In support of the Department of the Air Force "Culture of Fitness" initiative, the Air Force unveiled changes to its Physical Fitness Assessment and a new fitness program, which will apply to Total Force Airmen.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, the Air Force will pause all PFA testing to facilitate the transition to the updated program. The Air Force will then begin testing Airmen on the new PFA standards on March 1, 2026, with the release and implementation of the revised AFMAN 36-2905.
From March 1, 2026, through Aug. 31, 2026, all fitness tests will be diagnostic to provide Airmen time to adapt to the new standards. Beginning Sept. 1, 2026, the Air Force will resume official, scored testing under the new PFA standards.
"These fitness changes are about having a healthy, ready force prepared to meet today's mission and the demands of the future fight," said U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin. "The updated model reflects our high standards for fitness and ensures our Airmen have the tools they need to protect their long-term health."
The new PFA reimplements the scored body composition component using the current Waist-to-Height Ratio program and introduces a two-mile run. Additionally, service members will be required to take the PFA every six months regardless of their score. The updated scored components, to include body composition, and increased testing frequency introduce a more challenging physical fitness assessment to better gauge the fitness of the force.
The updated PFA features a 100-point scoring system across four categories:
• Cardiorespiratory (50)
• Waist-to-Height Ratio (20)
• Muscle Strength (15)
• Muscle Core Endurance (15)
All alternate exercises for cardiovascular, strength and endurance components remain an option for Airmen during their PFA; however, Airmen will be required to perform a two-mile run during at least one PFA every 365 days; however, Airmen will be required to perform a two-mile run as their cardio component during at least one PFA every 365 days.
Active-Duty members can complete the body composition measurement up to five days before their PFA. Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard members may complete their body composition component during their drill period prior to their PFA. All members retain the option to take their body composition measurement during the PFA, but that is not mandatory.
To better foster a culture of fitness across the force, installation commanders may now direct units to conduct mass testing for PFAs twice per year on the following cycles:
Cycle 1 - September to March
Cycle 2 - March to September
In addition to the PFA updates, the DAF is releasing "The Warfighter's Fitness Playbook," which provides guidance to Airmen and Guardians reinforcing the service's efforts to ensure service members safely, healthily and effectively meet fitness and readiness standards.
"The Warfighter's Fitness Playbook" is an adaptive and agile resource for Airmen and Guardians for implementing fitness and lifestyle management programs to include sleep and nutritional tips, and exercise and fitness guidance.
This toolkit emphasizes how physical fitness is essential for service members to meet and exceed the demands for airpower through strength and stamina and provides a comprehensive guide for Airmen to reach and maintain a high level of physical fitness.
This change augments the DAF's approach to fitness, building a more ready and resilient force by empowering Airmen to prioritize their health and encourage excellent performance.
AFMAN 36-2905, "The Warfighter's Fitness Playbook" and updated PFA scoring components can be found at https://www.afpc.af.mil/Career-Management/Fitness-Program/.
