Fit to Fight: Know the Rules Published Oct. 2, 2011 By Senior Airman Martha Whipple 44th Fighter Group Public Affairs HOLLOMAN AFB, N.M. -- Reservists with the 44th Fighter Group are right on point with overall Air Force Reserve fitness statistics for the first year of new fitness standards, July 2010 to July 2011. The 44th FG has a pass rate of 86 percent, which exceeds the overall Air Force Reserve Command statistic of 83 percent. For bragging rights, the 44th FG Military Personnel Flight leads the pack with 52 percent of fitness assessments with an "excellent" rating. Fitness assessments are required for all Reservists to maintain readiness and uphold the "Fit to Fight" initiative. Like their active duty counterparts, Reservists volunteer in a force with a worldwide presence and an expeditionary mission; therefore, fitness and health can be indicative of force strength and readiness. "Many people think the fitness assessment is to determine how fit we are, but it's not just our fitness," said Master Sgt. Kristin Pahl, unit fitness program manager. "It is a measure of our health. By maintaining the fitness standards, we are actually improving our health." Maintaining the standard and improving health is the responsibility each Reservist. Air Force Instruction 36-2905 states, "Airmen are responsible for maintaining currency standards." They must know when their FA is required in order to remain current. "It is ultimately the member's responsibility to ensure their FA is scheduled." Failing to remain current and/or failure to attain a passing score can have a negative impact on a Reservist's career potential. "From a supervisor's perspective ... no matter how good a troop is, if the fitness standard is not met, we can't submit award packages, send them to school or send them on special duties," Pahl said. "It's in the best interest of the member to be current and passing; if not ... we are hurting ourselves." According to the AFI, Airmen who have been exempted from one or more of the four components of the fitness test for a continuous 12-month period or have four component exemptions in a 24-month period will be reviewed by the unit fitness program manager. This may result in a medical evaluation board. Commanders may initiate or recommend administrative discharge after an Airman fails four fitness assessments in 24 months. "Because we are the greatest air power in the world, we must maintain a constant state of readiness," said Chief Master Sgt. Ralph Goodwater, 44th Fighter Group superintendent. "To maintain excellence and superiority, the individual must take ownership of their health and fitness. Retention of our outstanding troops is our goal; we don't want to kick people out. We review fitness statistics monthly. If the member needs help, we will find the tools available, however it is incumbent on the individual to self indentify and ask for help early. Investing effort in your fitness regimen will pay off." The new AF fitness assessment video provides the definitive set of instructions for administering and taking the physical fitness test. The video shows proper form and the "dos and don'ts" and common mistakes to avoid for the push-up and sit-up components. http://www.afpc.af.mil/affitnessprogram/index.asp