You Won't Believe What Shocking Fitness Changes Are Coming for the 137th SOW – Act Now or Miss Out!

WILL ROGERS AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Okla. – The U.S. Air Force is set to implement significant changes to its Physical Fitness Assessment beginning July 1, 2026, and the 137th Special Operations Wing (SOW) is taking proactive steps to ensure its Airmen are prepared. In support of the Culture of Fitness initiative, the wing is ramping up physical training and encouraging Airmen to engage in a variety of unit exercises.

Chief Master Sgt. Larry Mansell, command chief of the 137th SOW, emphasized the importance of fitness, stating, “We’ve been providing guidance from the wing level to show our Airmen what they can do to get into shape and maintain readiness. One of the commander’s priorities is strengthening the culture with fitness always, because you’ve got to be ready to fight tonight.” With this approach, the 137th SOW aims to cultivate a mindset where physical fitness becomes a fundamental expectation among Airmen.

The wing is promoting activities such as the daily "workout of the day" and the Diamond Fitness Challenge, which are designed to keep personnel organized, trained, and mission-ready. This proactive strategy aims to enhance the overall fitness culture within the Air Force, aligning with the new assessment standards that will be in effect from mid-2026.

Another key component of this initiative is the introduction of The Warfighter’s Fitness Playbook, a comprehensive resource aimed at improving various aspects of well-being, including fitness, sleep, nutrition, and stress management. The playbook offers a flexible 12-week physical training plan that accommodates diverse fitness levels, making it accessible for all Airmen.

“The amount of squadrons that are working out, the amount of Airmen in the gyms in the morning and afternoon, it’s getting baked into our culture of ‘what’s expected of me,’” Mansell noted, highlighting how this cultural shift is gaining traction. The playbook covers essential topics such as training goals, safety precautions, fitness principles, and workout material that assists Airmen in optimizing their exercise routines.

“Being physically fit and prepared for the fight is essential to being mission-ready Airmen,” a fitness monitor from the 137th SOW stated. “Even if your career field does not require you to be physically active daily, it is still advantageous for each of us to move our bodies, be stronger and healthier Airmen in our daily lives.” This sentiment reinforces the notion that physical fitness is not just a requirement but a vital aspect of military readiness.

To access The Warfighter’s Fitness Playbook, Airmen and interested parties can visit: Warfighter’s Fitness Playbook.

As the 137th SOW leads the way in adapting to the upcoming changes, its efforts reflect a broader commitment across the U.S. Air Force to prioritize fitness and readiness. By embedding these practices into the culture, the Air Force aims to ensure that all personnel are equipped for the challenges they may face, both in training and on the battlefield.