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AFMC beta-testing diagnostic fitness assessments

  • Published
  • By Marisa Alia-Novobilski
  • Air Force Materiel Command Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  

The Air Force Materiel Command will offer diagnostic fitness assessments to Airmen starting Jan. 20.

As the Air Force continues to review the overall current fitness assessment guidance for Airmen, the AFMC has elected to implement diagnostic testing as a potential part of the policy change.

“Physical fitness is crucial to our ability to meet mission requirements,” said Gen. Arnold W. Bunch, Jr., AFMC commander. “The diagnostic assessments will give Airmen an idea of their current fitness level and where they may need to improve prior to their test due date. This is part of an overall effort to continue to encourage a culture of fitness among all of our Airmen that includes year-round physical conditioning and healthy eating habits.”

Airmen who are current on their fitness assessments may attempt up to three diagnostic assessments, or “mock tests,” during the time period ranging from 45 days prior to their official assessment month and up to 15 days prior to their assessment due date. They may elect to take a diagnostic test for certain components, such as push-ups or sit-ups, or they may choose to complete the entire test during the mock assessment.

If an Airman completes the full test during a diagnostic session, they may elect to have the assessment count as their official requirement documented in the Air Force Fitness Management System. Once an assessment is recorded, the Airman may not take another diagnostic test until 45 days prior to the start of their next testing cycle.

“The practice tests aim to both motivate Airmen to maintain a year-round exercise and fitness program while reducing the stress many face during testing,” said Lt. Col. Rachel Marazita, AFMC Military Personnel. “Fear of failed PT (physical training) tests and the potential of career-ending disciplinary action is a major stressor that we are looking to eliminate through a sound testing protocol coupled with an organizational culture of fitness.”

The opportunity for diagnostic testing will be available to all AFMC Airmen, regardless of center or location. Implementation teams are working with force support squadron leadership at AFMC installations and tenant units to develop specific guidance prior to the Jan. 20 start date. The AFMC diagnostic testing policy will remain in effect as interim guidance until new Air Force policy is published, after which it will be revised to match any new requirements.

“Commanders must incorporate fitness into their organizational culture and establish an environment that supports maintaining fitness and health to meet mission requirements,” said Bunch. “We do our wartime mission every day, and we need to make sure our Airmen are combat-ready.”

For questions regarding the program change, contact the AFMC/A1D team at AFMC.A1DD.All@us.af.mil.

Edwards provides care, opportunities for children aged six weeks through high school graduation

Edwards provides care, opportunities for childrenaged six weeks through high school graduation

The Child and Youth Program at Edwards AFB provides care and opportunities for kids ages six weeks old through high school graduation. A brief summary of those services follows:

  •                    The Child Development Center cares for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years, with a DOD-wide curriculum. The curriculum is focused on learning through play activities supporting social, emotional, physical and intellectual development. Installations across DOD follow the curriculum on the same timeline to allow seamless permanent change-of-station transitions for youth enrolled in care.
  •                    The School Age Center provides before and after-school care and summer camp for children ages 5 to 12. During school breaks, full-day camps are offered. SAC promotes cognitive, social, emotional, cultural, language and physical development through programs that encourage self-confidence, curiosity, self-discipline and resiliency.
  •                    The open recreation program at the Main Youth Center provides a safe space for ages 9 to 12 to attend after school. Programs include Power Hour, STEM, Torch Club, social recreation, youth camps, special events and more.
  •                    The youth sports program provides intro and league opportunities for ages 3 to 12, and promotes inclusiveness, self-discipline, commitment, resiliency and social skills. There are four sports offered annually for ages five to 12: baseball/softball, soccer, flag football and basketball. Smart start programs are available to ages 3 to 5. There are many other sports and camps offered throughout the year.
  •                    The Teen Center is available for ages 13 to 18 during the school year. Programs offered include Military Youth of the Year, Keystone Club, social recreation, STEM activities, college trips, leadership camps and more.
  •                    Youth programs (SAC, open rec and teen) are affiliated with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and 4-H.
  •                    Family Child Care homes – there are currently three FCC homes on the installation. They can provide care for ages two weeks to 12 years. FCC providers are trained by Child and Youth Program training and curriculum specialists and have the flexibility to determine their hours of operation and the ages of youth within their care. The program’s new dedicated manager, Jennifer Stegmann, may be reached at 661-275-7529.

Although CDC enrollment capacity is 317, not all slots are currently filled because of a shortage of childcare workers. School Age Center enrollment capacity is 156. After-school care enrollment is 130. Before-school care enrollment is 75. Summer Camp 2022 was at its capacity and enrollment for Summer Camp 2023 opens April 3.