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Fit-to-fight prepares Airmen to be always ready

By Devin Doskey, 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs / Published May 02, 2019

Scott Johns, 341st Civil Engineering Squadron fire fighter, does a pull-up during a “Wing One” fitness class April 29, 2019, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont.
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Scott Johns, 341st Civil Engineering Squadron fire fighter, does a pull-up during a “Wing One” fitness class April 29, 2019, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. The fitness center provides state-of-the-art fitness equipment, exercise classes and fitness incentive programs to support physical health. (U.S. Air Force photo by Devin Doskey)

TJ Dunhart, 341st Force Support Squadron Fitness Center director instructs a “Wing One” fitness class in pre-workout stretches April 29, 2019, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont.
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TJ Dunhart, 341st Force Support Squadron Fitness Center director instructs a “Wing One” fitness class in pre-workout stretches April 29, 2019, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. “Wing One” fitness classes are held three times a day Monday-Friday and are open to the Malmstrom community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Devin Doskey)

Conn Mckelvey, 341st Contracting Squadron contracting specialist, and Chief Master Sgt. Minnette Bohlander, 341st Missile Maintenance Squadron superintendent, perform wall ball squats during a “Wing One” fitness class April 29, 2019, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont.
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Conn Mckelvey, 341st Contracting Squadron contracting specialist, and Chief Master Sgt. Minnette Bohlander, 341st Missile Maintenance Squadron superintendent, perform wall ball squats during a “Wing One” fitness class April 29, 2019, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. Physical fitness allows Airmen the capability to accomplish the Air Force mission while maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle. (U.S. Air Force photo by Devin Doskey)

Airman First Class Amanda Blair, 341st Force Support Squadron missile chef gives instructions before the start of an exercise class April 29, 2019, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont.
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Airman First Class Amanda Blair, 341st Force Support Squadron missile chef gives instructions before the start of an exercise class April 29, 2019, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. Blair is currently working on her exercise training certification, in order to volunteer her time and instruct “Wing One” fitness classes. (U.S. Air Force photo by Devin Doskey)

Master Sgt. Christopher Dangelo, 490th Missile Squadron NCO in charge of operations, performs a push-up during a “Wing One” fitness class April 29, 2019, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont.
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Master Sgt. Christopher Dangelo, 490th Missile Squadron NCO in charge of operations, performs a push-up during a “Wing One” fitness class April 29, 2019, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. “Wing One” fitness classes are one of the many exercise programs offered the Malmstrom community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Devin Doskey)

Tech Sgt. Luis Escobar and Staff Sgt. Mark Pulley, 341st Force Support Squadron Fitness supervisors, administer the 1.5-mile run portion of the Air Force physical fitness assessment April 26, 2019, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont.
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Tech Sgt. Luis Escobar and Staff Sgt. Mark Pulley, 341st Force Support Squadron Fitness supervisors, administer the 1.5-mile run portion of the Air Force physical fitness assessment April 26, 2019, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. The purpose of the physical fitness assessment is to evaluate body composition, physical strengths and cardio-respiratory fitness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Devin Doskey)

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MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --

U.S. Air Force members face unique stressors that affect our fighting force.

The four pillars of Comprehensive Airman Fitness are designed to help Airmen remain fit-to-fight, stay resilient and thrive in the current environment of continued deployments and sustained support of wartime operations. Physical fitness is one of the pillars that improves the Air Force’s ability to fight.

Tech. Sgt. Luis Escobar and Staff Sgt. Mark Pulley 341st Force Support Squadron fitness supervisors manage the 341st FSS fitness center’s resources and programs.  The fitness center provides state-of-the-art fitness equipment, exercise classes and fitness incentive programs to support physical health among the Malmstrom community.

“Being physically fit, healthier and stronger strengthens the other pillars of CAF,” said Pulley. “It improves overall health by increasing energy levels while boosting self-esteem.”

Physical fitness allows Airmen the ability to accomplish the Air Force mission while maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

“Good nutrition and exercise has a direct impact on the overall mission of the Air Force,” said Escobar. “Physical fitness prepares Airmen to be worldwide deployable and allows them to be always ready for what the mission dictates.”

The fit-to-fight philosophy is more than passing a semi-annual or annual physical assessment. A fit-to-fight lifestyle requires personal dedication to physical improvement in order to improve resilience and increase the capabilities of the Air Force.

Airman 1st Class Amanda Blair, 341st FSS missile chef, began her personal fit-to-fight lifestyle two years ago when she started participating in structured workout program on a regular basis.

“I have to physically push myself during every workout; naturally my physical assessment improved and I was able to max out my push-ups and sit ups,” said Blair.

Blair is now working on her fitness training certificate, so she can volunteer her time coaching “Wing One” exercise classes at the fitness center.

“My advice to anyone looking to improve their physical fitness is to find something that is motivating and keeps you coming back,” said Blair. “Fit-to-fight is being prepared for whatever life throws at you and having a physical fitness routine can help with that.”

Hard work and commitment is vital to succeed in fitness, work and other personal goals.

Former U.S. Army Infantry, TJ Duhart, 341st FSS Fitness Center director, believes fit-to-fight is about confidence and positive behavior patterns.  

“Actively pursuing physical fitness provides the discipline to take control of your body,” said Duhart. “Improving the physical aspect of your life sets the framework to pursue anything you wish to flourish at.” 

Tagfitness TagComprehensive Airman Fitness Tagresilience Tagfit to fight TagGym
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