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Civilian maxes PT test fifth consecutive time

By Senior Airman Dillon White, 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Office / Published May 29, 2009

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MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- A Malmstrom civilian scored 100 points on the Air Force physical fitness test May 19 by completing more than 47 sit ups and 40 push-ups in less than one minute, and covering one-and-a-half miles of flight line in 9 minutes, 16 seconds. 

Eric Thayer, 341st Force Support Squadron community readiness consultant, has now whipped the PT test five consecutive times in as many years. 

"Mr. Thayer is in better shape than most 18-year-olds," said Staff Sgt. Kwinton Estacio, 341st FSS fitness specialist. "He is the only civilian I have heard of who has taken the Air Force PT test, and the only person I know of who has scored five perfect scores in a row. That's just impressive." 

In previous years, Mr. Thayer tested alone, but this year Maj. Charles Ashmore, 341st Force Support Squadron commander, suited up in PT gear, and tested with him. 

"Eric is high-speed, low-drag," Major Ashmore said. "I knew if I tested with him I would push myself, given that he makes a 100 every time." 

Mr. Thayer took the PT test the first year as a challenge, attained a perfect score, and made it his goal to continue achieving it because it gives him incentive to train and stay in shape, he said. 

The East Sullivan, N.H., native did not expect to do as well on the test this year as he did last year, he said. But his run time improved by nearly 15 seconds. 

"We've been very busy at the Airman and Family Readiness Center," Mr. Thayer said. "I haven't made it to the gym as often as I'd like." 

To prepare for the PT test, Mr. Thayer weight trains at the fitness center year round. In the winter, the retired Army reservist maintains his cardiovascular fitness on cardio machines, and when the weather is nice, he runs outside near his house with his yellow Labrador retriever, Jasper. 

"About two months before the fitness test, I focus on speed with the push-ups, sit ups and run," he said. "I sprint up hills near my house to improve my run times."

Mr. Thayer did share some advice on how a person can improve their fitness and their PT score, advice that he says is key. 

"First thing, stop smoking and drinking," Mr. Thayer said. "Then get yourself on an appropriate diet. Once you do that, then you are ready to exercise. Exercising is a waste if you first have not accomplished the former." 

Major Ashmore intends to test with Mr. Thayer again next year, and hopes to max out his run time. 

"Scoring more than 90 percent on the PT test should be everyone's goal," Major Ashmore said. "It is our duty to be ready to deploy to the field, to the area of responsibility, or the base mission ... and this is one of the ways we show our leadership we are ready. With that said, there are always medical situations that need to be taken into account. Be in the best shape you can!" 

People who score 100 points on the Air Force PT test are added to a "Wall of Fame" at the base fitness center.
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