The Air Force has directed a service-wide recertification of all installation 1.5-mile run and 2-kilometer walk courses by Oct. 31.
The recertification requirement comes after the identification of course-length issues by local officials at Goodfellow and Hanscom Air Force Bases.
While conducting a local self-inspection earlier this year, officials at Goodfellow AFB in San Angelo, Texas, determined the outdoor running course was 85 feet longer than required. The course was last measured in 2010. A subsequent review of fitness scores for Airmen assigned to Goodfellow AFB between 2010 and 2016 indicated 18 members failed the fitness assessment who would have otherwise passed.
At Hanscom AFB, Massachusetts, base officials measured their indoor running track following an Airman’s appeal and determined the track was 360 feet longer than required. That track was last measured in 2008.
As a result, a review of fitness scores for Airmen assigned to Hanscom AFB between 2008 and 2016 indicated 41 Airmen potentially failed the fitness assessment who would have otherwise passed. All affected Airmen are being notified and provided avenues for remedy.
In addition to the recertification, and to reduce the likelihood of future occurrence, Headquarters Air Force strengthened guidance by requiring installations to measure and recertify their courses each time there are changes in wing or responsible installation commanders, track modifications or lane adjustments. Furthermore, the Air Force inspector general plans to include the PT program as an Air Force inspection requirement on future wing unit effectiveness inspections.
Officials from both bases are working with the Air Force Personnel Center to contact affected Airmen. Any other facilities identified during the recertification will follow similar Airmen notification processes through local command channels; this will include record corrections and opportunities for Airmen to address potential impacts in the same manner as Goodfellow AFB and Hanscom AFB.
Air Force members with questions are encouraged to contact their local force support squadron offices.
