Air Force to test 24/7 fitness centers

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JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas (AFNS) --  Six installations will implement 24/7 fitness center access in December and January as part of an Air Force Services Transformation Initiative test concept, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced Dec. 18.

The Office of the Secretary of Defense Military Communities and Family Policy director and Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs approved the services transformation initiative to test unsupervised fitness and sports center after-hours use.

The after-hours fitness center test is one of several initiatives underway, or on the horizon, intended to transform how the Air Force provides morale, welfare and recreation programs and services, said Margaret Treland, Air Force fitness and sports chief.

Test guidelines are clear and focused on Airman security and safety, said Capt. Matthew Dunn, AFPC Services Transformation deputy chief. Facilities must have controlled access, security monitors and emergency capabilities and equipment, including defibrillators, first aid kits, phones with emergency number lists, and clear procedures for fire department access.

In addition, test installation commanders must conduct and document operational risk management assessments, develop applicable wingman policy, and post written standards for unsupervised use of the facility. This guidance will help ensure Airmen who use the facility after hours understand safety requirements, and address facility security, Dunn explained.

One of several Services Transformation Initiative programs, the initiative has great potential to better serve Airmen, he said. Testing will provide more information.

"Fitness centers are critical to Airman fitness and resiliency, but most centers have fixed hours, unlike the Air Force, which has a 24/7 mission," Dunn said. "Airmen who work unusual hours may not be able to get to the fitness center during routine operating hours."

While 24-hour fitness center access may be an obvious answer, manpower authorizations and budget restrictions prevent round-the-clock manning, he explained.

"Unmanned fitness centers are not uncommon outside the gates, so test results from the participating installations will help us determine if the practice will work for Air Force fitness centers, as well."

Test installations will monitor and collect information on use, utility cost increases, damage to the facility or equipment, and injuries or incidents, to determine viability to further expand this program across the Air Force.

Visit www.usafservices.com or www.myairforcelife.com for more information about this and other quality of life programs. For information about Air Force personnel issues, visit the myPers website at https://mypers.af.mil.

Test installations will include:

- Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash.
- Scott AFB, Ill.
- F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo.
- Tinker AFB, Okla.
- Little Rock AFB, Ark.
- Joint Base Andrews, D.C.