Evaluation of the Strength Aptitude Test and Other Fitness Tests to Qualify Air Force Recruits for Physically Demanding Specialties

Abstract

The Air Force uses the Strength Aptitude Test (SAT) to determine whether recruits meet the fitness levels needed to perform the duties of various Air Force specialties with physical strength requirements. However, the SAT was developed in the early 1980s and has not been revalidated since then. In the interim, the duties associated with many Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) classifications have changed, and new ones have been added. This report evaluates the status and validity of the SAT in a series of studies and builds upon previous RAND research on the SAT (Sims et al., 2014). It also suggests alternative strategies for developing SAT requirements that accurately reflect the physical demands of Air Force jobs while minimizing adverse effects on job opportunities for women. The research reported here was commissioned by the Air Force's Force Management Policy Directorate (AF/A1P) and conducted within the Manpower, Personnel, and Training Program of RAND Project AIR FORCE. This report should interest Air Force leaders and staff concerned with standards to maintain the physical readiness of airmen who perform physically demanding tasks as part of their occupational specialty.

Force plate vertical jump scans are not a valid proxy for physical fitness in US special warfare trainees

“…The United States Air Force (USAF) Special Warfare (SW) career field requires high levels of physical abilities across several domains, including aerobic and anaerobic fitness, muscular strength, muscular endurance, coordination, and others ( Pearce, 2016 ; Robson et al, 2018 ). Military occupations are physically demanding, but particularly so for Special Operations Forces (SOF) ( Grier et al, 2018 ; Royer et al, 2018 ; Stannard and Fortington, 2021 ).…”

“…Optimizing physical fitness benefits SOF units by improving performance, productivity, and overall well-being, while reducing injuries and lost workdays ( Knapik et al, 1993 ; Skeehan et al, 2009 ; Knapik and East, 2014 ; Keenan et al, 2017 ; Grier et al, 2018 ; Royer et al, 2018 ; Feickert, 2021 ; Stannard and Fortington, 2021 ). Fitness assessments enable military leadership to track physical fitness levels, enforce physical fitness standards, determine the effectiveness of training regimens, and identify unit and individual weaknesses ( Knapik et al, 1993 ; Knapik and East, 2014 ; Pearce, 2016 ; Keenan et al, 2017 ; Grier et al, 2018 ; Robson et al, 2018 ; Royer et al, 2018 ). The Candidate Fitness Test (CFT) was developed by the USAF to reflect a broad set of physical fitness attributes that are based on USAF SW mission-specific physical duty requirements ( Pearce, 2016 ; Robson et al, 2018 ; Tier two Operator Physical Fitness Tests and Standards for Special Warfare Operators (CCT, PJ, SOWT, STO & CRO) Test Guidance, 2019 ).…”

“…Fitness assessments enable military leadership to track physical fitness levels, enforce physical fitness standards, determine the effectiveness of training regimens, and identify unit and individual weaknesses ( Knapik et al, 1993 ; Knapik and East, 2014 ; Pearce, 2016 ; Keenan et al, 2017 ; Grier et al, 2018 ; Robson et al, 2018 ; Royer et al, 2018 ). The Candidate Fitness Test (CFT) was developed by the USAF to reflect a broad set of physical fitness attributes that are based on USAF SW mission-specific physical duty requirements ( Pearce, 2016 ; Robson et al, 2018 ; Tier two Operator Physical Fitness Tests and Standards for Special Warfare Operators (CCT, PJ, SOWT, STO & CRO) Test Guidance, 2019 ). Since 2019, the USAF Special Warfare Training Wing (SWTW) has administered the CFT to active duty Airmen entering the SW training pipeline ( Pearce, 2016 ; Robson et al, 2018 ; Tier two Operator Physical Fitness Tests and Standards for Special Warfare Operators (CCT, PJ, SOWT, STO & CRO) Test Guidance, 2019 ).…”

“…The Candidate Fitness Test (CFT) was developed by the USAF to reflect a broad set of physical fitness attributes that are based on USAF SW mission-specific physical duty requirements ( Pearce, 2016 ; Robson et al, 2018 ; Tier two Operator Physical Fitness Tests and Standards for Special Warfare Operators (CCT, PJ, SOWT, STO & CRO) Test Guidance, 2019 ). Since 2019, the USAF Special Warfare Training Wing (SWTW) has administered the CFT to active duty Airmen entering the SW training pipeline ( Pearce, 2016 ; Robson et al, 2018 ; Tier two Operator Physical Fitness Tests and Standards for Special Warfare Operators (CCT, PJ, SOWT, STO & CRO) Test Guidance, 2019 ). The CFT consists of eight distinct tests (see methods) and requires substantial time (i.e., 4–8 h) and specialized equipment (i.e., bars, weights, cones, pool, a 60 lb rucksack, etc. )…”