The Air Force’s new fitness standards, starting in 2026, require Airmen to take a Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) twice a year, including a two-mile run and a waist-to-height ratio measurement. The PFA is scored in four categories: cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, muscle core endurance, and waist-to-height ratio. The new program began with a diagnostic period in March 2026, and official scored testing is set to start in September 2026.
Key Changes for Airmen
- Testing Frequency:
Assessments will be conducted every six months instead of annually.
- 2-Mile Run:
A new two-mile run will replace the previous 1.5-mile run to test cardiorespiratory fitness.
- Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR):
This measurement for body composition will be a scored component of the assessment.
- Revised Scoring:
The PFA will use a 100-point system across four components:
- Cardiorespiratory Fitness (50 points)
- Waist-to-Height Ratio (20 points)
- Muscle Strength (15 points)
- Muscle Core Endurance (15 points)
- Hand-Release Push-Ups:
Airmen can perform push-ups, including the new hand-release push-up option.
- Core Endurance Options:
Airmen can choose between sit-ups, reverse cross-leg crunches, or the forearm plank for the core endurance component.
- Body Composition:
Active-duty Airmen can have their WHtR measured up to five days before the PFA, according to The American Legion.
Timeline
- January 2026: A temporary pause in all PFA testing begins to allow for the transition to the new program.
- March 2026: A diagnostic period begins, where Airmen can practice the new assessment without it counting against their records.
September 2026: Official, scored testing under the new standards will commence.