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AFMC to focus on Comprehensive Airman Fitness

  • Published
  • Air Force Materiel Command Directorate of Manpower, Personnel & Services
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  As part of its commitment to take care of Airmen and their families, Air Force Materiel Command is embracing the Comprehensive Airman Fitness philosophy established by Headquarters Air Force.

CAF provides a framework through which the Air Force can deliver relevant programs and services more effectively across the four pillars of fitness -- physical, social, mental and spiritual. The objectives for this effort are to improve well-being, enhance life balance and strengthen personal and organizational resilience in Airmen and their families. The following definitions illustrate CAF's use of a strength-based methodology to educate Airmen and their families on a holistic approach.

Physical fitness refers to the ability to physically accomplish all aspects of the mission while remaining healthy and uninjured.

Social fitness refers to the ability to engage in healthy social networks that promote overall well-being and optimal performance.

Mental fitness refers to the ability to effectively cope with unique mental stressors and challenges needed to ensure mission readiness.

Spiritual fitness refers to the ability to adhere to beliefs, principles or values needed to preserve and prevail in accomplishing missions.

Helping agencies such as Airman & Family Readiness Center (social), Base Chapel (spiritual), Family Advocacy (mental) and Civilian Health Promotions (physical) are a few of the many agencies with resources available for Airmen -- all focused on creating a more resilient force.

The CAF framework itself is not an entirely new concept to AFMC. The command has been operating in a similar fashion since 2006, with the creation of its Wellness and Safety Campaign, which was also based on the four dimensions of wellness. Many elements of the WASC are now being integrated as the command transitions into the Air Force's CAF. For example, the AFMC Wellness Support Center, the Employee Assistance Program, Civilian Health Promotion Services and the civilian fitness policy are all initiatives that started under the WASC and remain active with CAF.

With the many stressors facing our Airmen every day, it is imperative that we place a conscious effort on providing resources in the most effective manner. Comprehensive Airman Fitness is not about creating a new program. It is about instituting a framework across the Air Force to best take care of its people, all while utilizing the numerous existing programs!

For more information about Comprehensive Airman Fitness or any of the available programs or services, contact your installation Community Support Coordinator.