Fitness Assessment Cell keeping Robins Airmen fit to fight Published Jan. 21, 2011 By Chrissy Miner 78 ABW/PA ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- By Chrissy miner 78th Air Base Wing Public Affiars Airmen here are making strides in the new Air Force fitness test, with almost 80 percent passing the exam, and an average of 36 percent scoring an "excellent" rating. Additionally, in the past three months, Robins improved its passing rate nearly 8 percent over the first three months of testing. "These numbers demonstrate a high level of readiness for Robins Airmen," said Col. Lee-Ann Perkins, 78th Mission Support Group commander. "It is also a reflection of the hard work and dedication of the Fitness Assessment Cell staff members who assess our Airmen." If you are an Active Duty, Reserve or National Guard Airman, chances are you have paid a visit to the Robins' FAC. The FAC is small - its staff consists of just three people - but it evaluates more than 13,000 people a year. Along with the readiness responsibility for thousands, the FAC also has new changes in AFI 36-2905, Fitness Program Standards, to implement. The standards, which originally went into effect July 1, were modified based on feedback from the field. The most notable of the changes, which took effect Jan. 2, is the commanders' responsibility in handling unsatisfactory fitness scores. Unit commanders will make a discharge or retention recommendation to the installation commander once an Airman receives four "unsatisfactory" fitness assessment scores in a 24-month period. A military medical provider will also have to rule out any medical conditions precluding the Airman from achieving a passing score. Other guidance in the update specifies enhanced detail in the test's waist measurement, sit up and push up instructions. New score charts also now designate a "target component value" for each component, which indicates the necessary inches, repetitions, or time required to achieve a passing score of 75. Airmen are also now designated as having the ultimate responsibility to ensure their individual fitness assessment is scheduled and completed. Another important clarification in the instruction is for testers who earn an excellent rating, but are medically exempt from any of the components. These members will continue to test twice a year, vice the once-a-year privilege granted to members who score in the 'excellent' range. "We are embracing the changes and feel they will only help our Airmen in their fit-to-fight lifestyle," Perkins said. "It's obvious our members are ready to embrace the changes as well."