McChord leaders implement remedial fitness program

  • Published
  • By Airman Leah Young
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  In order to better prepare Airmen for the redesigned PT test, McChord Field leaders have implemented a remedial fitness program.

"Fitness is a condition of employment in the United States Air Force," said Col. Kevin Kilb, 62nd Airlift Wing commander. "This program was designed to enhance the physical capabilities of our Airmen and ensure our wartime readiness and overall health is able to hold up under the tremendous operations tempo our force faces each day."

If an Airman scores 74.99 or below on the PT test, they are required to attend the new fitness program. The program consists of a one-hour training session, five days a week, to include one non-duty day.

"Two sessions are conducted each day, Monday through Saturday," said Tech. Sgt. Ray Smittle, 62nd Airlift Wing NCOIC of console operations. "Airmen can attend either the 6 a.m. or the 4:30 p.m. session."

Airmen admitted to the program are required to attend until they successfully score at least an 80 on an official or practice test and are approved by their commander.

"To get out of the program, you have to pass the PT test," said Sergeant Smittle. "Another helpful idea we're working to establish is conducting a weekly PT diagnostics test, so that Airmen can track their progress and feel confident when it's time to take the real test."

The program is led by Physical Training Leader volunteers from various squadrons on base.

"The size of the squadron will dictate how many weeks the PTLs host the program for," said Capt. Joshua Wolfram, 62nd Comptroller Squadron PTL. "For example, we hosted the first week and maintenance will host the next three weeks. So far, we have PTLs scheduled to host through the end of July."

PTL's have worked together to establish a helpful and beneficial physical training program for their fellow Airmen.

"We try to rotate between one day of cardio and then one day of strength training," said Captain Wolfram. "We really want the program to assist in the new fitness culture change and to show people that exercise is a great thing."

According to Sergeant Smittle, supervisors are encouraged to participate at least three days a week. Participants are required to get an Air Force Form 1975 signed by a PTL after each session.

"We want to track performance and document improvement," said Sergeant Smittle. "Theoretically, this program will never end. The goal is to improve the physical fitness of Airmen, as well as ensuring Team McChord's readiness."