Photo By Staff Sgt. Yash Rojas | U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Scott Mathews, 354th Maintenance Squadron munitions...... read more read more
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EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska - Taking time to exercise is important for all airmen in today's Air Force to ensure those committed to serving this nation are fit to fight, and Eielson is no exception.
The Iceman Team is winning the "battle of the bulge" with Fit Flag, an opportunity for the entire Wing to spend time exercising as a team, setting the tone for a more cohesive group of airmen who care about their Air Force and nation.
More than a year ago, Eielson Air Force Base put the fitness program into effect to improve fitness shortcomings by purely focusing on the fundamental elements tested in the physical fitness test.
"When we get together as a Wing, it's kind of setting a culture for all of the Iceman Team that fitness is a cornerstone of who we are as Airmen and it's a part of our routine," said Chief Master Sgt. Jerry Moore, 354th Fighter Wing command chief. "We're hoping that those two days a month branch out into the groups, squadrons and sections where they come up with their own fitness programs to help permeate that culture of fitness."
In its infancy, Fit Flag served more as a mini-sports day, motivating the Iceman Team to get excited about fitness while offering airmen a variety of athletic activities in which they could participate. However, the limited number of activities did not make it possible for everyone to participate in a fitness exercise for the duration of the event.
Furthermore, base leadership was not satisfied with the outcome and wanted to make an impact on individual's fitness scores, said Moore. The message has not changed; Fit Flag has evolved by focusing on the elements of the physical fitness test, namely push-ups, sit-ups and the mile-and-half run.
"Fitness is a condition of employment, something every Airman needs to understand," said Moore.
There are those who have embraced Eielson's Fit Flag and discovered how beneficial the event is if you take advantage of it.
Master Sgt. Keri Frandsen, superintendent of plans and programs at the 354th Fighter Wing, said that in recent years the Air Force has made a huge shift to being leaner and fitter when compared to the Air Force of old. No longer are Airmen seen "smoking and joking" on their way to a bike test. The shift in Air Force culture is evident here, especially with the effort the Wing makes to bring every Eielson airmen together twice a month to focus on fitness.
"You have to make it work for you," Frandsen said. "If [airmen] aren't comfortable with their current fitness, it's a great place to get a fundamental workout to [help you] pass your fitness."
Frandsen has struggled with push-ups for most of her military career. After several Fit Flags, she noticed improvement, slowly increasing her repetitions.
"It was almost effortless due to the focus on the key items of fitness," she added.
Physical fitness training requirements are designed in an effort to make each individual into a well-rounded expeditionary airman. Because more and more Icemen are meeting the Air Force physical fitness standards, the latest evidence suggests that Fit Flag is having a positive impact.
"A lot of people come to me about Fit Flag," said Moore. "We all find we feel better for it."
| Date Taken: | 03.22.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 03.22.2012 17:00 |
| Story ID: | 85629 |
| Location: | EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, AK, US |
| Web Views: | 60 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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