Physical Fitness Training and Performance at Air Force Basic Military Training in 2021

Kasper, KB, Cockerell, MG, Metten, GT, and Davila, KA. Physical fitness training and performance at Air Force Basic military training in 2021. J Strength Cond Res 39(6): e824-e829, 2025-Basic Military Training (BMT) is the physically demanding initial entry training for all enlisted U.S. Air Force and Space Force recruits. This study evaluated the outcome and progression of trainee performance on BMT physical fitness assessments for calendar year 2021. Data from a routinely collected training database were analyzed for differences in pass and recycle rates between male and female trainees and across quarters. Costs associated with delays in training and separations were applied to estimate total costs of physical fitness failures to the Air Force. The pass rate of the fitness assessment upon arrival to BMT was 41%; 93% of trainees achieved a BMT-passing score in the fifth week of training. Ultimately, 2.0% of BMT trainees failed to graduate on schedule because of fitness failures, and 0.5% were separated because of repeated failures. In all, fitness failures resulted in $12.05 million in additional costs. There was a gender disparity, wherein female trainees had higher rates of graduation delays and separations and held a disproportionately high share of the costs associated with fitness failures. Results of the BMT physical training program should be compared with those of other entry level military training programs. Sports medicine and human performance professionals in military and tactical units should regularly collect operational data so that optimization efforts may be assessed.