A recent social media frenzy over a supposed new Air Force fitness test has been put to rest. The Air Force has confirmed that the viral memo, which outlined a rigorous physical challenge, is not an official document.
But here's where it gets controversial...
The memo, which gained traction on Reddit and Facebook, proposed a new "Combat Readiness Test" alongside an annual physical fitness assessment. It suggested that airmen scoring 90 points or higher could opt out of the 2-mile run and only take the test once a year.
However, Air Force spokesperson Ann Stefanek clarified that the memo is not authentic.
"Combat" Fitness Tests: A New Mandate
The proposed Combat Readiness Test appears to be in line with a requirement set by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. In a speech to general officers, Hegseth announced a multi-tier fitness system for the military, including a Combat Field Test for combat arms roles.
This system would see troops in combat-focused roles take an annual Combat Field Test, while all other active-duty personnel would undergo a traditional fitness test and a new Combat Readiness Test. The latter would involve functional fitness events like weight lifting and buddy carries, performed in full combat gear.
Hegseth's memo left the design of these tests to each military service, with the option to use a traditional fitness test instead of the combat-focused one.
"These tests will be familiar, resembling the Army Expert Physical Fitness Assessment or the Marine Corps Combat Fitness Test," Hegseth said.
The Combat Readiness Test described in the viral memo included tasks like lifting a 40-pound kettlebell, moving a 180-pound dummy, pull-ups, and carrying ammunition cans.
For combat arms troops, the memo also mentioned a potential Joint Combat Field Test, standardizing fitness assessments across all combat roles.
The Air Force's Official Take
Stefanek confirmed that the Air Force's most recent fitness test update was the September 24 announcement, which confirmed the inclusion of a 2-mile run in the new test, an increase from the current 1.5-mile run. Airmen will now be required to take this new test twice a year.
While an alternative exercise option is available for the cardiorespiratory component, the 2-mile run remains mandatory at least once annually.
The Air Force will pause all fitness tests from January 1 as it transitions to the new test, which will begin on March 1.
As for the origins of the debunked memo, no immediate information was available. The document appears to be signed by Gwendolyn DeFilippi, a principal deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force, but lacks a date.
A Reddit user shared the document on the unofficial Air Force subreddit after seeing it on Facebook, later deleting the post upon learning of its lack of authenticity.
