Fitness program searches for elite Published Sept. 23, 2008 By Lois Walsh 96th Air Base Wing Public Affairs EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- When Col. Bruce McClintock arrived on base two months ago, one of his top priorities was to further enhance fitness of 96th Air Base Wing Airmen. To reach that goal, Oct. 1, marks the kickoff of the Elite Fitness Program. The program offers an expanded scale to 200 points for the Air Force Fitness Program. The added points correlate with additional push-ups, crunches, run times, and are broken down by age . "Do the best with the resources you are given," Colonel McClintock said. "This included your 'personal weapons system,' your body." Major Peter Mason, 96th Medical Group, is the project manager for the elite program. He said the requirements are the same up to 100 points. Then, for example, a 33-year old male can earn 50 additional points by running a 7:59 minute mile and a half; 25 points for 77 push-ups and 25 points for 72 crunches for a maximum composite score of 200 points. "People who know they only need 20 push-ups to max out their score now have an incentive to see if they can do 30," Major Mason said. "It gives you a reason to keep going on your fitness test." The major said the limitation to 100 points definitely held back the several hundred individuals who routinely score 100 percent. But, fitness is the ultimate reward. "You always want to be in the best shape possible," he said. "It's just like your job, we all try to go above and beyond, we want our Airmen to see what they can do; that's why we're doing this." There is recognition for scores over 100 points including T-shirts, public Web site recognition, and photos displayed in the fitness center. "It's almost like a personal challenge and I hope we'll further enhance our wing's fitness," Major Mason said. "The long-term goal is to get other wings, bases, and major commands involved. It's that important." Questions concerning the Elite Fitness Program can be answered by contacting a Unit Fitness Program Manager.