JANUARY 7, 2026 – The Space Force is strengthening its commitment to Guardian well-being with the Holistic Health Approach, focusing on long-term readiness and increasing positive behaviors. As part of this initiative, the service is implementing new guidelines for the Human Performance Assessment.
Effective Jan. 1, 2026, all Guardians will be required to complete two HPAs annually, regardless of their enrollment in the Continuous Fitness Assessment.
In line with a Secretary of War memorandum dated Sept. 30, 2025, the two HPAs will consist of:
- Cardiorespiratory Fitness: Guardians will complete either a 2-mile run or the 20-meter High Aerobic Multi-Shuttle Run. At least one of the two annual assessments must consist of the 2-mile run.
- Muscular Strength: Exercises include tempo push-ups or hand-release push-ups.
- Endurance: Exercises include sit-ups, cross leg reverse crunches, or a timed forearm plank.
- Body composition: Guardians will be assessed using a waist-to-height ratio measurement.
“This evolution of our standards invests in Guardians’ long-term readiness by cultivating the habits of sustained physical conditioning essential for successful performance of our critical missions,” said Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman. “We’re ensuring every Guardian is prepared to thrive and win, reflecting our commitment to the force’s total well-being and our collective mission success.”
Per SecWar guidance, fitness scores will be included on officer and enlisted performance briefs beginning in February 2026. More guidance and direction will be provided in the coming weeks.
The Continuous Fitness Assessment Program
To support a culture of fitness and readiness, all Guardians are required to exercise regularly. The service’s approach leverages technology and emphasizes steady, consistent activity rather than short-term preparation for episodic testing requirements.
The CFA Personalized Readiness Integrated Through Monitoring and Engagement study, launched in October 2025, is designed to refine physical readiness standards, increase exercise goals and promote long-term health habits. Over 7,300 Guardians enrolled during the first window in August 2025, with a second enrollment window planned for early 2026. PRIME’s data-driven approach will continue to guide the Space Force’s readiness model.
The Holistic Health Approach
“The Space Force doesn’t just talk about caring for its Guardians; we invest in them,” said Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John Bentivegna. “The Holistic Health Approach, coupled with the Human Performance Assessments, is a strategic investment in our most valuable asset: the human weapon system. A healthy, resilient Guardian is a formidable warfighter, ready to face any challenge. We’re not simply maintaining a force; we’re forging a competitive edge that ensures we remain at the forefront of space superiority.”
Physical readiness is only one part of the Holistic Health Approach model. The model also includes Public Health Capacity, a prevention-focused effort that supports community well-being, healthy habits, and long-term support networks across the eight domains of Total Force Fitness.
Public Health Capacity strengthens installation and community connections and builds skills that promote protective factors and increase positive behaviors across all eight domains of Total Force Fitness. This includes lifestyle medicine education and strategies that encourage long-term health improvements.
Guardian Resilience Teams play a central role in carrying out the Holistic Health Approach. These embedded, multidisciplinary teams operate at every Space Force base, the National Capital Region, Joint Base San Antonio and Basic Military Training, Kirtland Air Force Base and through a virtual team that supports geographically separated units and remote Guardians. GRTs provide prevention skill-building and support at the individual, unit, family and community levels to promote resilience and reinforce healthy behaviors.
With the integration of the HPA, the Holistic Health Approach, and CFA PRIME, the Space Force emphasizes consistent physical activity, long-term health behaviors and whole-person support.
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs