News - Air Force Updates EPME Fitness Test Policy for 2026

In a significant shift set to take effect from January 2026, airmen participating in the Enlisted Professional Military Education (EPME) programs will continue their courses even if they do not pass the internal fitness test. This new policy, outlined in a recent internal memorandum by the Thomas N. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education, marks a departure from the current practice where failing the fitness test could result in removal from the course. The memorandum, circulated on a popular Air Force social media platform, was subsequently confirmed by an Air Force official through communication with Military Times. The Barnes Center, responsible for EPME, stated that the effective policy change mandates all enrolled service members to possess a current and passing fitness assessment from their originating unit upon course commencement. Additionally, while attending the course, each airman is to complete a diagnostic physical assessment. Failure to meet the required standards on this assessment will result in no opportunity for a retest, as reinforced by the official statement from the Air Force. This established protocol is a critical element of the center’s policy, and students are made aware of it prior to arriving for their course. Should a student fail this course-conducted assessment, the center will issue a formal notification or a 'redline report.' As per the memorandum, the existing process of conducting the fitness assessment within the initial five academic days will stay in place, with no immediate intentions for further amendments. This decision complements the ongoing evolution of the Air Force's Culture of Fitness initiative, which has recently seen updates to its physical fitness evaluations. This change in fitness policy for EPME reflects an adaptive approach to maintaining educational continuity while still upholding physical readiness standards, and it will be officially recorded in the Barnes Center's forthcoming EPME Handbook revision. This policy will remain in effect until further updates are communicated.