New Update: Air Force Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR) Requirement

Updated Guidance for Completing the Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR) Requirement 

HQ RIO is providing additional guidance, tools, and targeted funding to help Individual Reservists (IRs) complete the Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR) requirement by 31 August 2026. In accordance with guidance issued by Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach, Air Force Reserve members must have a current WHtR assessment uploaded in myBodyComp no later than 31 August 2026, unless medically exempt from the WHtR component. 

While HQ RIO is providing guidance and funding mechanisms to assist IR members, the assigned active component unit retains responsibility for tracking completion and ensuring the requirement is met. 

Members in a Qualified Duty Status 

Members who are currently in, or are scheduled to enter, a qualified duty status between 1 July and 31 August 2026 must coordinate with their assigned unit to complete the WHtR requirement during that duty period. This applies whether the member is performing duty at their assigned duty location or another Air Force installation. 

Some active component units may be prioritizing their own members through 31 July 2026. IRs who are unable to complete the measurement at an active component installation in July must coordinate with their assigned RegAF Unit Fitness Program Manager (UFPM) about scheduling the assessment in August, when greater availability may exist. 

If you plan to complete your WHtR measurement at an Air Force installation other than your assigned duty location, follow the steps below: 

1. Coordinate with your assigned RegAF UFPM.  

2. Obtain your supervisor’s approval to test at the alternate location.  

3. Your assigned UFPM/FIM will coordinate with the alternate installation Fitness Assessment Cell (FAC) to provide temporary UFAC access to input your information.  

4. Complete the WHtR assessment while in a qualified duty status.  

5. The alternate installation FAC will administer the assessment and record your results in myBodyComp.  

Members Not Scheduled to Perform Duty Before 31 August 

Members who have not already completed the requirement and are not scheduled to be in a qualified duty status before 31 August 2026 may request one Annual Tour (AT) day to complete the WHtR requirement. One additional travel day may be authorized, if needed. 

The AT must be requested for travel to the nearest Air Force installation able to administer the WHtR assessment, not necessarily the member’s assigned duty location.  Air Force Reserve installations may be available during UTAs to assist as well. 

Before submitting the request, members must: 

• Coordinate with their assigned RegAF UFPM and supervisor.  

• Confirm that the servicing FAC can administer the WHtR assessment on the requested date.  

• Select an AT date that is at least five days after the date the myFSS request is submitted.  

Once availability has been confirmed, members must submit the AT request through myFSS no later than 31 July 2026. 

Please note: 

• Members who missed the standard 10 May deadline for requesting regular AT remain ineligible for regular AT. However, they may still request this single AT day, and an additional travel day if needed, solely to complete the WHtR requirement.  

• Funding is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.  

• Submission by 31 July does not guarantee approval. WHtR AT requests may be denied if available funding is exhausted.  

• Due to the anticipated increase in travel requirements, members should expect longer processing times for DTS authorizations and travel vouchers.  

Members Unable to Complete the Requirement 

Members who are unable to complete the WHtR requirement by 31 August 2026 must work directly with their assigned active component unit and provide written justification explaining why they were unable to complete the requirement. 

Exemptions 

You do not need to complete an additional WHtR measurement if: 

• Your WHtR requirement is medically exempt and documented on an AF Form 469.  

• You have a pregnancy or postpartum medical exemption.  

• You completed a Physical Fitness Readiness Assessment (PFRA) between 1 January and 30 June 2026, and your WHtR measurement was retained as part of your official assessment.  

Partial medical exemptions from individual fitness components, such as the run or push-ups, do not exempt a member from the WHtR requirement unless specifically documented by a medical provider. 

Members who are unsure whether a WHtR measurement is already on file should coordinate with their assigned RegAF UFPM. 

Frequently Asked Questions:   
 
Q1: What are the current components of the Physical Fitness Readiness Assessment?   
A1: Beginning July 1, 2026, the Air Force resumed official testing under the new Physical Fitness Assessment standards. The components of the updated annual PFA offer Airmen a choice between traditional and alternative exercises:   
Cardiovascular: 2-mile run or 20-meter HAMR.   
Strength: One minute of push-ups or two minutes of hand-release push-ups.   
Core: One minute of sit-ups, two minutes of cross-leg reverse crunches, or a timed forearm plank.   
Body Composition: Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR) measurement.   
   
