HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla -- On a warm South Florida morning, Airmen line up across a white road marker for a 1-5 mile run along the flightline’s perimeter. Among them is an Airman who will earn an excellent on the Air Force fitness assessment for the 33rd consecutive time.
A Puerto Rico native and UPS truck driver for over 27 years, Chief Master Sgt. Luis Mateo, the 482nd Civil Engineering Squadron chief enlisted manager, has earned a perfect score on his fitness test since he joined the Air Force in 1988.
The fitness assessment is a physical performance test that includes push-ups, sit-ups and 1-5 mile run. The test is used to measure the endurance and strength of Airmen. Scores have three categories that range from unsatisfactory, satisfactory to excellent.
“When I began my Air Force career, my goal was to maintain a high fitness standard because I wanted to be the best of the best,” said Mateo.
Mateo works on his fitness year-round to achieve an excellent score and to inspire fellow Airmen.
“I complete 5Ks during the year and work on my run speed a month prior to the fit test,” said Mateo.
Mateo assists other Airmen so they can accomplish their fitness goals also.
“Chief Master Sgt. Mateo runs with us even though he has a knee injury,” said Staff Sgt. Christopher Thompson, a 482nd CES emergency management technician and Mateo’s mentee. “He pushes through, and that humbles me to work harder.”
Thompson improved his run time by two minutes running alongside Mateo.
“I want to show my Airmen that I am willing to come out here and get my boots dirty with them,” said Mateo.
Helping Airmen achieve their fitness goals also helps the overall Air Force mission.
“I help Airmen pass their fitness test because the run is a career ender for so many,” said Mateo. “I want to help good Airmen stay in the service.”
Mateo also warns Airmen of pitfalls they could face when preparing for the fitness assessment since all training methods are not equal.
“There is no substitution for running,” said Mateo. “Running on a treadmill or swimming will not prepare you to pass the run portion of the fit test.”
Airmen wanting to improve their fitness scores can keep these tips in mind.
“Practice doing push-ups and sit-ups before you go to bed and when you wake up,” said Mateo. “The repetition will make it second nature and running with someone who is faster than you will help you improve your time.”
Chief Master Sgt. Mateo, 482nd Civil Engineering Squadron chief enlisted Manager, right, motivates Master Sgt. Keith Armour, 482nd CES engineering superintendent, during the run portion of his fitness assessment at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla., Aug. 5, 2016. The Air Force Fitness Assessment is a physical performance test used to test endurance and strength of members. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Aja Heiden)