Exercise Scientist vs The Brutal Air Force Fitness Test
In a Nutshell
Dr. Mike failed the Air Force special warfare fitness test, passing only pull-ups (11) and push-ups (46) while failing sit-ups (20 of 50 required), the 1.5-mile run (DNF), underwater swims, and the 500-meter swim. Candidate AJ passed all events, including 20 pull-ups, 81 push-ups, and the 1.5-mile run in 9 minutes. The test establishes baseline standards for tactical air control party candidates, with minimums of 8 pull-ups, 50 sit-ups, 40 push-ups, sub-10:20 run, and successful underwater and swimming events.
These notes were generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies.
Dr. Mike from RP Strength is at Hill Air Force Base in Utah to take the Air Force special warfare initial fitness test. Staff Sergeant Basa, a tactical air control party member who coordinates air strikes between the army and air force, administers the test. The test includes pull-ups, sit-ups, push-ups, a 1.5 mile run, two 25-meter underwaters, and a 500-meter swim.
The pull-up tests ability to move body weight, essential for pulling up onto structures or negotiating terrain. The minimum standard is 8 strict form pull-ups with chin clearing the bar and dead hang at the bottom. Dr. Mike completed 11 pull-ups, meeting the standard. Candidate AJ completed 20 pull-ups. Eight reps with chin convincingly over the bar is equivalent to 15+ chin-to-bar bodybuilding reps.
The sit-up test requires 50 repetitions in 2 minutes with fingers interlocked behind the head. True sit-ups require flat back touching the ground at the bottom and armpits to knees at the top. This tests the entire anterior chain from feet through hip flexors. Dr. Mike completed 20 sit-ups and did not meet the 50-rep standard. AJ completed significantly more repetitions.
Push-ups require straight back, neutral spine, no sagging hips or elevated butt. Must break 90-degree threshold at bottom and lock at top. The minimum standard is 40 push-ups in 2 minutes. Dr. Mike completed 46 push-ups and passed. AJ completed 81 push-ups. The 2-minute timeframe allows pacing rather than going for broke immediately.
The run must be completed in under 10 minutes 20 seconds on a quarter-mile track (6 laps). Candidates cannot stop during the test. The run tests ability to move long distances and recover quickly for subsequent mission tasks. Dr. Mike completed 2 laps and received a DNF (Did Not Finish). AJ completed the run in 9 minutes flat, exceeding the standard.
Two 25-meter underwaters with 3-minute rest intervals between. The keyhole stroke technique is required. Candidates must remain subsurface for the entire distance. Popping up results in failure. AJ passed both underwaters. Dr. Mike did not pass, making it approximately 2/3 across the pool before surfacing.
The 500-meter swim consists of 11 laps in a yard pool. Approved strokes include freestyle, combat side stroke, and breast stroke, with freestyle recommended for speed and efficiency. Candidates cannot stop during the test. The swim tests comfort in water and ability to compose oneself in challenging conditions like open ocean scenarios. AJ passed and may have achieved a personal best. Dr. Mike did not pass, stopping during the swim.
Dr. Mike passed pull-ups (11) and push-ups (46) but failed sit-ups (20 of 50 required), 1.5 mile run (DNF), underwater swims, and 500-meter swim. AJ passed all events. The minimum standards represent baseline requirements to compete for these positions, with many candidates training extensively to meet these thresholds.
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