Q2: Is the Waist-to-Height ratio part of the Physical Fitness Readiness Assessment?   
A2: No. The Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR) assessment is a separate component of the Air Force Fitness Program and is not administered as part of the Physical Fitness Readiness Assessment (PFRA). However, WHtR measurements taken during an official PFRA between 1 January and 30 June 2026 may be used to satisfy this one-time requirement. All Air Reserve Component members must have a WHtR measurement recorded in myBodyComp no later than 31 August 2026, unless exempt. Members who perform duty during July or August should complete the requirement while in a qualified duty status. 
   
Q3: Who is exempt and does not have to take the WHtR measurement?   
A3: Members who have a full, medical or mission-related exemption are not required to take the measurement. This includes:   

• WHtR is medically exempt and documented on an AF Form 469.   

• Members with a pregnancy or post-partum medical exemption.   

Note: Partial medical exemptions for specific physical components like the run or push-ups do not exempt a member from the WHtR measurement unless specified by a medical provider.   
   
Q4. I already completed my body composition assessment earlier this year, do I have to complete this again?  
A4: No, if a member completed an official WHtR between the period of January 1, 2026 to June 30, 2026, units are authorized to use this measurement to satisfy the requirement. Members who prefer to complete a new WHtR measurement during July or August 2026 may do so. 
   
Q5. I’m not currently in status. Will the Air Force Reserve pay for the travel to accomplish the Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR) measurement?   
A5: Yes, members who have not already completed the requirement and are not scheduled to be in a qualified duty status before 31 August 2026 may request one Annual Tour (AT) day to complete the WHtR requirement. One additional travel day may be authorized, if needed.  

The AT must be requested for travel to the nearest Air Force installation able to administer the WHtR assessment, not necessarily the member’s assigned duty location.  Remember that Air Force Reserve installations may be available during UTAs to assist as well.  

Q6: How does the Physical Fitness Readiness Assessment impact my promotion?   
A6: Your PFRA scores are now included in Officer and Enlisted Performance Briefs (EPBs/OPBs). To incentivize physical readiness across the force, fitness will be one of many whole-person factors being considered in annual promotion boards.    
   
Q7: I’m currently on a medical profile, do I have to complete the Waist-to-Height Ratio measurement?   
A7: It depends on your specific profile restrictions (DAF 469). If your profile expressly prohibits the WHtR, you will be exempt for the duration of the profile. Consult your UFPM and primary care manager to ensure your profile correctly captures this limitation.   Partial medical exemptions from individual fitness components, such as the run or push-ups, do not exempt a member from the WHtR requirement unless specifically documented by a medical provider. 

Q8: I have more questions, who can I contact?   
A8: Please monitor the RIO Buzz closely. Additional details, policy guidance and funding updates will be disseminated as they become available and posted to the HQ RIO website.   
   
Glossary:    
PFRA: (Physical Fitness Readiness Assessment): The official name for the Air Force physical fitness test (often just called the PFA or PT Test). It is the annual test for Air Reserve Component members measuring cardio, strength, and core strength.   
WHtR: (Waist-to-Height Ratio): The mandatory body composition measurement used to assess health. It is calculated by dividing your waist circumference by your height.   
UFPM: (Unit Fitness Program Manager): The unit-level representative responsible for organizing fitness assessments, monitoring members' fitness currency, and tracking program compliance.   
FIM: (Fitness Information Manager): The administrative manager at a base fitness cell who manages fitness records and overrides system access.   
FAC: (Fitness Assessment Cell): The installation-level facility and staff certified to administer official Physical Fitness Readiness Assessments and input scores.   
myBodyComp: The electronic database where members' body composition metrics (like WHtR) are officially recorded and tracked.   
myFitness: The official digital portal used to schedule Physical Fitness Readiness Assessments, log exercise scores, and check fitness currency.