Technology shows greatest change across career

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Theodore Thomas
  • 60th Communications Squadron
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Comprehensive. It's a common word in today's Air Force.

In fact, it is now used in the title of Air Force Instruction 90-506 Comprehensive Airman Fitness. The AFI defines Comprehensive Airman's Fitness as a holistic approach to fitness that includes fitness in the mental, physical, social and spiritual domains. "Airman" collectively refers to military, civilian and family members.

Looking back at my entry into the Air Force in 1986, the focus was primarily on the mission. My leaders cared about numbers, numbers directly attributing to sorties. Our physical training programs were entirely self-accomplished during off-duty time.

When you showed up for duty, you worked and you didn't mention anything related to the mental domain. This was a sure ticket to being isolated or outcast in the work center and possibly losing your certifications. There was no time for this discussion at work. Go see a doctor and get help yourself. If you had the blues, you dealt with it, probably by drinking or other reckless actions.

The number of Airmen back then was double the number it is today. It was way too easy to get lost in the crowd and left behind.

As I enter my 30th year of active duty, I reflect on the time gone by and the multitude of changes such as three uniforms, base closures and realignments, retirements of the F-4 Phantom II, F-111 Aardvark, C-141 Starlifter, SR-71 Blackbird, the additions of C-17 Globemaster IIIs, B-2 Spirits, F-22 Raptors, F-35 Lightning IIs and of course the weapon system we all use on a daily basis, the personal computer, along with the Cyber Space Domain.

Today, most of us have dedicated computers for daily operations. In the '80s there may have been a handful of computers on base and only in key functional areas. They were limited. Typewriters rang out loudly. Another significant change between now and 1986 is that local community support for service members is fantastic today. Back then, I remember more protestors at the gates than supporters.

Through it all, the best change I've seen is the significant shift and focus to an Airman's well-being in all domains of comprehensive fitness: physical, mental, social and spiritual. It's the level of "I'm going to be in your business because I really do care" and it has impressed me immeasurably. I have no doubt we have saved the lives of many struggling Airmen because of our comprehensive and resilient approach to taking care of each other, all because our leaders care.

This is truly a great time to serve, Airmen are heroes and respected by our civilian communities. We are appreciated and honored for the sacrifices we make as well as our families sacrifices. We have a modernized force and one that continues to modernize to stay ahead of our adversaries. We must maintain fitness at all levels and continue to adapt and take care of each other as we progress.

I will miss serving on active duty and I hate the thought of retiring from active duty. As I transition, I will sleep well at night knowing that our leaders focus on you, the Airman, now more so than ever. I believe the force will continue to grow stronger as a result. Don't be ashamed to seek help, whether it's taxes, improving your fitness test scores or mental and spiritual well-being. You deserve to be taken care of. You are part of a truly awesome family and you've earned those benefits. Take care of yourselves and each other.