Air Force Fitness Program Pr422 Od

I am MSgt Kenneth W. Crain and I have been in the United States Air Force (AF) for 25 plus years and will retire with 26 years of service. Over the 26 years, I have witness the AF attempt to implement changes only for the changes to be rescinded by the next leadership change. If you are in the military or have been associated with any branch of service, you are familiar with the only constant in the military, “change”. The AF’s typical implementation plan consist of the “shut up and color” approach,

My experiences have taught me that forced change is only temporary because the personnel do not understand why the change occurred or do not agree there is a need for change. The AF leadership Professional Military Education (PME) schools teach us at every level the importance of effective communication up, down and out; however we rarely see our leadership use communication effectively. I have been part of all three AF attempts to implement a fitness program and have witnessed two of them fail with the fear the current one is doomed as well.

I bring to you the question, what is the intent of the AF Fitness program? Have you ever wondered why an airman in finance is required to run 1.5 miles when their job is behind a counter or desk? I bet you have heard many conversations concerning the AF Fitness Program but never really researched it for yourself. Let me lead you through the AF Fitness programs from past to present, keeping in mind these are my opinions of how the programs should have been implemented.

Let’s begin with the written purpose of the fitness program, per the AF Personnel Center, which has changed little since the first mandatory testing program in 1992. “The Air Force Fitness Program goal is to motivate Airmen to participate in a year-round physical conditioning program that emphasizes total fitness, to include proper aerobic conditioning, strength and flexibility training, and healthy eating. Health benefits from an active lifestyle will...