Fit for Duty? Evaluating the Physical Fitness Requirements of Battlefield Airmen
Abstract
Military occupations can be physically demanding, yet few attempts have been made to determine the physical readiness of todays Airmen to perform their jobs. Although the Air Force conducts fitness testing of all its Airmen, these tests and standards are not based on validated job requirements. Therefore, it is not clear how well an individual must perform on a given test (e.g., sit-ups) to be capable of performing a specific job, or if such a test even measures an ability required by the job. Recognizing the importance of measuring the physical readiness of Airmen, Air Education and Training Command (AETC) and Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) asked RAND to provide a methodology to establish physical fitness requirements.To demonstrate this methodology, we conducted an analysis of the physical demands and abilities of four occupational specialties (Combat Controller, Pararescue, Special Operations Weather Team, and Tactical Air Control Party). First, we identified the physical tasks required by each occupational specialty, using existing documents and eliciting feedback from subject- matter experts. Second, we narrowed the list of physical tasks to those most critical by conducting focus groups and interviews with operators in each career field. Third, we conducted an analysis of the physical abilities and movements required to perform the most physically demanding tasks in each specialty. These abilities provided the foundation for the fourth step, identifying valid and reliable fitness tests and measures.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1053275
Entities
People
- Abigail Haddad
- Amanda Anderson
- Carra S. Sims
- Maria. C. Lytell
- Sean Robson
- Stephanie Pezard
- Therese Bohusch
- Thomas Manacapilli
Organizations
- RAND Corporation