Airmen become PT test facilitators

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Zachary Perras
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  An Air Force-wide policy change allows Airmen to once more administer and monitor official fitness assessments.

Master Sgt. Albertine Stewart, fitness and sports manager with the 354th Force Support Squadron, said under AFI 36-2905, volunteer opportunities are open to all Airmen to become a Physical Training Leader and conduct physical fitness training and testing.

In order to become a PTL, Airmen must be certified to perform CPR as well as certified with an automated external defibrillator, Stewart said. Individuals must also take a PTL course in which they learn how to conduct group fitness and official Air Force fitness assessments.

Previously, civilian faculty members performed the assessments. The change was made due to recent cutbacks and loss of civilian positions, according to Tony Mason, 354th FSS chief of fitness and sports.

"It's a goal to provide the best program to test our Air Force members here," said Mason. "It's been a team effort and there have been growing pains, but as we progress, it's going to improve and get better and it's going to strengthen the program."

Fitness center personnel will still provide oversight for the tests and record fitness assessment results in the Air Force Fitness Management System," said Stewart.

Data recorded into the fitness management system will be done only by faculty personnel. And while Airmen can facilitate the assessments, they cannot administer tests to members of the same unit.

"Ultimately, it's up to each individual Airman to stay fit to pass their test," Stewart said. "The Air Force is supposed to be fit to fight. So everybody needs to take responsibility for doing what they need to do."

For more information on becoming a PTL, call 377-6540.