WASHINGTON (NNS) –
Beginning Jan. 1, 2016, the Navy will implement changes to its Physical Fitness Assessment. The goal of these changes is to achieve a healthier, fitter force over the short and long term with more Sailors taking the Physical Readiness Test resulting in fewer failures and better mission readiness.
Here are seven things all Sailors need to know about the PFA changes:
1. An updated Physical Activity Risk Factor Questionnaire to better assess the health of a Sailor.
2. Body Composition Assessment has changed allowing a Sailor three opportunities based on body type and age to pass the BCA. The Sailor will be able to use the current height and weight measurements, single-site abdominal circumference measurement, or meet the Department of Defense maximum allowable fat limit.
3. A Sailor will be separated for failing two PFA's in three years.
4. Effective immediately upon commanding officer approval, a Sailor, who has not yet been separated due to multiple PFA failures, has a transition period between now and Dec. 1, 2015 to stay in, providing they pass a mock or official PRT.
5. Commanding officers will conduct PFA spot checks. Failure may result in command Fitness Enhancement Program enrollment and diet/nutritional counseling as resources to help ensure Sailors stay or get in shape.
6. A fitness award will be issued to those Sailors who score outstanding for three consecutive PFA cycles.
7. Health and Fitness Initiatives will be published between now and January 2016.
Check NAVADMIN 178/15 for more details about the changes.