Air Force Suspends Fitness Assessments, Citing COVID

The U.S. Air Force on Friday announced that it would suspend official fitness tests until October to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Fitness testing had been suspended in March, but was scheduled to resume as of June 1. The change is effective immediately, according to a release.

“Airmen remain our top priority, and we will ensure their health and safety as we maintain our force readiness posture,” Lt. Gen. Brian Kelly, deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel and services said in a memorandum. 

“When testing resumes, the Air Force will take a systematic approach to reintegrating official physical fitness assessments,” Kelly said in the memo. “All policies and procedures should reinforce physical distancing, use of personal protective equipment, Airmen health and personal hygiene, and cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting work spaces and common areas.”

The target date for resumed testing is Oct. 1, but that date is continent on state regulations and local health conditions. Commanders may resume fitness assessments beyond Oct. 1 if base fitness centers have not yet been reopened, or if restrictions are still in place.

Additionally, the abdominal circumference test was suspended through Oct. 1, 2021 or until further notice. Meanwhile, height and weight measurements typically taken in conjunction with fitness assessments were temporarily suspended until further notice.