Air Force Weight and Fitness Programs
Abstract
A review of the DoD policy on physical fitness and weight control programs establishes a focus for a review and assessment of the Air Force weight and Fitness Programs. The DoD Directive 1308.1 provides straightforward but not totally unambiguous guidance. In implementing the DoD directive, the Air Force elected to shift emphasis from physical fitness to weight control and over the last 20 years transitioned from a physical fitness program to evaluation only. By combining weight control and physical fitness into one regulation, confusion in the field has developed because of the different orientations of these two programs. The compliance oriented weight program is producing satisfactory results while the physical fitness (evaluation) program is not insuring physically qualified personnel. Documented research supports this position. Specific areas of concern are explored and critiqued. The more aggressive fitness programs of the Army and Marine Corps serve as models for a more viable Air Force program. Overall, suggestions for improvements in the weight control program and for revitalization of the physical fitness program are presented for Air Force consideration.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA217537
Entities
People
- Brian P. Quarrie
Organizations
- Air War College