PT keeps Airmen fit to fight

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Mike A. Falvo
  • Det. 6, Air Force News Agency
Airmen here are taking part in an age-old military tradition -- unit physical training. 

The Air Force Physical Training Program, known as the "Fit to Fight" program, helps keep Airmen in top shape and prepares them to fight the war on terrorism when deployed forward.

"You see Airmen in the mountains of Afghanistan and Iraq (with) the vests they have to wear to protect themselves and the weapons they have to carry, " said Chief Master Sgt. Laten Williams, the 65th Air Base Wing command chief. "It's important to be in great physical shape to execute the mission."

One of the challenges many PT managers face is keeping their training programs fresh. 

"I like to mix it up, sometimes on the wing runs, I'll carry an M-4 or an M-16 or I'll run in a flak vest, I try to lead by example, and make it interesting for everybody," said Master Sgt. Guy Dashnea. 

According to the Air Force Fitness Management System, so far for 2007 the Air Force readiness average rests at 89.4 percent, which is three points higher than all of 2006.

"That's why downrange they have gyms, some 24-hour gyms," Sergeant Dashnea said. "Great dining facilities and some guys actually come back in better shape then when they left." 

Leaders at all levels recognize the importance of a strong PT program and emphasize a strong program keeps Airmen in the best shape possible to accomplish any mission. In addition, motivation could be the deciding factor between success and failure.

"They're pumped. They're motivated. They feel good about themselves," Chief Williams said. "They're just in great shape to do the mission, and I attribute that to the leadership's support of the PT program -- that really gets it done."

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