A Comparison of the US Air Force Fitness Test and Sister Services' Combat-Oriented Fitness Tests
Abstract
This research explores how the United States Air Force Physical Fitness Test (AFPFT) events compare to sister-services' physical fitness test events with respect to their predictability of combat capability. Multiple regression tools, non-parametric analyses, and chi2 contingency table hypothesis testing were utilized to test hypotheses about performances and determine associations between involved variables. AFPFT scores had minimal predictability (adj R2 0.2045) [but improved when raw data replaced scoring sheets, pushups have no maximum, and abdominal circumference and age are removed (adj R2 0.7703)]. Higher Body Mass Index (BMI) predicts higher combat capability (p-value 0.0208). The best two-event model incorporated a 1/2-mile run and 30-lb. dumbbell lifts (adj R2 0.8514), and the best three-event model also incorporates pushups with no maximum (adj R2 0.8819). Completion of the fireman's carry has a dependency on both BMI >25 (p-value 0.00152) or a waist >32.5" (p-value 0.00521). Improvement in peer stratifications from the AFPFT to combat capability has a dependency on BMI >25 (p-value 3.19E-7), even with abdominal circumference excluded from the scoring (p-value 0.00586). Women were found to have lower combat capability than men (p-value 0.0003). Those who could not pass the fireman?s carry were found to have lower combat capability (p-value 0.0002).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA496773
Entities
People
- Thomas E. Worden
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology