Answering the call to serve in the military takes courage, humility, and sacrifice. With less than 1% of the entire U.S. population serving in the Armed Forces, the military is not for everyone. Those that do sign up for the military know the road ahead is full of challenges and lessons that will shape them for the rest of their lives.
And the first step starts with basic military training. Basic training requires physical endurance and mental strength to push through a series of challenges and the day-to-day grind of transforming from civilian to service member.
If you’re joining the Air Force or are interested in it, this post takes a look at the Air Force Physical Training Test and what it takes to pass it.
What Is the Air Force PT Test?
The Air Force PT Test is a three-part physical test focused on testing your endurance, strength, and cardio fitness. You have to pass the PT test to graduate boot camp, and as part of any promotions, you may be up for during your time in service.
The Air Force PT Test Standards include a one-minute test of pushups, one-minute test of sit-ups, a mile and half run that is timed, and a measurement of your abdominal circumference.
Entry PT Requirements
Upon arriving at Air Force basic training, trainees will be given the Initial PT. Trainees who do not meet these initial requirements will be required to take additional strength training, in addition to the strength training as part of the normal schedule.
Male Entry Fitness Requirements
| 1.5 Mile Run | Push-Ups | Sit-Ups | Max Abdominal Circumference |
| 18:30 | 8 | 11 | < 39” |
Female Entry Fitness Requirements
| 1.5 Mile Run | Push-Ups | Sit-Ups | Max Abdominal Circumference |
| 21:35 | 5 | 9 | < 35.5” |
Graduation PT Requirements
Male Graduation Fitness Requirements
| Age | 1.5 Mile Run | Push-Ups | Sit-Ups | Max Abdominal Circumference |
| <30 | 11:57 | 33 | 42 | 35″ |
| 30-39 | 11:57 | 27 | 39 | 35″ |
Female Graduation Fitness Requirements
| Age | 1.5 Mile Run | Push-Ups | Sit-Ups | Max Abdominal Circumference |
| <30 | 14:26 | 18 | 38 | 31.5″ |
| 30-39 | 14:26 | 14 | 29 | 31.5″ |
Is there a certain weight I need to be while I’m in the Air Force?
As with all things in the military, there are requirements for you in regards to your height and weight. You can see the chart below from our friends at Military.com of what the minimum should be.
| Height (Inches) | Max Weight (lbs) |
|---|---|
| 58 | 131 |
| 59 | 136 |
| 60 | 141 |
| 61 | 145 |
| 62 | 150 |
| 63 | 155 |
| 64 | 160 |
| 65 | 165 |
| 66 | 170 |
| 67 | 175 |
| 68 | 180 |
| 69 | 186 |
| 70 | 191 |
| 71 | 197 |
| 72 | 202 |
| 73 | 208 |
| 74 | 214 |
| 75 | 220 |
| 76 | 225 |
| 77 | 231 |
| 78 | 237 |
| 79 | 244 |
| 80 | 250 |
Fitness Awards at Air Force Basic Training
Trainees who perform exceptionally well on the Air Force PT test will be eligible for fitness awards during graduation week. The four fitness awards one can receive during Air Force basic training are:
1. Top PT Male/Female
This is awarded to the top male and female trainee with the highest fitness composite score, fastest run time, sit-ups, push-ups, and waist circumference.
Top male and female PT trainees will be awarded a Sunday town pass, a fitness certificate, and will run with the group commander during the Airman’s Run.
2. Warhawk
The Warhawk is awarded to trainees who received a 100 composite fitness score. Warhawk recipients will receive a Sunday town pass and fitness certificate.
3. Thunderbolt
The Thunderbolt is awarded to trainees who received a 90-99 composite fitness score. Thunderbolt recipients receive a fitness certificate upon graduating.
Getting Mail During Air Force Basic Training
Air Force basic training is full of curveballs all in the name of making you the best Airman possible, and at Sandboxx, we are here to help you in any way possible especially when it comes to having family members sending you letters while you’re in training.
Our easy to use service allows your parents to update you on all things going on back home and to give you some motivation especially when your Training Instructor has been chewing you out the last week.
Check out how your parents can write to you in the fastest way possible! See how Sandboxx works.
