JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
The 633rd Force Support Squadron fitness assessment center team implemented a new localized regulation in November, 2016 for physical testing at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia.
The new regulation states that FAC members and physical training augmentees will now count the muscle portion of the test, instead of fellow test-takers counting for one another.
According to U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Holly Keister, FAC NCO in charge, the change was jumpstarted due to an increase in appeals for failed PT tests.
“A common theme for the appeals was incorrect counting. To eliminate this argument completely, only trained FAC members and augmentees will be allowed to count for test-takers,” said Keister. “It’s our job to help people do well, but it is also our job to make sure that it is fair across the board.”
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Brandon Barnes, FAC fitness specialist, believes the change doesn’t allow room for error with trained individuals keeping track of all aspects of the test.
“Individuals are responsible for their fitness level and well-being,” said Barnes. “Though, it does help their performance in the end having someone, who is trained, work directly with test members.”
Since the regulation came into effect, Keister has seen a decrease in the amount of appeals and has received positive feedback from individuals testing.
“I have heard people like the change because it holds others accountable,” said Keister. “They trust the augmentees and FAC members because they are trained to know what they are looking for and can give them the correct feedback they need.”
For more information, contact the Shellbank Fitness Center at 225-8165.