News Search

3 pillars of mission readiness: Physical ability

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Michael A. Cossaboom
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Editor's note: This is part one of a three-part series on three essential keys to maintaining mission readiness.

During deployments Airmen could be asked to perform physical tasks that are not routinely required of them. Carrying multiple bags of gear and wearing heavy "battle-rattle" 24/7, so it's important for Airmen to stay physically fit.

"Let me start with a story," said Chief Master Sgt. Charles Mills, 20th Fighter Wing command chief. "On my deployment to Afghanistan we were walking around the airport with five bags of gear, that stuff is pretty heavy."

Throughout his career, Mills said he has deployed eight times, and none were an easy experience.

"You're wearing a body vest everywhere you go," said Mills. "The vest itself weighs about 40 to 50 pounds, and then you have the rest of your gear and your weapon. Most people aren't used to carrying that much weight."

Maintaining a healthy body is important to the Air Force mission both stateside and overseas. If you get hurt while stateside, it should be taken care of as soon as possible.

"If an Airman gets hurt, there is no problem going to see the doctor," said Mills. "Better to get it taken care of while it's small.

Senior Airman Terrance Troope, 20th Comptroller finance technician, has deployed once in his five year career, and it was something he will never forget.

"There was always an extensive amount of work to do while I was deployed," said Troope. "But when the day was done, you couldn't just leave base, or go to the mall. You really had nothing else to do except work out."

Troope said that he would work out at least five times a week to ensure he was "fit to fight".

"On a daily basis during work I would walk at least two to three miles a day," said Troope. "I wanted to make sure I was as fit as possible."

Staying healthy and being fit are vital to the mission. The Air Force needs every able Airman to help support the mission and to fly, fight, and win in its nation's wars.