Air Force fitness standards for basic training

By SGT Volkin

What are the Air Force fitness standards for basic training you ask?

Every military branch has height and weight requirements in order to join. Throughout the decades these requirements have changed from time to time. Over the past couple of years the Air Force has been tightening it’s belt on spending and in turn requiring it’s member to physically tighten their belts if they want to remain in the Air Force. The same is true for new recruits. In addition to the height and weight requirements, the Air Force now has an abdominal circumference requirement (they measure your waist) and a run time requirement before starting basic training.

Here are the Pre-Basic Training standards that went into effect as of January 1^st 2011.

Males

1.5 mile run in 18:30

Abdominal Circumference no greater than 39 inches or Body Fat of 20%

Females

1.5 mile run in 21:35

Abdominal Circumference no greater than 35.5 inches or Body Fat of 28%

Trainees failing to meet these requirements may be processed out of the Air Force. In the last year, I have personally witnessed two new recruits processed out of the Air Force right before their basic training ship date. One was not able to meet the minimum run time and the other could not get his waist under 39 inches. The best way to insure this does not happen to you is to take the time and start a fitness regimen before basic training. The Ultimate Air Force Basic Training Guidebook has a comprehensive fitness program designed specifically for those preparing for basic training.

Good luck at basic training!

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14 Comments data

May 19th, 2012

About... SGT Volkin

This author published 82 posts in this site.
Sergeant Michael Volkin is a U.S. Army veteran and one of America's most successful military authors focusing on basic training. He served in Operation Enduring/Iraqi Freedom as a Chemical Operations Specialist and received an Army Commendation Medal for his efforts and for the military fitness programs he designed to help his fellow soldiers. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Science from Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas and also a Real Estate Brokers Degree. Note from the author: "I knew absolutely nothing about the military when I entered basic training. I had no immediate military family history and no prior desire to ever join the military. It was on the tragic morning of September 11, 2001 that I realized what I was taking for granted all these years. Freedom, as wonderful as it is, is an uphill struggle, and comes with an enormous responsibility. It wasn’t so much a decision, but a calling, that I joined the military - the Army Reserves. I departed for basic training without an ounce of military knowledge one month after September 11, 2001. However, I used this lack of knowledge to my advantage. I took notes on everything, with the ambition that no military recruit would have to go through boot camp like I did, with no knowledge of what was in store for me. I listened to hundreds of soldiers share their advice, tips, and tricks on surviving basic training. When I was deployed shortly after basic training to serve in Operation Enduring/Iraqi Freedom, I had the time to organize the notes, add to them, and assemble the most practical basic training guide ever written. The Ultimate Basic Training Series is straightforward, easy to understand and applies to every branch of the military. Take advantage of the military fitness routine in these books. Many hours of research and trial and error went toward creating the program. I believe there is no other fitness program that can get you in shape for basic training faster." SGT Volkin is currently a real estate broker and marketing consultant.

Comments

Gandenberger
June 17th, 2012

While I know that my waist is under 39 inches, and I know that I can run a mile an a half in 18.5, I also know that I am well over my weight for my height. I am 5’9” and weigh about 215 pounds, my waist size (based on pant size) is a 34 or 36, I can wear both with the 36 being loose. I keep hearing that not only is the run time 11.5 minutes, not 18.5 minutes as you have stated, and they go with body mass index in weight requirement, not body fat percentage. Body mass index is based directly off your height and weight, while body fat percentage is based on height and waist measurement and some random other numbers that I do not know. Now I realize, you did say that these are requirements to GO to basic, not to be in the Air Force, but why would the Air Force accept someone who is so far over weight, knowing that they will just be discharged when they cannot complete the requirements to graduate? And if I have heard wrong, I would like to know more about the truth instead. Thanks

Nick Van Wormer
June 18th, 2012

Thanks for the questions. You are not the first to have these questions. I hope I can clear things up here.

RUN TIMES
It is suggested by the Air Force that you can do the run in 11.57 when entering BMT. However it is not required. It is required that you complete the run in 18.5. So in other words, the 11.57 is suggested and the 18.5 is required.

BODY WEIGHT AND HEIGHT
Once of the first ways the Air Force deems someone physically able to join the Air Force is by measuring weight and height. They use a scale that has max weight for every height. For your height at 69inches your max weight to enter BMT is 186lbs

WAIST and BODY FAT
Waist measurement and body fat % is also used for getting into BMT. However checking body fat % is not a common thing. If a person meets the height and weight requirements, has a waist size less than 39, but appears to be above the body fat requirements, they will test for it. Generally speaking the healthy acceptable amount of body fat for men is 18-25%. The Air Force requires less than 20%. This insures that the people entering BMT are not too overweight to enter BMT.

