Air Force basic military training trainees apply cardio interval training during their morning physical training session Aug. 17, 2020, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Cardio Interval Training (CIT) is a program designed to strengthen the lower extremities before adding the run portion of physical training. (Air Force photo by Sarayuth Pinthong) The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
By: FEDweek StaffNew Air Force and Space Force recruits should expect to spend more time working on physical fitness and less classwork.
The Air and Space Forces Association reported that the change should take effect this fall, with the intent of adding tasks that would better prepare new airmen and guardians for combat.
“How do we make sure that airmen show up with the warrior ethos and understand their role in a high-end fight, not just a fight, but a high-end fight … For us, that starts at basic military training to kind of create the mindset that we would then build throughout technical training,” Maj. Gen. Wolfe Davidson, 2nd Air Force commander, told Air and Space Forces Magazine.
The decision to implement the new regimen was spurred by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s expressed emphasis on fostering a greater emphasis on warfighting skills among members of the armed forces.
“[The] new SecDef’s guidance … just really but the fuel behind this as it continues to move ahead,” Davidson said.
“So it’s about creating that mindset and changing this concept of, ‘well, I’m not the person pulling the trigger, so I’m not really a warrior,’ to ‘what is it that I do that’s going to contribute to our success’ as our guiding principle,” he added.
Several changes have already taken effect, A&SFA reported. Recruits were issued inert M4 carbines in July to carry with them throughout basic training, to promote improved weapons proficiency. And in March, the 37-hour field exercise at the end of basic training was extended to 57 hours. The service continues to seek methods of improving physical fitness training as well.
“We’re trying to get back to physicality,” Chief Master Sgt. Whitfield Jack, the senior noncommissioned officer for the 737th Training Wing, said.
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