The PT monster

[Country Bear]

I know allot of talk is going around about the PT program. The biggest problem(s) that I have with the program is the AF has lost focus on what it is about: Flying airplanes. Physical fitness is a good thing, don't get me wrong, but skewing the balance of what we do is a serious issue. I always hear the slogan "Get back to the Basics" all the time. Have we? No. The focus of our leadership now is PT PT PT PT PT. News flash, people have jobs to do and they need to be good at their jobs since the "Do more with less" attitude has crept into our ranks. I always hear as well that PT is a "Life style change" and to lessen the costs of health care, really? Is the AF kicking people out for smoking? No. Is the AF kicking people out for drinking? Depends on what happens after they drink. All these "other" habits can cause short/long-term health issues just as much as being overweight and not being active. I don't see AAFES stopping selling tobacco products and alcohol, or shutting down all the fast food places because there is too much money to be made with our "bad habits". Running is another issue I have with PT. Ever since I have been in, running has caused me joint pain and physical problems. That's why I bicycle. The AF thinks running is the answer for everything now. Not everyone can run or is a good runner. Not everyone is the same. The AF is a small cross-section of the American population, and there is a great deal of diversity, genetically and physically. When you have a "standard" for PT that fits a small portion of this cross section, how can it work??? The PT program does not take in account this diversity. I'm 6'4" and 250, and I am expected to meet the same standard as a 5'2" , 105lb male??? Seriously people, that makes NO SENSE. The AF stands to loose 40% of it's workforce in less than 18months (AF times) if they hold everyone to the new test with a 40% failure rate. That's over 132000 people they need to replace in that time frame. 1st sgts must be foaming at the mouth to be able to kick more people out and brag about it. I bet they don't have the same zeal about taking care of the troops because it would affect their promotion or perception. A balance needs to be developed. Job skills should be first and foremost. IF the AF was a company making money, they would not care about PT. They would care about how we all did our jobs, not how we looked or what we ate or what we did off the clock. The AF cares about everything BUT your job, when it comes to PT, EPR/OPR fodder, off duty activities, those seem to matter more than doing your job. And we all suffer. When is that last time Finance did something right? What about the poor service from the Clinic? What about needing something important from MPF, only to find out they are closed for PT? What about when you PCS? All the PITA you must deal with, because people do not know their jobs, but they can pass PT and do the stuff for their EPR/OPR's.
PT is needed, because of the positive benefits, but let people do what is best for them. If they cannot run, start a cycling team/group, or a speed walking club. Something that is fun, that builds teamwork, but is not so forced on everyone that they resent it. Make time for it, like a wing monthly sports day. Have competitions between units. The AF has created a monster that is about to wreak havoc, and we ALL will pay for it, passing PT score or not.