PTL's reclaim PT testing

Published July 19, 2012
By Senior Airman Marcy Glass
460th Space Wing Public Affairs

BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo- -- An Air Force wide policy took place January 1, 2012, allowing physical training leaders to once again administer and monitor official Air Force physical fitness test. With budget constraints Air Force wide, having PTL's administer the tests is one way the Air Force is saving money.

The PTL's are responsible for leading squadron PT as well as monitoring Air Force members during their test. The basic components of the PT test remain the same one and a half mile run, abdominal circumference, sit-ups and push-ups.

Becoming a PTL is voluntary and requires the member to maintain a high level of fitness; it can also be very rewarding to those whose pursue the role.

"I have been a PTL for two and a half years. I volunteered for the PTL duty after being at Buckley for a couple of months. It became a challenge trying to keep our squadron pass rate at 100 percent, and I enjoy assisting my fellow Airmen with reaching their fitness goals," said Senior Airman Natasha Sundar, 460th Force Management Squadron.

According to Senior Airman Mike Gonzales, 460th Operations Support Squadron, the comfortability level seems to have increased amongst Airmen since the PTL's have reclaimed the PT testing portion.

"The one thing I have heard daily from Airmen is that they're glad the PTL's are back administering tests. I think it's more comfortable because you know that the tester has to go through the same tests as you do," said Gonzales.