AFI36-2905 Chapter 6 states:
Enlistees failing to meet either: 1) aerobic fitness standards of: 1.5 mile run times of 18:30 for males, 21:35 for females, or 2) body composition standards of: Maximum abdominal circumference of 39.0 inches male, 35.5 inches female or maximum body fat of 20% for males, 28% for females upon arrival at BMT are deemed medically unable to safely rehabilitate to a passing FA score within the standard 42-day rehabilitation period. They may be immediately processed for entry level separation pursuant to AFI 36-3208, Administrative Separation of Airmen,

I hope this answers you questions. If not feel free to leave more comments, and I will gladly answer your questions. Thank you.

Nick Van Wormer
Author of The Ultimate Air Force Basic Training Guidebook

jackson
July 27th, 2012

hi. i was wondering if i am over my max weight but my waist is under 39″ will i be able to go to basic training… im currently just a couple pounds over.

SGT Volkin
July 27th, 2012

Sorry, you have to be within fitness standards. To lose weight, give the new strength stack 52 a try

Angie
August 28th, 2012

Hi I was wondering about the waist measurement to graduate BMT. I am very thick waisted but not flabby… I just am built straight up and down. My ribcage is 36 my small part of my waist is 34 and my hips are 38…. I dont think I could ever get below 32 with my waist measurement unless Im sucking in a lot. Will I fail because of this or will they give me a shot? I have a 4 pack on my tummy, not a 6 because having kids has made me more loose around the bottom but I just dont think I can get small enough!! Please help! I leave in 3 weeks and didnt know about the grad requirement measurement!

SGT Volkin
August 28th, 2012

The max waist measurement for females is 35.5 inches. They wont measure your hips, so your 34 inch waist will be no problem. Good luck and have fun!

Angie
August 28th, 2012

So is it possible that the waist cicumfrence on the airforce website is incorrect? They have it as 31.5 for all females. Do things change like this pretty often? By the way I do have your book and its been very helpful

SGT Volkin
August 29th, 2012

After looking at the updated Air Force Form regarding BMT fitness standards, and talking with people at Lackland, I cannot find any new information regarding a new waist requirement for for graduating BMT. The only waist requirement is for joining the Air Force which is the 35.5, and then once you are operational there is an annual measurement. The only explanation I have received with regards to the information on the website is that it is a “target” waist line measurement, but not a required measurement. I hope this helps.

Elijah
November 4th, 2012

Hello, I have a issue, 2 years ago I decided to make the decision to join the Air Force I was 265 lbs. I was told that I needed to be at weight or body fat % by the recruiter. I am now currently 188 lbs I’m 66 inches tall and don’t meet the weight standards yet. For year and a half I’ve been to 90% of PT and DEP commander calls and etc even been put in charge of PT for people that are leaving for BMT and I am not EVEN DEP IN. BUT 9 months ago I went to my recruiter and she told me now that the body fat requirements had changed to 15%. My issue is that everywhere I look online they say 20% body fat, even if I call other Recruiter offices they say 20% IF I’m not correct thats Marine Body Fat Standards, I’m just tired of the run around and would like to have some advice in what to do. Should I go to another recruiter? I would greatly appreciate your advice.

BChak
November 18th, 2012

Hi, I have questions about how many push up and sit up are required to pass air force basic training , since some say push up 45 in 2 minutes sit up 50 in 2 minute others say push up 33(1 minute) sit up 38 (1 minute). So I am confuse. Please I leave in about 6 weeks

SGT Volkin
November 19th, 2012

Hello
Have you read the Ultimate Air Force Guidebook?
-SGT Volkin

David
December 26th, 2012

Hello,

O am leaving for BMT in 2 weeks but am a little confuses about the body fat testing. I am 69″ and 175 pounds (10 under max) right now with a waist of 35″, but I’m pretty sure that my body fat is over 20%. Will they test my body fat even if I am within my normal weight range and can complete the 1.5 mile run in less than 13 minutes?

kayla
June 3rd, 2013

Where do I go to find my max weigjt. I am losing weight and really want to join the air force. Im a female and currently 190 and 5″5″ I know I have a lot of work to go but I want to join asap. Any clue how much more I need to lose or am I too fat to even go talk to a recruiter. ?

marquitra
June 11th, 2013

I am 27 years old in very interested in entering the Air Force Reserve. when I was 19 I went to basic training for active duty Air Force, but I received an entry-level separation because I could not complete the basic training course. back then it was a six week training course,
now to my understanding is eight and a half weeks now. my height is 68 inches and I am currently 233 lbs. I am using this year to get myself back in shape to get to my goal weight of 170. my questions are: 1) will I be able to re enlist with the entry-level separation? 2) what are the pt fitness requirements for a 28-year-old joining for the reserve