New fitness requirements for deploying Moody Airmen

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  • By 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  (Editor's note: Information from "New fitness requirements for deploying Airmen" at http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123239916 was used.)

Whether it's a first-time deployment or separation from loved ones, there are hurdles service members must overcome.

A new hurdle will be the requirement to possess a current and passing fitness assessment score in order to deploy for a joint expeditionary tasking. A JET tasking indicates deployments under the Joint Sourcing Solution program in support of the Army.

Airmen preparing to attend Army-taught Combat Skills Training prior to their deployment will be required to have a passing score, according to new Air Education and Training Command guidance.

A unit may deploy an Airman to CST without a current or passing fitness assessment score, but for this to happen, the Airman must provide a letter signed by a medical provider and must also be endorsed by the wing commander or an equivalent.

"Joint expeditionary training courses can range from 21 to 70 days, and are very physically demanding," said Lt. Gen. Douglas H. Owens, the Air Education and Training Command vice commander. "Due to the physical demands of the courses, and requests from Air Expeditionary Group commanders, Airmen will be required to have a passing fitness assessment on record before attending CST."

Members going through the course will need to be able to wear individual combat equipment, carry assigned weapons, perform required physical activities that include manual carries and train in temperatures ranging in degree.

Airmen who attend CST are put through an intense amount of simulations similar to what they may experience while deployed and must be physically fit to complete the rigorous training, said Col. Chuck Douglass, the 602nd Training Group (provisional) commander. The training is very physically demanding because of the movements required and the weight of protective gear worn by Airmen.

The new standards, which already apply to Air Force-taught Combat Airman Skills Training, took effect Feb. 1.

"Airmen who arrive at CST after Feb. 1, not in compliance, will be eliminated from training and returned to home station as directed by AETC leadership," Colonel Douglass added. "The 602nd TRG has the mission to prepare Airmen for their deployments ... it is up to each Airman's home station to ensure they are prepared for CST."

For more information on JET, visit www.jetairmen.af.mil, www.facebook.com/jetairmenfanpage or www.keesler.af.mil/units/2ndairforce.asp.