Combat fit, combat ready

Published April 6, 2009
By Staff Sgt. Dilia Ayala
332nd AEW Public Affairs

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq -- In 2004, then Air Force Chief of Staff General John P. Jumper began a significant Air Force cultural change with the "Fit to Fight" program, charging Airmen at all levels with creating an Air Force culture of fitness.

Today, Airmen here are constantly working to maintain the "Fit to Fight" concept, ensuring combat readiness and mission accomplishment.

"Daily, here at JBB and around the rest of the area of responsibility, Airmen are putting themselves in harm's way, whether outside the wire, in an aircraft overhead or even monitoring the network from the communications squadron," said Maj. Jeff Queen, 332nd Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron director of operations. "Remaining physically fit allows us to fulfill our duties to the base and Air Force."

In an effort to aid Airmen in maintaining their "Fit to Fight" lifestyle and de-stress when needed, fitness and recreation centers across JBB offer a variety of classes and equipment for servicemembers of all fitness levels and interests, from step aerobics and yoga, to CrossFit and spin.

"There are numerous classes at the various fitness centers with different approaches to one central focus - being physically fit," said Major Queen, a volunteer fitness instructor here who is deployed from Keesler AFB, Miss. "Airmen should take the time to find a class that interests them and make a commitment to consistent attendance."

Overall, Airmen here appreciate the opportunity to take part in the classes offered.

"Being in tip-top shape while being deployed gives me the extra energy to work 12 hours a day, six days a week," said Staff Sgt. Mister Raby, a maintainer with the 332nd Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron. "It also lowers my stress level in this high-stress, high-tempo environment."

The Airmen also realize the many benefits of leading a "Fit to Fight" lifestyle.

"I think that maintaining a 'Fit to Fight' lifestyle is extremely important while you are deployed," said Senior Airman Carl Christian, a force protection augmentee with the 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron. "Working in the AOR can cause a lot of stress, both mentally and physically, and keeping a good workout plan and diet can really help prevent a lot of those stresses."

Some Airmen here choose to exceed the standard by setting personal fitness goals beyond the Air Force fitness requirements.

"The biggest goal that I have during this deployment is to get rid of the bulk that I have put on over the last few years," Sergeant Raby said. "When I came here, I weighed 217 pounds. My desire is to weigh 185 pounds before I leave the AOR. Right now, I am at 198 pounds with two-and-a-half months to go, so there is no reason why I can't reach this goal."

Major Queen said his personal goal is to do 20 legitimate pull-ups, work out five days a week and do a handstand with no help.

Whether Airmen here work out to simply fulfill their required fitness standard, relieve stress or achieve a specific fitness goal, all agree that being physically fit is first and foremost a personal responsibility.

"Everyone has a personal responsibility to maintain or increase their physical fitness while deployed," Major Queen said. "They should also look to motivate those around them, whether it's their subordinates or supervisors. Anyone can motivate others to achieve and maintain a healthy and fit lifestyle."

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