air Force said on Wednesday. 

The new scoring testing with the updated standard will resume on Sept. 1.

“These fitness changes are about having a healthy, ready force prepared to meet today’s mission and the demands of the future fight,” said Gen. David Allvin, the Air Force chief of staff. 

“The updated model reflects our high standards for fitness and ensures our airmen have the tools they need to protect their long-term health,” Allvin said in a statement. 

Air Force service members will be required to take the test every six months, regardless of what score they previously got. 

The updated test will have a 100-point scoring system, consisting of four categories: cardiorespiratory, waist-to-height ratio, muscle strength and muscle core endurance. 

“All alternate exercises for cardiovascular, strength and endurance components remain an option for Airmen during their PFA; however, Airmen will be required to perform a two-mile run during at least one PFA every 365 days,” the Air Force said in the press release. 

Active-duty members can finish their body composition measurement for up to five days prior to the test. 

“Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard members may complete their body composition component during their drill period prior to their PFA,” the Air Force said. “All members retain the option to take their body composition measurement during the PFA, but that is not mandatory.”