The Air Force is overhauling its Physical Fitness Assessment in 2026, pausing testing on Jan. 1 to transition to a new program that emphasizes readiness and long-term health across the Total Force. Testing under the updated standards begins March 1, 2026, initially as diagnostics through Aug. 31. Scored assessments resume Sept. 1 under a revised AFMAN 36-2905.
“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.”
Key changes include reinstating a scored body composition measure via the Waist-to-Height Ratio, adding a two-mile run, and requiring all Airmen to test every six months regardless of score. Alternate events for cardio, strength and core remain available, but every Airman must complete the two-mile run at least once every 365 days.
The updated PFA uses a 100-point scale across four components:
– Cardiorespiratory: 50 points
– Waist-to-Height Ratio: 20 points
– Muscle Strength: 15 points
– Muscle Core Endurance: 15 points
Active-duty members may complete body composition up to five days before the PFA. Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard members can complete body composition during their drill period ahead of the PFA; all members may also opt to do it during the assessment itself.
To strengthen a service-wide fitness culture, installation commanders may direct mass testing twice a year, aligned to two windows: September–March and March–September.
Alongside the policy changes, the Department of the Air Force is releasing “The Warfighter’s Fitness Playbook,” a toolkit for Airmen and Guardians covering exercise guidance, sleep and nutrition, and sustainable lifestyle practices intended to help members meet fitness and readiness standards.
More details, including AFMAN 36-2905, “The Warfighter’s Fitness Playbook,” and scoring components are available at https://www.afpc.af.mil/Career-Management/Fitness-Program/.
