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62nd MDS improves Unit Fitness Program

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Katie Jackson
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  Physical fitness is a priority every military member must keep high on their list.

Since arriving to McChord Field during the summer of 2014, Col. Monica Johnson, the 62nd Medical Squadron commander, has put extra emphasis on the importance of their physical training program. Together with Staff Sgt. Don Mitchell, the 62nd MDS NCO in charge of commander support section and unit fitness program manager, changes made in the fitness program have improved the squadron's fitness assessment scores overall from a 90 percent  pass rate to 98 percent, and morale has risen.

"The PT scores have increased and the number of failures has decreased. The unit enjoys doing PT now," said Mitchell.

Previously, the MDS unit fitness sessions consisted of a modified version of the Team McChord run - a 2.2 mile run beginning and ending at the 62nd Airlift Wing headquarters building, completed on Friday afternoons.

Unfortunately since the Team McChord run occurs during 62nd MDS clinic hours, medical personnel were unable to attend this weekly run.

Instead, 62nd MDS personnel would complete an approximate two-mile long run on Thursday afternoons.

While running is an important component of Air Force Physical Training assessments, consisting of 60 percent of the total score, there are other factors, such as sit-ups, push-ups and abdominal circumference that must be considered as well.

While explaining the reason for the fitness program changes, Mitchell stated, "My initial motivation was to build unit moral. Our squadron PT consisted of the Team McChord run every week, I wanted the unit to have input for PT and the chance to mix it up."

The biggest change for the unit fitness program is an addition of variety into the routine.

"A normal PT session consists of circuit training and team building exercises. For example, we may go to the track and do relay races. It's fun and everyone tries harder because they don't want to let the team down," said Mitchell.

In addition to circuit training and team building exercises, the unit fitness program also incorporates strength training, sports such as ultimate football and soccer, and self-paced fitness days for members to work on specific problem areas they may have or areas which could use improvement.

"As the UFPM, the part I have played in improving the PT program is involving the unit - giving them a chance to vote on different workouts or asking the unit what they need to work on most," said Mitchell.

Mitchell, as the UFPM, is also able to work individually with Airmen who may be struggling with a specific component of the fitness assessment.

"My favorite part about being the UFPM is the satisfaction of knowing I have helped members pass their PT test."

While improvements show in the numbers of passing fitness assessments, they also show in the morale of the 62nd MDS.

"The changes I have seen is an excitement for PT. It has boosted morale in the unit."