12/19/2012 - FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Air Force officials announced Tuesday Fairchild is one of six bases selected to test 24-hour access to the fitness center part of an Air Force services Transformation Initiative. The test is starting in mid to late January.

"Changing to 24-hour-a-day operations give shift workers the opportunity to work out before or after heading to work." Said Lt. Col. Randy Bailey, 92nd Force Support Squadron commander, "It also gives squadrons who work shift work an opportunity to conduct unit physical training before or after their shift when they wouldn't normally have that opportunity."

The Office of the Secretary of Defense Military Communities and Family Policy director and Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs approved the Services Transformation initiative to test unsupervised fitness and sports center after-hours use.

Other test installations Scott Air Force Base, Ill., F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo., Tinker AFB, Okla., Little Rock AFB, Ark., and Joint Base Andrews, Washington D.C., said Capt. Matthew Dunn, AFPC Services Transformation deputy chief.

Services acquired an entry access and surveillance system that was installed at the fitness center the second week of December. Equipment installation takes 7-14 days, and all test installations are expected to be up and running by the end of January.

"Fairchild is a good candidate base for a 24-hour gym because we have 24-hour operations and we have a brand new fitness center," said Bailey.

One of several Services Transformation Initiative programs, the initiative has great potential to better serve Airmen, he said. Testing will provide more information, though.

"Fitness centers are critical to Airman fitness and resiliency, but most centers have fixed hours, unlike the Air Force which has a 24/7 mission," Dunn said. "Airmen who work unusual hours may not be able to get to the fitness center during routine operating hours."

While 24-hour fitness center access may be an obvious answer, manpower authorizations and budget restrictions prevent round-the-clock manning, he explained.

"Test guidelines are clear and focused on Airman security and safety," said Dunn. "Facilities must have controlled access, security monitors and emergency capabilities and equipment, including defibrillators, first aid kits, phones with emergency number lists, and clear procedures for fire department access."

In addition, the installation commanders must conduct and document operational risk management assessments, develop applicable wingman policy, and post written standards for unsupervised use of the facility. This guidance will help ensure Airmen who use the facility after hours understand safety requirements, and address facility security, Dunn explained.

"Unmanned fitness centers are not uncommon outside the gates, so test results from the participating installations will help us determine if the practice will work for Air Force fitness centers, as well."

Test installations will monitor and collect information on use, utility cost increases, damage to the facility or equipment, and injuries or incidents, to determine viability to further expand this program across the Air Force.

(Senior Airman Jordan Pollock contributed to this story.)