The power of physical training

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. James Fulton
  • 375th Security Forces Squadron
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (AFNS) --  Way back in the day Air Force physical fitness meant being able to cross the finish line at the end of a 1.5-mile run, lighting a cigarette and trying not to have a heart attack before your next test the following year. Of course, our global mission was a lot different.

We were still basking in the glow of the Cold War victory, and we only had to maintain what the generation before us had set out to do and accomplished. It was so easy; all we had to do was kick back, flip on the computer monitor and watch for something to happen. A deployment would last for 90 days at best and by the time you remembered why you had joined the Air Force in the first place it was time to come home again. The times have really changed.

We are now the innovators of world peace. In every corner of the globe there is a Soldier, Sailor, Marine or an Airman defending someone who cannot defend themselves and for no less than 180 days at a time. Our families used to cringe at the slightest mention of a deployment, now we affectionately refer to them as rotations, meaning "it is my turn." How do we do what we do over and over again? How do we survive the ugliness of war, the separation from our families and the misery of solitude?

One way we accomplish our mission is based on our personal ability to control the things we can and adapt to the things we cannot. It is human nature to seek normalcy in every aspect of our lives. It gives us a sense of calm and feeling of control.

When we pack our bags to deploy, we try to limit ourselves to the essentials, but always seem to have room for something special; things like a picture drawn by a child, a photo of coworkers, or maybe a gift from mom. One item we always need to bring with us is the physical and mental health developed by having a strong personal fitness program.
Physical training is not just about passing a test once or twice a year; it is about adapting to the Air Force way of life. When we go down range to accomplish the mission we need to have the physical endurance to sustain long hours under harsh conditions.

Additionally, we need to be able to release the tension that mounts from those harsh conditions; the fear and anger, and as terrible as it can be, sometimes even the loss. Being able to maintain your personal fitness program by going for a run, or working out in the gym provides that mental release, while at the same time giving us that sought after sense of calm and feeling of control.

While deployed, we cannot control our location, but we can control what we do while we are there. By having a good personal fitness program you're more ready to deploy. While deployed, it will help you maintain a physical and mental toughness to see you through until you return home.