The U.S. Air Force has made the 2-mile run optional for fitness assessments, allowing airmen to choose the high aerobic multi-shuttle run instead, according to updated guidance released Tuesday.
The run was previously required once per year under a policy change issued in September, but now is not mandatory for either of the semiannual tests.
Fitness testing remains on hold until the end of February to give units time to adjust. The upcoming diagnostic period will now run from March 1 through June 30—two months shorter than originally planned.
Diagnostic tests are unofficial but conducted under standard conditions. Airmen can choose whether to accept the result and add it to their official record or retake the test later.
The shift to biannual testing—regardless of score—remains in effect. That change, also announced in September, ended the previous policy allowing airmen who scored 90 or above to test once a year.
Fitness scores will be added to annual performance briefs starting in February for officers and in May for enlisted members, according to the update.
The changes are part of a broader Defense Department review of grooming and readiness standards ordered by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in March.
