The Air Force Fitness Programs "goal is to motivate Airmen to participate in a year-round physical conditioning program that emphasizes total fitness" (n.d) Several years ago, when the new fitness program was being implemented I was in a bad place physically; I couldn't run 1.5 miles without stopping and could barely pass the 18 push-up minimum. Although I had been in the Air Force for some time, I always squeaked by. The new policy had changes to the body composition portion while the test itself became mandatory twice a year unless you scored 90% or above. This program was not only meant to improve fitness capabilities, it became a force shaping tool. An individual who failed two times in a 24 month period would receive a Reprimand, a third time fail would result in demotion and a fourth time failure would be separated from the military. Furthermore, I was in a position of leadership, as an NCO and instructor, and was expected to not only meet the standards, but to exceed them. It was time to get serious about fitness.
The new fitness policy was my "burning platform". If I continued the status quo, my career or at least my reputation as a reliable NCO would be in question. My friend Lauren and I started running three times a week and working out in the gym another two times a week. My goal was to pass my fitness test with a 90% or higher. After three months of training, I met my goal by passing with a 90.1% on my test and earning a year without worrying about the test again. The Air Force's goal of "increased productivity and improved health and readiness" was sustained when exceeded their standards.
Connor explains that leaders that were succeeding with change were persistent and living the change. However, they didn't always like or want the change. This was the same for my situation and many others in the Air Force. I've never liked running and still don't but knew I had to do it whether I like it or not. I had to make the change to sustain my fitness and health, and continue my career respectably. I continue to choose fitness over inevitable career implications. I use this story to motivate my Airmen to improve their test scores and sustain year long health and fitness. I also use it to help them understand their struggle with the test, running or fitness. We, as Airmen, need to keep in mind that no matter what the change is, we must support and defend our leaderships decisions and strive to exceed all standards. The "burning platform" of career endangerment has and will continue to be my initiative to support the Air Forces' vision of fitness.
Air Force Fitness Program. (n.d.). Retrieved September 16, 2017, from http://www.afpc.af.mil/Air-Force-Fitness-Program/
Connor, D. (2010) Retrieved September 16, 2017 from https://youtu.be/KwRB0sHpN9E
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