Physical fitness crucial to mission, history

  • Published
  • By Col. Steve Arquiette
  • 60th AMW commander
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Last Monday morning we kicked off the Air Force's 59th Birthday celebration with a Wing-wide run with more than 1000 Airmen in formation that began on the gym track and finished up at our Travis Museum. Significant historical facts about both our Air Force and Travis were highlighted. 

One might think that celebrating the Air Force's birthday with physical exercise is a bit out of the norm, which historically is true. Physical fitness for our older Airmen or those who served before us was not greatly emphasized or enforced. Our evolution to an expeditionary force is driving physical fitness into our readiness equation, which is why you see our more demanding physical fitness test and greater leadership focus on being fit to fight. 

Since the Air Force's new physical fitness test debuted, we have seen our fitness centers fill up and the squadrons organizing more frequent and intense physical training sessions. As an Airman, I am proud to see this attitude change. Unfortunately, I am still seeing several separation recommendation packages come across my desk due to multiple failed fitness tests. While it saddens me to lose good Airmen due to poor physical fitness, I fully support the Air Force's stance on keeping Airmen ready. 

Being physically fit and ready to succeed in demanding deployed locations begins with each individual. No one can force you to get in shape, but not doing so can threaten your safety as well as those who depend on you for your job skills. Longer-term, both your career and health are at risk. I know some members need more structured programs than others, but I encourage supervisors and PTLs to monitor their people closely and set them on the right path before it is too late. Also, while I understand the high operations tempo and the many demands put on our Airmen, I ask supervisors to support their members in their physical fitness, ensuring they have appropriate time to make it to the gym or track. Squadrons must stay on top of their physical fitness programs ensuring they are benefiting your Airmen. 

For most of us, the organized training sessions are not enough to stay in peak physical condition. The fitness center at Travis has done an outstanding job offering state-of-the-art equipment and classes for Team Travis members. Please take advantage of their extended hours, tips and classes offered by the Travis Health and Wellness Center.
The fitness center also has personal trainers available to hire to help you develop an appropriate and beneficial training regimen. Also, trainers and the HAWC can help you establish short-term and long-term physical fitness goals. Whether it be getting a 'good' score on your next PT test or losing 30 pounds, they can help you develop a plan to meet your goals. 

On a side note, don't forget that the physical fitness uniform is mandatory starting Oct. 1 at home station; it's already required for deployments. If you haven't purchased your uniform yet, do so immediately and read the uniform guidelines to ensure its proper wear. 

As the Air Force continues to move toward a warrior mindset, it becomes even more crucial for Airmen to be in top physical condition when they deploy. Eating healthy and staying in shape will help you adjust to the environment and physical demands you may be asked to meet while deployed.
BE PROUD! BE SAFE!