Guidance Updates

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

  • Published
  • By HQ RIO
HQ RIO is aware that many IRs (both IMAs and PIRRs) have questions regarding the new Air Force Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR) requirement. Air Force Reserve members have until 31 August 2026 to complete the one-time WHtR measurement.  

Any member in a qualified duty status during the months of July and August 2026 MUST accomplish a Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR) measurement that is separate from PFRA requirements NLT 31 August 2026. 
  
We are continuing to work with Air Force Reserve and Headquarters Air Force to obtain implementation guidance specific to the IR program and will share additional information as it becomes available. In the meantime, members should be aware of the following: 
 
  • Please coordinate with your RegAF Unit Fitness Program Manager (UFPM) on how to accomplish the WHtR. 
  • If 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, you do not need to complete another WHtR measurement. Members who are unsure whether their WHtR measurement is already on file should coordinate with their assigned RegAF UFPM.  
  • If you are scheduled to perform duty at your assigned duty location during July or August and still require a WHtR measurement, you must coordinate with your unit to complete the requirement while in a qualified duty status.  
  • If you plan to complete your WHtR measurement at an Air Force installation other than your assigned duty location, follow the steps below. This includes members performing duty of any kind at another Air Force installation as well as members completing the requirement at a nearby installation during a points-only IDT. Your assigned RegAF UFPM will coordinate the assessment with the alternate installation and ensure your results are recorded in myBodyComp.                                                      
    • Coordinate with your assigned RegAF UFPM. 
    • Obtain your supervisor's approval to test at the alternate location. 
    • Your assigned UFPM/FIM will coordinate with the alternate installation FAC to provide temporary UFAC access to input your information. 
    • Complete the WtHR while in a qualified duty status. 
    • The alternate installation FAC will administer the assessment and record your results. 
 HQ RIO recognizes there are still questions regarding implementation for IRs and appreciates your patience as additional guidance is finalized. We will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available. 
 
 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, this assessment is not a part of the Physical Fitness Readiness Assessment (PFRA) and will be taken as a mass biometric screening for collecting broad physical data.  However, the measurements taken for the PFRA can be used for the WtHR if they were taken between 1 Jan and 30 June 2026. All Air Reserve Component members must have their Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR) measured and recorded 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 composite exempt with an approved retirement or separation within 12 months.  
  • 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 reaccomplish it 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. However, members should be allowed the opportunity to conduct a new WHtR in July 2026; if that is their preference.  
  
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: While there is no dedicated funding for this requirement, members who have already completed their Annual Tour/Inactive Duty Trainings can complete this requirement for points only.  
If you have remaining AT/IDT periods scheduled before August 31, 2026, please complete the requirement during those tours. If you have already completed your AT/IDTs for the year, please request a period of points only to complete this requirement.   
HQ RIO is actively coordinating to secure funding to enable member compliance with this requirement. Please note that funding is not guaranteed at this moment. Additional details and guidance will be published as they become available.  
  
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 am an IR testing at an alternate duty location; how do I accomplish my Physical Fitness Readiness Assessment and Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR) measurement?  
A7: For IRs testing at an alternate duty station follow these steps:  
Members must take the PFRA during the assigned unit assessment or myFitness assigned date/month.   
If a member requests to take their PFRA at an alternate location, it must be approved by their Unit Fitness Program Manager (UFPM) (or supervisor for IRs/PIRRs) and coordinated with their home station FIM (Fitness Information Manager).   
If approved to take assessment at the alternate location, the home station FIM must give temporary Unit Fitness Assessment Cell (UFAC) access to the Fitness Assessment Cell (FAC) prior to administering the PFRA to input the scores in myFitness.   
Please contact the alternate location FAC to ensure the WHtR measurement can be accomplished within the required time frame.   
Note: Only installation FACs may administer PFRAs for individuals not at their home station.  
Testing away from your home station? IRs can find the Fit Test Letter here.  
  
Q8: I’m currently on a medical profile, do I have to complete the Waist-to-Height Ratio measurement?  
A8: 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 prIRry care manager to ensure your profile correctly captures this limitation.   
  
Q9: I have more questions, who can I contact?  
A9: Please monitor the RIO Buzz closely. Additional details, policy guidance and funding updates will be disseminated as they become available.    
  
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.