The U.S. Space Force has issued its first comprehensive fitness and readiness policy, establishing a service-wide assessment model and a phased timeline to bring all units onto the new standard by 2026.
Space Force Manual 36-2905, Human Performance and Readiness, centers on a Human Performance Assessment that evaluates muscular strength, muscular endurance, and cardiorespiratory fitness on an 80-point scale. Guardians must score at least 60 to be considered physically ready. One of the assessments each year must include a two-mile run. Guardians enrolled in the service’s continuous-monitoring human performance study will test annually; those not enrolled will test twice per year.
To put the policy in place, squadrons will establish Unit Fitness Cells staffed by Guardian Resilience Teams. Unit commanders and those cells are tasked with ensuring every Guardian completes an initial assessment between Jan. 1 and June 30, 2026. Physical fitness testing is not required before Jan. 1, 2026, to allow time for units to stand up the new structure and for Guardians to prepare.
“The Space Force human performance standards are mission-driven and tailored to the unique physical and cognitive demands of our Guardians,” said Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman. “The manual reflects our commitment to investing in Guardian health, resilience, and long-term performance, and ensures we’re ready to thrive and win in the most demanding operational environments.”
The document embeds human performance standards within the service’s Holistic Health Approach, which emphasizes Total Force Fitness across eight domains: physical, financial, spiritual, preventive care, environmental, nutritional, psychological and social. It also supports the Secretary of the Air Force’s Culture of Fitness initiative and aligns with efforts by the Under Secretary of the Air Force to enhance fitness and readiness.
“The Human Performance and Readiness Manual directly supports our commitment to emphasize the Guardian Experience and to execute our mission to deter threats and control the space domain,” said Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John Bentivegna. “Our ability to maintain space superiority hinges on the readiness and resilience of our Guardians, who are our most valuable advantage … our Human Weapon System. This manual equips them with the standards and resources necessary to meet the unique physical and cognitive demands of modern space warfare, ensuring they are always prepared to safeguard our nation’s interests.”
The manual keeps the Space Force’s existing body composition program in place without changes. Service leaders describe SPFMAN 36-2905 as a technology-enabled, persistent readiness framework intended to develop warfighters for the demands of modern space operations. The manual is available on the Space Force’s website.
