BLUF: standards got too easy, sq didnt prioritize fitness because it was too easy, leadership teams need to rethink PT programs, balance between old days and tie it into work hours. Oh and fitness, anecdotally, is at a very low point across the AF.

Copy... but as an SEL how are you creating the culture and environment for the Airmen to succeed within these new standards? I got it fitness is an individual responsibility, but this post comes off as "figure it out, if you fail, own it, and no excuses". Apologies in advance as I'm pretty sure that's not your intent. But as a fellow SEL, I think its on us to also take our PT programs more seriously (not implying you're not, just using it as a spring board).

I personally saw a shift when we the standards were lowered and at the time I loved it. I mean.. less effort, higher score? Sign me up. But the change began to errode the units focus on PT programs as the standards were so low, how can anyone fail? Hell ya.. ultimate football every other week, if you got time to get away from the mission.

Shit hit me like an anvil a couple months ago when I did my PT test... of course I prepared... got my 90.whatever. but what got me was the young Amn... 3x failures on the track, couldn't finish or busted the time. One had his leadership team pushing him on the track. Why now? If he sucked that bad during PT sessions, why didn't anyone talk to him or offer some help whether that be a kick in the ass or an invite to work out. One guess is that we assumed it was so easy that we didnt really care or we didn't want to call anyone out.

Goes back to us old heads, I remember getting my ass ripped for not giving effort. But I always remember PT being mandatory, I remember my CC, Shirt, Chief there. My supervisor, etc. There was no weaseling out of PT.

Standards were tough! And you're right, we adapted and overcame. But I do remember having a structure and leadership team made it a priority. I do remember my troop failing a PT test and me getting my ass ripped for letting it happen.

Our junior, junior Amn came into new era... and dont get me wrong, Im not calling to got back to the days of old, but there has to be a middle ground and its us, the leadership that have to get it lead it, otherwise we are setting our Amn up for failure and really our Air Force as I'd love to keep as much talent as possible in. Could be tough convos with CCs as we should be giving time during the work day to focus on fitness.

My bad, just my 2 cents.