Specialized EOD fitness test will gauge critical task ability

Published July 11, 2025
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) --

Explosive Ordnance Disposal has been added as the next combat arms career field to require special sex and age neutral fitness standards.

EOD joins other fields with heightened entry level and sustained physical fitness requirements. These requirements acknowledge that sustained endurance is necessary to tackle long hours in physically and mentally-taxing conditions.

The other specialties that utilize occupationally specific physical fitness assessments are in the Special Warfare community. Both communities started developing their fitness standards in 2015.

Starting Aug. 1, EOD Airmen will begin taking the new assessment that will measure their ability to perform tasks necessary to accomplish critical mission objectives. During an adaptation period over the last year, EOD Airmen took an unofficial version of the test. Results after July 31 will be part of an EOD Airman’s official record.

The assessment will include four exercises to assess muscular strength and endurance, anaerobic capacity and cardiorespiratory endurance:

1000-meter row
20-lb. medicine ball toss
Trap bar lift
Gruseter drop-roll-lift-run maneuver

EOD Airmen with a 3E8XX Air Force Specialty Code and EOD-qualified officers assigned to a 32E3H duty position are currently exempt from the Air Force Physical Fitness Assessment and have begun training for the EOD OSPFA.

“Maintaining our strategic advantage is about building a ready force capable of engaging against any threat to the United States across the spectrum of operations from competition through crisis and if deterrence fails, to prevail in conflict,” said Brig. Gen. Brian Hartless, Civil Engineers director. “Our EOD Airmen are crucial to preserving our nation’s security.”

The 1000-meter row measures cardiovascular fitness, which relates to EOD operations such as bombing range explosive hazard removal and bomb suit operations to defeat improvised explosive devices.

A man inspects the surroundings of a simulated landmine — U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Derrick Schindler, 355th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal team leader, inspects the surroundings of a simulated landmine during exercise Silver Flag at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, March 20, 2025. EOD has been added as the next combat arms career field to require special sex and age neutral fitness standards and starting Aug. 1, 2025, EOD Airmen will begin taking the new assessment to measure their ability to perform tasks necessary to accomplish critical mission objectives. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Trevor Calvert)

Hands working wiring on a training explosive device — A U.S. Air Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal team member assigned to the 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron, connects wires to a blasting machine during routine training at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, June 5, 2025. EOD joins other fields with heightened entry level and sustained physical fitness requirements. These requirements acknowledge that sustained endurance is necessary to tackle long hours in physically and mentally-taxing conditions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Albert Morel)

A small, tracked robot sticks its robotic arm at a black backpack. — The 52nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Squadron utilizes a Man Transportable Robotic System for a simulated explosive device during Exercise Swift Saber 25 at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, April 25, 2025. EOD has been added as the next combat arms career field to require special sex and age neutral fitness standards and one of the new tests, the 20-lb. medicine ball toss measures fitness related to EOD operations such as robot employment and operations, ladder climbs, and cross-loading or evacuation of casualties. (U.S. Air Force photo by Albert Morel)

The 20-lb. medicine ball toss to the back, side, and log measures fitness related to EOD operations such as robot employment and operations, ladder climbs, and cross-loading or evacuation of casualties.

The trap bar lift requires five repetitions ranging from 150 to 360 lbs. It measures fitness related to EOD operations such as construction of protective works, contingency airfield support operations and bomb suit operations to defeat improvised explosive devices.

The Gruseter is a drop-roll-lift lift-run maneuver with a 30-lb. vest, 50-lb. sandbag, and a 15-meter run for five rounds. This exercise is particularly beneficial for EOD operations, such as small unit tactics and bombing range explosive hazard removal, as it simulates the physical demands of these operations, where personnel may need to quickly and efficiently move heavy equipment in high-stress situations.

Component scores are measured at three levels: initial EOD training, intermediate level training, and graduate level/operational fitness.

For more information, see the OSPFA score charts and videos here and AFMAN 36-2930.

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