Research Review: Alternatives to Standard Military Fitness Testing

By Jackson Mann

BLUF

Traditional military fitness testing has long relied on scheduled assessments. However, certain branches have explored randomized testing to combat “cramming” and promote continuous readiness. With the U.S. Space Force piloting a fitness model centered on wearable technology, and the U.S. Air Force randomizing testing, the question for the military becomes: Should fitness be evaluated periodically, monitored continuously, or through a hybrid of both?

Purpose of Fitness Testing in the Military

Fitness testing serves several core functions in the military. First, it ensures baseline readiness by verifying that service members meet minimum physical standards necessary for operational demands and works to prevent common injuries. It also promotes force-wide accountability by establishing uniform benchmarks across all units. Administratively, fitness test results are often used in decisions related to promotions, re-enlistment eligibility, and access to specialized assignments. Beyond its practical applications, fitness testing sends a strong cultural message, reinforcing the military’s commitment to physical fitness as a foundational component of military professionalism.

Three Models of Fitness Assessment

There are three primary models currently shaping the debate around military fitness testing. The first is the standardized annual or biannual test, such as the Army Fitness Test (AFT), which is announced in advance and uniformly administered. This model is straightforward and consistent, making it easy to plan and execute across units. However, its predictability often encourages short-term preparation or “cramming,” which may not reflect a service member’s day-to-day fitness.

The second model involves randomized testing, such as the Air Force’s pilot program from around 2019. In this approach, test dates are unknown to service members and are scheduled at the discretion of commanders. The randomness discourages last-minute training spikes and incentivizes year-round fitness. However, it places a heavier logistical and administrative burden on units and may lead to inconsistent implementation.

The third model is wearable technology monitoring, a concept currently being explored by the Space Force. In this system, physical readiness is inferred through daily fitness data collected by devices like smartwatches. This model provides real-time insights and may reduce the administrative load associated with traditional testing. Nonetheless, it introduces new challenges, including privacy concerns, data standardization issues, and the difficulty of interpreting biometric trends in a consistent and actionable way.

Air Force Randomized Testing Pilot (2019)

In 2019, the Air Force introduced a pilot program that allowed squadron commanders to schedule fitness tests at any point within a 12-month window. The primary intent was to eliminate the “cram culture” that had developed around predictable testing dates. By randomizing the timing, the program aimed to foster continuous fitness habits and reduce the risk of injury from rushed training in the weeks leading up to a test. However, the program faced several challenges. Commanders were inconsistent in test administration, and the logistical complexity of unannounced testing proved burdensome. Additionally, there is no publicly available data to confirm whether the initiative led to sustained improvements in long-term fitness behavior.

Unit-Level Impacts of Fitness Testing

Large-scale fitness tests like the AFT can place a substantial strain on unit resources. Administering a test for an entire battalion requires significant time, personnel, and equipment. Preparing for and conducting such assessments can interrupt mission-specific or MOS-focused training schedules.

From Testing to Continuous Monitoring

The military is increasingly considering a conceptual shift from periodic assessments to continuous, data-informed fitness monitoring. A prime example is the Space Force’s Continuous Fitness Assessment (CFA) pilot program, launched in 2023. This voluntary, two-year initiative equips participating Guardians with Garmin smartwatches—either the Instinct 2 Solar or the Forerunner 55. These devices are used to log daily workout data, complete monthly surveys, and track key physiological metrics such as heart rate. Participants must achieve a minimum of 600 “intensity minutes” per month to remain in compliance.

To address privacy concerns, GPS tracking is disabled, and all data is synced through secure systems with authorization protocols. Only fitness-relevant metrics are collected. Unlike traditional tests, the CFA program does not prescribe specific workouts. Instead, it encourages Guardians to self-select activities that align with their individual goals, promoting year-round wellness without rigid requirements.

Participants are supported by Guardian Resilience Teams, composed of dietitians, mental health professionals, physical therapists, and performance coaches. These teams help interpret the data collected from wearable devices and guide participants toward sustainable behavior change. By fall 2024, the pilot had reached its midpoint and received positive feedback from both participants and senior leaders.

Nonetheless, challenges remain. Wearable devices cannot be used in certain operational contexts, such as inside Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs) or during some overseas deployments. Despite these limitations, the CFA represents a meaningful shift in military fitness philosophy—viewing fitness not as a periodic hurdle but as a continuous lifestyle practice. The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is currently studying the program’s effectiveness, with early signs indicating improvements in training consistency, alignment with holistic health goals, and reductions in injuries tied to last-minute preparation.

If successful, the CFA model could influence Department of Defense–wide policy, particularly in non-combat service branches where flexibility and long-term wellness are becoming increasingly prioritized.

Conclusion

While randomized testing helps address some flaws in the current system—such as short-term fitness cramming—it also introduces new administrative complexities and logistical constraints. The future of military fitness assessment may lie in hybrid solutions: blending periodic evaluations with passive, technology-enabled monitoring. However, to implement such a system effectively, the military must address significant concerns around data privacy, standardization, and operational applicability.

Sources

1. Space Force details Holistic Health Approach, Continuous Fitness Assessment study – United States Space Force
2. What is Space Force Fit? – United States Space Force
3. Military.com – Garmin Smartwatches in Space Force Pilot
4. Military.com – Pop Quiz-Style Fitness Tests for Airmen (2019)
5. RAND Corporation – Designing and Evaluating a Continuous Fitness Assessment Model for the U.S. Space Force (2024)