Andersen Airmen: fit to fight

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam - -- Temporary muscle failure: the physical incapability of lifting a limb to the fully contracted position for a period of time. It is a concept more Team Andersen Airmen are becoming familiar with as they push their bodies to the limit in pursuit of physical excellence.

In years past, Airmen were required to accumulate a score of 75 points or higher in four areas: aerobic endurance, body-composition, push-ups and sit-ups. However, to guarantee a fit-to-fight force, the standard was amended and the ante was upped July 1, 2010.

Under the current standard, Airmen must perform in the same four categories, but are obligated to achieve the minimum score in each area in order to make the grade. For many, shining the light on physical training put the importance of maintaining personal health and fitness in sharp perspective.

"Though we have seen a spike in the amount of failures, we have seen an equally impressive spike in the number of Airmen scoring in the excellent category," said Tech. Sgt. Maxwell Pontenila, 36th Force Support Squadron fitness assessment coordinator. "It is apparent that the change has made people take their training more seriously."

After the intensified standard set in and the dust settled, many Andersen Airmen developed a positive attitude toward the enhanced PT test, taking into account the advantages of digging deep to personify 'excellence in all we do.'

"I feel pretty good about the new standard," said Senior Airman Britney Hammergren, Andersen Command Post emergency actions controller. "I like that you have to meet all four components of the test. It shows that the Air Force is staying current and cutting edge in all aspects of physical fitness."

With the aid of determination and will-power, Airman Hammergren dropped 30 pounds over the course of six months while deployed to Kuwait.

"Since I was on an exempt status throughout my deployment I knew I would be due for a PT test when I returned to station," Airman Hammergren said. "I hit the gym and worked on the elliptical in addition to regular running, abdominal work-outs and even some weight training. Now I am in the best shape of my life and I feel really great."

The goal and purpose of the Air Force PT test is to ensure the safety of Airmen in the field. A fit, ready to fight force translates to lives saved in-theater. It is the responsibility of all Airmen to have the physical capability to be a wingman, leader and warrior on and off duty.
"Airmen owe it to each other," Sergeant Pontenila said. "The difference between the old test and the new test can be the difference between a life saved and a life lost."