Fitness: Let's stay on message

  • Published
  • By Col. Kevin Noall
  • 60th Dental Squadron Commander
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE,Calif. --  We have a challenging new fitness program that is upon us! The message is pretty darn clear: the Air Force expects a leaner and fitter Airman.

I cannot be watching over what my people eat 24/7, nor can I be jogging beside Airmen every day, coaxing them to jog faster. Believe me, I have tried encouraging Airmen to get them to jog faster -- it never worked. So what can I do as a commander to promote fitness?

First and most obvious is set the example. Second, make sure everyone has the tools, resources and time for fitness. The fitness time provided each week is not required by the new Air Force Instruction and certainly is not going to create a fit Airman. However, I believe it demonstrates our squadron's commitment to fitness. Finally, every member has to understand fitness failures will have consequences.

Unfortunately, no matter what I do, some people will fail. They will never understand fitness is more than going to the gym three days a week or taking on a fad diet. They will never understand fitness is a personal responsibility. It is a lifestyle issue.

As organizations, we must also start looking at the mixed messages we are sending. We expect promotees to bring in doughnuts on their big day. Bake Sales are used as fundraisers. Christmas cookies are unloaded on Airman during the holidays. Pizza luncheons and barbecues with high-fat burgers and hot dogs are still commonplace.

What exactly is our message again?

When I question those in my squadron about our mixed messages, I have been told we have to provide Airmen options or Airmen have to "learn to make good decisions."

Honestly, I think this logic is bunk. We give this mixed message for three reasons: It is cheap. It is easy. It is how we have always done it.

We expect our Airmen to successfully take on the fitness challenge. As squadron leaders, we need to look at the lifestyle messages we give at all our official and unofficial functions. It is about time our organizations step up to the challenge. Let's not take the easy way out!

The Travis Chiefs' Group recently sponsored a fitness challenge. Thirty-nine Airmen from throughout Team Travis came to the Fitness Center to meet the challenge. Airman pushed themselves to their limits during this push-up and sit-up competition. More than $2,100 was raised. I was proud six members from our 60th Dental Squadron -- with the help of their sponsors -- raised $900. The Chief's fundraiser sends the right message. Way to go chiefs!

I cannot be with my Airmen every day ensuring they make healthy choices in life. But it is in my power to challenge our dental squadron to set the example at every level. One message, loud and clear: Our Air Force expects a fit Airman. We need to step up to the challenge at every level.