Air Force Pauses PFA to Add 2‑Mile Run

The Department of the Air Force is launching a department-wide “Culture of Fitness” initiative and will pause current Physical Fitness Assessments (PFA) on Jan. 1, 2026 to transition to the new program. The revamped PFA will be scored on a 100-point scale across four categories, reintroduce a scored waist-to-height body-composition measure, and add a mandatory two-mile timed run (with the HAMR as an alternate). Testing will be required every six months for the Total Force (Active, Guard and Reserve), commanders may order mass testing during the two annual cycles, and the Air Force will conduct diagnostic tests from March 1–Aug. 31, 2026 before resuming official scored testing on Sept. 1, 2026. Leaders including Gen. David Allvin and senior enlisted officials said the more frequent, rigorous assessment better gauges readiness and long-term health, and the Air Force has issued resources such as "The Warfighter’s Fitness Playbook" to help airmen meet standards. The changes respond to force-health concerns — including studies showing high rates of overweight in Guard and Reserve ranks — and emphasize improved fitness, nutrition, resilience and access to facilities.