title: Physical Screening Predictors for Success in Completing Air Force Phase II Air Liaison Officer Aptitude Assessment.
abstract: Air Liaison Officer Aptitude Assessment (AAA) attrition is often associated with a lack of candidate physical preparation. The Functional Movement Screen, Tactical Fitness Assessment, and fitness metrics were collected (n = 29 candidates) to determine what physical factors could predict a candidate s success in completing AAA.
  
  
  
  Between-group comparisons were made between candidates completing AAA versus those who did not (p < 0.05). Upper 50% thresholds were established for all variables with R2< 0.8 and the data were converted to a binary form (0 = did not attain threshold, 1 = attained threshold). Odds-ratios, pre/post-test probabilities and positive likelihood ratios were computed and logistic regression applied to explain model variance.
  
  
  
  The following variables provided the most predictive value for AAA completion: Pull-ups (p = 0.01), Sit-ups (p = 0.002), Relative Powerball Toss (p = 0.017), and Pull-ups × Sit-ups interaction (p = 0.016).
  
  
  
  Minimum recommended guidelines for AAA screening are Pull-ups (10 maximum), Sit-ups (76/2 minutes), and a Relative Powerball Toss of 0.6980 ft × lb/BW. Associated benefits could be higher graduation rates, and a cost-savings associated from temporary duty and possible injury care for nonselected candidates. Recommended guidelines should be validated in future class cycles.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, 2355 Faculty Drive, Suite 2P389, U.S. Air Force Academy, CO 80840-9500.
authors.forename: John Christopher
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: McGee
authors.affiliation: Director of Sports Medicine, 2169 Field House Drive, U.S. Air Force Academy, CO 80840-9500.
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, 2355 Faculty Drive, Suite 2P389, U.S. Air Force Academy, CO 80840-9500.
authors.forename: Haley
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Barela
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, 2355 Faculty Drive, Suite 2P389, U.S. Air Force Academy, CO 80840-9500.
authors.forename: Sharon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Blum
mesh_terms: D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data