Fit-to-fight: Mind and body on track for success

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Wesley Wright
  • 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AFB, Mo. --  "The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly." - Buddha

Several years ago, the Air Force instituted the fit-to-fight program to ensure Airmen could meet the strenuous physical demands of an ever-changing military environment.

Since then, some Airmen have fallen short on the test. Those Airmen who did not pass were administratively separated. Others learned from it and improved their physical training scores.

Master Sgt. Craig Burton, 442nd Fighter Wing Command Post technician, is among those who have had setbacks, but he said he has shown resiliency and improvement.

Burton said he thinks he thinks it is important to be fit to fight.

"We have to be ready to go to war and represent our unit," he said. "Also, being fit helps your health and your longevity as well."

Burton said he lost approximately 50 pounds over the last four years by doing three simple things to drop the weight and keep it off.

"I set obtainable goals: I eat in moderation, and I exercise regularly," he said.

Staff Sgt. Kristine Lessman, 442nd Medical Squadron technician, agrees with Burton about the importance of staying physically fit.

"In many cases, if an Airman does not have a passing fit-to-fight profile they are not deployable," she said. "Therefore if one is not fit, they can't complete the mission of training and deploying ready reservists."

Lessman said turning around bad lifestyle habits can be challenging, but the benefits are well worth it. By starting small, increasing workouts slowly, setting realistic goals, and eating healthy, one can lose weight and move closer to a healthy lifestyle.

Tools such as the Bod Pod, a body-fat measuring device available at the health and wellness center here, can help members get a realistic view of how many pounds of body fat they have, Lessman said, and can help them start to make a change in lifestyle.

Burton said he has had setbacks in his physical progress, but  has shown resilience.

"The winter months are tough; holiday parties, meals and vacations can also make it difficult," he said. "You might gain a few pounds but it is important to stay focused, get back on plan and know where you stand."

Burton recommended members weigh themselves weekly and be aware of what they eat to help maintain a healthy weight.

Lessman said it is unrealistic for Airmen to eat unhealthy meal choices regularly and expect to do well on the fit-to-fight test.

"There is a strong correlation between healthy eating habits and being fit to fight," she said.

Burton agreed healthy eating goes a long way toward being fit.

"Moderation is key, I eat the things I like, I just do not eat too much of them," he said. "Eating most of the major food groups and controlling portion size has helped me."

Lessman said one resource Airmen can take advantage of is free nutritional briefings hosted by the 442nd MDS every unit training assembly Sunday at 2 p.m. in room 132 of the clinic. Maj. Brienne Newman, 442nd MDS dietician, and Tech. Sgt. Cory Philp, 442nd MDS technician, give general nutrition advice and Airmen are able to set up appointments for more focused nutritional briefings.

Preparing physically is half of the battle, but preparing yourself mentally is also part of it.

"You have to have a will and desire to get better," Burton said. "Believing in yourself, trusting the process, and changing forever. You have to want to do it."

Burton said being fit helps one mentally, as well as physically.

"If you're in shape and healthy and losing weight, you will feel and perform better, and that helps keep stress down," he said. "Conversely, if I'm in a good mental state, my body and workouts are that much better."

Burton said he thinks being mentally prepared for the fit to fight test is also important.

The test can be intimidating for some Airmen, Burton said. They should not view the test as something negative, rather they should see it as a sign the Air Force is concerned about the health and well-being of its members.

A failed fit to fight test is not the end of the world, Burton said. The member should use a failed test to gauge where they are and then set clear, attainable goals toward success.

Burton said his roles as both a father and as a supervisor in the Air Force Reserve help motivate him to be fit.

"I want to be there for my kids when I'm old. I want to see them grow up and set an example for them," he said. "By being fit, I can also motivate junior Airmen to be healthy and do well on the test."

Burton said his door is always open for Airmen who might have questions on weight loss or exercise.

"Anyone who is struggling or just wants to come in and talk is welcome any time," he said.