Boise Composite Squadron
Physical Fitness

The goal of the cadet physical fitness program is to make you physically fit and to motivate you to develop a lifelong habit of exercising regularly.

You're going to need strength, flexibility, and endurance to meet the challenges of being a cadet in the Air Force Auxiliary. The physical training you accomplish as a cadet will also improve your self-confidence, build teamwork, and instill in you a sense of determination.

More importantly, we want you to become fit so that you will have the energy to achieve your goals. Research has proved that people who are physically fit feel better about themselves and live longer than those who don't exercise.

When you recite your Cadet Oath, you pledge to "prepare yourself to be of service to your community, state, and nation." You must first become physically fit to begin your service and fulfill your Oath. Physical fitness is one of the four components of the Cadet Program.

There are two facets to this physical fitness program:

• Training. Fitness training includes stretching, calisthenics, fitness drills, circuits, team sports, and any activities that are fun but still physically challenging. As a cadet you're expected to give your fullest effort because you're not really exercising if you're not training hard. Your training will also include briefings on the basic principles of exercise, why fitness is important, and how to exercise safely (these are discussed in chapter 4). Don't limit yourself to the training done in your squadron
• Self-discipline. We expect you to use your self-discipline by exercising on your own, too.
• Testing. Because it is vital to be physically fit, passing the Cadet Physical Fitness Test (CPFT) is one of your promotion requirements. For every achievement, you must take and pass all four elements of the CPFT. Just as you prepare for aerospace and leadership tests, you'll want to prepare for the CPFT by exercising three times per week. The CPFT is described in detail in chapter 5.