The United States Space Force has officially released its first comprehensive manual on physical readiness, establishing new mission-focused standards for all its members, known as Guardians. The document, titled Space Force Manual 36-2905, Human Performance and Readiness, introduces a new evaluation system designed to ensure personnel are prepared for the unique demands of space operations.
This new framework moves away from traditional fitness tests and implements a more holistic approach to health and performance. The changes are scheduled to be fully implemented starting in 2026, giving Guardians and their units time to prepare for the new requirements.
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. Space Force has published its first fitness manual, SPFMAN 36-2905.
- A new Human Performance Assessment (HPA) will measure strength, endurance, and cardiorespiratory fitness.
- Guardians must complete their first HPA between January 1 and June 30, 2026.
- The program is part of a wider Holistic Health Approach, focusing on eight domains of well-being.
- The existing body composition program will remain unchanged under the new manual.
New Human Performance Assessment Introduced
At the center of the new manual is the Human Performance Assessment (HPA). This new evaluation replaces previous fitness testing models with a system tailored to the specific needs of the Space Force. The assessment is designed to provide a comprehensive measure of a Guardian's physical readiness for their duties.
The HPA evaluates three primary areas of physical fitness: muscular strength, muscular endurance, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Performance in these areas is calculated into a composite score on an 80-point scale. To meet the readiness standard, Guardians must achieve a minimum score of 60 points.
Assessment Frequency and Requirements
The frequency of the HPA depends on a Guardian's participation in a related health study. Those enrolled in the Continuous Fitness Assessment Personalized Readiness Integrated Through Monitoring and Engagement (CFA-PRIME) study will complete the HPA once annually. All other Guardians will be required to complete the assessment twice per year.
The manual also specifies that at least one of the required annual or semi-annual assessments must include a 2-mile run component to specifically measure cardiorespiratory endurance. The existing body composition program, however, will be retained without any modifications.
HPA at a Glance
- Measures: Muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardiorespiratory fitness.
- Scoring: Based on an 80-point scale.
- Passing Score: A composite score of 60 or higher is required.
- Frequency: Once a year for CFA-PRIME participants, twice a year for all others.
Implementation and Timeline for Guardians
The Space Force has established a clear timeline for rolling out the new standards to ensure a smooth transition. To facilitate the implementation, each squadron will establish a Unit Fitness Cell (UFC). These cells will be staffed by Guardian Resilience Teams responsible for administering the HPA and supporting personnel in their fitness goals.
According to the manual, no physical fitness testing will be required before January 1, 2026. This grace period allows units the necessary time to stand up their UFCs and for Guardians to familiarize themselves with the new assessment protocols and prepare accordingly.
Unit commanders and their UFCs are tasked with ensuring every Guardian completes an initial HPA within the first half of 2026, specifically between January 1 and June 30.
A Holistic Approach to Guardian Readiness
The new fitness standards are a key component of the Space Force's broader Holistic Health Approach (HHA). This science-based model emphasizes Total Force Fitness by addressing well-being across eight interconnected domains. The goal is to build resilient and high-performing Guardians capable of handling both physical and cognitive challenges.
The Eight Domains of Holistic Health
The Space Force's model for Guardian wellness includes a comprehensive focus on:
- Physical: Fitness, strength, and endurance.
- Nutritional: Healthy eating for optimal performance.
- Psychological: Mental health and cognitive resilience.
- Social: Strong personal and professional relationships.
- Spiritual: A sense of purpose and personal values.
- Financial: Economic stability and security.
- Environmental: Safe and healthy work and living conditions.
- Preventive Care: Proactive health and medical readiness.
This comprehensive strategy aligns with the Secretary of the Air Force's Culture of Fitness initiative. It aims to create an environment where health and readiness are integrated into the daily lives of service members, rather than being treated as a separate, periodic requirement.
Leadership Emphasizes Mission-Focused Fitness
Top Space Force leaders have highlighted the manual's importance in maintaining the nation's advantage in the space domain. They stress that the new standards are directly linked to the operational demands placed on Guardians.
“The Space Force human performance standards are mission-driven and tailored to the unique physical and cognitive demands of our Guardians,” said Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman. “The manual reflects our commitment to investing in Guardian health, resilience, and long-term performance.”
Gen. Saltzman added that the goal is to ensure Guardians are “ready to thrive and win in the most demanding operational environments.”
This sentiment was echoed by the service's senior enlisted leader, who framed readiness as the foundation of space superiority. Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John Bentivegna referred to Guardians as the service's “Human Weapon System.”
“Our ability to maintain space superiority hinges on the readiness and resilience of our Guardians, who are our most valuable advantage,” said Chief Master Sgt. Bentivegna. “This manual equips them with the standards and resources necessary to meet the unique physical and cognitive demands of modern space warfare.”
Ultimately, SPFMAN 36-2905 represents a strategic shift towards a persistent, technology-enabled readiness system. It aims to develop warfighters who are not just physically fit, but holistically prepared for the complexities of protecting U.S. interests in space.
