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A new approach to resilience unfolded recently at the Scott Professional Development Center as the low hum of conversation slowly faded as chairs filled and facilitators took their places—not at the front of the room, but among the group.
Uniforms blended with business casual wear and name tags replaced rank as this interactive, connection-focused and immersive training experience called “Wingman Guardian Connect” took place.
Implemented at the First Term Enlisted Course in May 2025, it replaces traditional PowerPoint-heavy resilience training instead with “learning from each other,” said Katie Thaxton, prevention chief for the 375th Air Mobility Wing’s Integrated Resilience Office.
WGC: A New Approach to Resilience
She explained that WGC represents a significant shift from previous resilience programs. Rather than teaching individual skills through lecture-style presentations, it creates a group training environment where Airmen practice resilience skills through meaningful interaction.
One goal of the program aims to prevent suicide and domestic violence by focusing on community, trust, and group identity. WGC fosters real-time, peer-led engagement designed to build meaningful relationships and strengthen mental health.
Bryan Yates, project lead for WGC and director of operations for the Network Health Prevention Program at the University of Rochester’s Department of Psychiatry, explained the intent of the shift.
“The legacy resilience training is an individual skills training,” he said. “Wingman Guardian Connect is a group training designed to build that group identity over three days. In order to do that, they have to build connections.”
That sense of connection, Yates explained, isn’t just critical for those who may be struggling—it strengthens even the most high-performing Airmen.
“It’s not built for at-risk Airmen, although it helps them,” said Yates. “It’s built for the majority: the healthy, high-functioning Airmen—because those connections benefit everyone.”
WGC was developed by civilian experts in mental health and prevention science, using data gathered from Airmen and Guardians across the Department of the Air Force. The Scott Integrated Resilience Office was among the first to introduce the program into a military training environment. By embedding it within the FTEC, they helped tailor WGC’s community-based approach to the unique needs of first-term Airmen—building not just skills, but connection from day one.
Real Impact on Airmen
One exercise involved moving chairs based on shared life experiences, allowing participants to bond over common ground. When asked why they joined the Air Force, answers ranged from career progression and educational benefits to personal growth and family tradition.
“Before this, I was just going through life,” said Airman Carter Gray, 375th Security Forces Squadron. “But the sessions made me realize how much relationships and everyday interactions matter. It really opened my mind—I even went bowling with people I barely knew and those connections came so naturally."
That sense of openness was felt across the group and even came as a surprise during some testimonials.
“I usually skate alone,” said Airman 1st Class Greyson Broussard-Tavares, 375th Communications Squadron. “But after this course, I had people asking to come with me. Some wanted to learn calisthenics, which I love to teach. This gave me a way to build friendships and even work on leadership skills. It really just helped me grow.”
Staff Sgt. Elijah Lewis, the FTEC NCO in charge, has witnessed a noticeable shift in class dynamics since WGC's implementation.
“Before, everyone just sat quietly,” said Lewis. “It felt like just another briefing. Now, by day three, they’re relaxed, talking, and willing to share. And by the end, they’re jumping in before you even ask. It's really something they’ll actually take with them.”
Belonging as Prevention
Rather than focusing solely on identifying those at risk, WGC builds group cohesion and belonging as a form of early intervention.
“Belongingness is a primary protective factor for suicide risk,” said Yates. “We're not just trying to prevent a fallout—we’re building a way forward.”
Rodney Rodriguez, prevention coordinator with the 375th IRO, said the program allows Airmen to see they’re not alone.
“It helps them find someone in the room they can relate to—someone who gets it—before things escalate,” said Rodriguez. “We’re helping them build connections early, so they have someone to turn to.”
Thaxton added that while traditional efforts have often been reactive, WGC completely flips the model. “It’s been more intervention than prevention, because we’re stepping in after it’s already a problem. Now we're layering that protection early—right after BMT.”
Enhancing Mission Readiness
Thaxton also emphasized that connection isn't just a feel-good concept—it's a strategic imperative.
“If you’re a commander looking at how to increase your mission capability and readiness, this is it,” she said. “You have to have your team working as a team. You have to have your folks connected. Because when push comes to shove and they have to perform the mission, if they’re not trusting each other, they’re not going to be effective.”
John Jeziorske, 375th IRO director, also said that WGC’s structure supports one of the Air Force’s top priorities: Agile Combat Employment.
“This is the first step–If you want Airmen who understand each other’s roles, who can work across career fields—you start with connection. That’s exactly what WGC builds,” he said.
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| Date Taken: | 07.18.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 07.22.2025 13:47 |
| Story ID: | 543405 |
| Location: | SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, ILLINOIS, US |
| Web Views: | 19 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Wingman Guardian Connect: Replacing briefings with bonding, by A1C Daisy Quevedo, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
