Greenhorns prepare for operational success
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas–Airmen from the 12th Training Squadron are tackling the U.S. Air Force’s new, more challenging fitness standards and meeting the updated testing requirements.
Known astheGreenhorns,these airmenareenrolled in the Multi-Domain Operations Aviator Course, a training program qualifying them to operate and maintain complex airborne networks, sensors, and electronic warfare suites on manned and unmanned platforms. Their path as enlisted aviators supporting some of the AirForce’s most advanced aviation platforms is academically challenging and their leadershiprecognizesthe importance of physical readiness.
“We want to set them up for success, so when they get to their first base and take the first official fitness test, they’re passing with flying colors,”saidU.S. Air Force Master Sgt.Madison Tillitson, 12th TRS flight chief.
Military Training Leadersat the 12thTRSalso preparetheGreenhornsto stepup toahigherphysicalstandard as thesquadron began incorporatingupdated fitness requirements months ahead of the official Department of the Air Force rollout.
"This is just a small component of all the things we have to do to beready, so if they make it a habit, they never have to worry about it,”Tillitsonsaid.
During their time at the 12thTRS, Greenhornslearnhowtomake better lifestyle choiceswithaccesstofitness professionals through theComprehensive Readiness for Aircrew Flying Training (CRAFT) program.
Focused on nutrition, strength and conditioning, CRAFT incorporates job-specific conditioning, cutting-edge technology and easy access to pre-habilitative and rehabilitative physical therapy. It was designed to address the increased musculoskeletal and cognitive demands of modern flying operations and the need for holistic resiliency.
“I learned to not be an ego lifter,”saidU.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Levi Bryant, 12th TRS student, “I’ve been tryingmore mobilityexercises because it helps keep me injury free.”
Bryant credited the squadron’s MTLs and fitness resources, such as CRAFT, with helping the airmen prepare, noting that fitness should be viewed as a lifelong investment rather than a military requirement.
“Whenever I get out of the military, I’m still going to be exercising,” Bryant said, “I’m going to be working out as much as I can for as long as I can.”
ThelessonsBryantlearned extend beyond physical fitness,hebuiltconfidence in himself both physically and academically.As he enters a career field that will require long hours operatingremote piloted aircraftsystems,Bryant iscognizantof the physical stressthat the mission will place on his body.
By combiningstructured mentorship and personal accountability, the Greenhorns are learning that physical readiness is more than a testing requirement, it is a foundation for sustained performance throughout their careers.
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