2008-2009 Catalog - United States Air Force Academy

Genitourinary System Disqualification
Persistence of abnormal findings on urinalysis, a history of bedwetting into adolescence, or physiologic or anatomic
abnormalities.
Gastrointestinal System Disqualification
Chronic disease of the abdominal organs. Chronic or recent hepatitis including hepatitis B carriers. Inflammatory bowel
disorders.
Skin Disqualification
Chronic diseases of the skin such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and eczema are cause for disqualification. Waivers may be
considered for some mild conditions.
Musculoskeletal System Disqualification
Ununited fractures, history of instability of a major joint, certain retained orthopedic fixation devices, and severe scoliosis are
disqualifying. Any condition that could interfere with daily participation in rigorous physical training or athletic programs, or
with wearing of military equipment, or could detract from military bearing and appearance is disqualifying. History of ACL
reconstruction is potentially disqualifying.
Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders
Seizure disorders (except febrile convulsions in childhood) or recurrent or severe headaches are disqualifying. History of mental
illness, learning disorders, and/or any other disorders that may interfere with performance of military duties are disqualifying.
candidate fitness assessment (cfa)
The Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA) was developed to measure and evaluate a candidate’s potential to successfully engage
in the physical program at the United States Service Academies. The CFA consists of six physical- or motor-fitness events
collectively designed to measure muscular strength and endurance, cardio-respiratory endurance, power, balance, and agility.
When administered as a single battery, these events will help determine if a candidate possesses the stamina and movement
skills required to complete successfully a Service Academy physical program and upon graduation perform duties required of
commissioned officers in the uniformed services.
The test must be properly administered to reflect fairly and accurately a candidate’s physical and motor fitness. The CFA MUST
be administered by the candidate’s Academy Liaison Officer or high-school PE teacher (Test Administrator). The test MUST
be administered per directions with strict adherence to the time schedule. After testing, both candidate and Test Administrator
must sign the score card. By signing the CFA score card, both are affirming that the test was properly administered and the
scores accurately reflect the candidate’s physical performance. Practice tests are encouraged. However, the officially reported
score MUST come from a single test administration.
The test sequence will follow the order in which the events are listed below. The order of events cannot be changed. There are no
exceptions to this sequence or timing.
Basketball Throw: measures ability to generate shoulder girdle power and total body coordination and balance in a stationary
position.
The candidate must keep knees parallel to and behind the baseline and on the floor during the event. A mat may be used to
cushion the knees. In an overhand throwing motion, throw a men’s basketball as far as possible. The non-throwing hand may be
used to steady the ball before throwing, but only one hand can be used to throw the ball (no two-handed throws). Execute three
trials within a two-minute time period. Candidate must not touch the floor beyond the baseline with any part of the body until
the basketball has landed.
Cadence Pull-ups: measures muscular strength and endurance of the shoulder and back.
The candidate must mount the bar with a pronated grip (back of the hands facing the candidate) and arms fully extended in a
“dead hang.” Candidate must not swing, kick, or bicycle legs during upward movement. Raise the body until the jaw line is parallel
to the ground and above the bar. Return to a “dead hang” position to complete each repetition Execute each repetition on cadence
(command).
United States Air Force Academy Catalog 169