Chief weighs in on stricter PT Published July 31, 2008 By Brandice Armstrong Tinker Public Affaris TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- In theory, physical fitness tests are supposed to display an Airman's strength, endurance and physical form. Recently, the challenge of the test has been questioned, with Airmen defending or attacking the system. At Tinker, officials said it's a matter of perspective and it's up to an individual Airman to perform at his best. But, if anything could legitimately change, it's the scoring of the test. 72nd Air Base Wing Command Chief Master Sgt. Eric Harmon said, arguments aside, the point is fitness. "The purpose of the test is to assess one's fitness," he said. "Whatever the assessment is, the key is, the member actively, consistently, progressively and with intensity working out and being conscientious about living right." By earning the minimum of 75 points, out of a possible 100 points, an Airman can prove he's met the standards. But, some Airmen achieve the 75-point score to pass, not prove anything more. Second Lts. Melissa Day and Jeric Talania are physical training leaders for the Force Support Squadron and said in their tenure they have witnessed Airmen performing to pass, not to excel. They said it's not necessarily the Airmen's fault, the test doesn't offer incentives to perform better than simply passing. "I think people have found a way to 'beat it,'" said Lieutenant Day. "You calculate how many points you need and do the minimum. The Air Force is not giving enough incentive to max it." Lieutenant Talania agreed. "What's the point of trying your best? Many times, people look at the [overall] test scores and see the times they need, and shoot for the passing score of 75," he said. Chief Harmon said to improve the scoring system, offer improvement points. "Change the point scale to give additional points based on a percentage improvement from the last run and strength assessment," he said. "This will push members to strive to tax their mental and physical state to gain fitness benefits." Another possibility is to change or eliminate the waist measurements. "I think the aspects of it are biased," Lieutenant Day said. "The abdominal circumference is a little biased toward people who are naturally smaller. Even if you can max out the run, push-ups and sit-ups, you can still lose points because of the waist." Officials said Airmen should understand the PT test is not meant as a punishment. It's a means to to maintain good health and reduce stress, prepare for a possible deployment, and show an individual's physical performance. "Any changes that are made can benefit the member's war readiness or better prepare for deployment," Chief Harmon said. "Fitness has a significant impact in reducing stress and bolstering mental attitude."