New fitness test process takes effect at Misawa

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Rachel Martinez
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Physical fitness testing at Misawa Air Base has changed. The Health and Wellness center now serves as a centralized point for fitness assessments and the fitness improvement program, standardizing the program throughout the base.

This new initiative, which took effect March 1, is being implemented across the Pacific Air Forces. 

"PACAF is leading the way," said Lindsey Buckalew, HAWC exercise physiologist. Gen. Howie Chandler, PACAF commander, has leaned forward to make some changes to ensure the Air Force fitness program is managed correctly. "We are happy to lead the way, standardize the fitness process and show folks how it should be done."

The new change came about as a result of an Air Force audit on the fitness program. According to Mr. Buckalew, the auditors discovered some discrepancies between Airmen's fitness scores when tested by a unit physical training leader versus their score when tested by an auditor. Based on the results of the audit, a standardized process with unbiased and unaffiliated testers was recommended. Subsequently, the HAWC staff is now administering the test.

"We hear a lot of people getting a little scared about their test, but this is nothing new," said Mr. Buckalew. "This is a standard that's been around for five years. People are being held accountable to the standard now."

The new centralized testing system at the HAWC does not eliminate the need for unit PTLs, who will continue to lead group physical training sessions. Unit PTL support remains vital to the Air Force fitness program, said Mr. Buckalew.

During the first week after implementing the change, Mr. Buckalew said he saw a decline in the pass rate. He added that he hopes this is not going to be representative of the entire year, and encourages people to be prepared.

The HAWC has hired two civilian health technicians. Not only are these technicians responsible for conducting the fitness assessments, but they offer assistance to those Airmen who might have trouble passing the test.

"If you know you have a test coming up 30 to 60 days out, be proactive," said Orlando Nurse, one of the HAWC health technicians. He encourages gentlemen who have a 40-inch waist and ladies who have a 35-inch waist, or close to it, to see a dietician. "Attend the classes we offer at the HAWC and we can get them going in the right direction."

With a centralized testing system, Mr. Nurse said they are able to reduce the margin of error and increase the integrity of the test. Airman 1st Class Joseph Roach, 35th Civil Engineer Squadron, recently tested with the HAWC and passed. As a prior PTL, he said it's a good idea to standardize the way the test is conducted.

"It's going to help with deployments because you are actually going to be physically ready to go," he said.

Airman Roach added people's actual fitness scores may be lower than what they thought they were. For these people, the HAWC is available to help increase cardio endurance, muscular strength, core stability and balance, while also keeping injuries and profiles down. The ultimate goal is for every Airman to be mission-ready, said Mr. Nurse.

The HAWC staff permits interested people to observe a fitness assessment. Assessments are conducted Tuesday through Friday, three times a day: 6:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. at the Potter Fitness Center, and 11:30 a.m. at the Freedom Fitness Center.

To sign up for classes or observe a fitness assessment, contact the HAWC at 226-9519 or visit their new location on the North side of base in Building 1940. To sign up for a fitness assessment, servicemembers should contact their unit fitness program manager.