In an era of high-tech weaponry, supercomputers, armed drones, and satellites layered upon layers, it’s easy to overlook the most important element of military capability: physically active duty, guard, and reserve forces.
Making sure our forces are physically equipped is just as important today as it was a few years ago. That’s why fitness is a priority for Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and why Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Welzbach and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Chance Saltzman recently raised testing standards for Airmen and the Guard. I know the benefits of being fit from my personal experience while preparing for and participating in several IRONMAN events.
IRONMANs taught me firsthand that you can do anything if you put your mind to it – even if, in my case, you’re not quite the profile. I wasn’t a great player, but I had determination, and that’s what helped me succeed. It also brings unexpected benefits. My fitness journey improved my leadership skills and my mental health—in addition to physical benefits I didn’t have before.
These qualities are essential in the defense of our nation. Recent studies have shown that nearly two-thirds of our service members are overweight or obese, raising serious concerns about the readiness of our military. This does not escape the notice of our competitors. They will use every opportunity to portray the weakness and laziness of the US military, which aims to damage the credibility of the US.
The new tests and the broader “culture of fitness” we’re working to create at the Air Force Base align with our national security strategy, which is a blueprint for maintaining America’s stature as the world’s most powerful and capable military. The urgency is real, which is why the new standards are being phased in as early as this month with requirements that airmen will begin meeting in July.
A healthy force is both reliable and ready. Achieving and maintaining this standard requires an enabling environment for organizational and lifestyle change, which means we must shift from a test-focused mindset to embracing a sustained commitment to fitness. Success requires a holistic culture of fitness.
At the same time, airmen and stewards must also understand that culture change is not only about the physical. It is also about professional leadership development and mental health. As General Douglas MacArthur wrote: “In the fields of friendly strife are sown seeds that will in other days bear the fruits of victory in other fields.”
This quote is about “warrior ethics,” the lessons, values, and character traits necessary to succeed in battle. When Air Force and Air Force leaders instill a culture of fitness in peacetime squadrons and deltas, that culture will translate into victory against a close friend adversary if “…eat the fruits of victory”.
Generals Welsbach and Saltzman, together with Secretary Hegseth, have sent the signal. Now is the time for commanders to take the initiative, turning fitness into a team-building vehicle that promotes camaraderie and esprit de corps. For example, consider creating organized sports leagues, or educational workshops on fitness, wellness and nutrition.
The research also shows another important fact: fitness is a key component of leadership, adaptation and collaboration. Dr. Michelle Clare explains this connection in “Why Athletes Make Great Leaders.”
Claire’s research highlights how athletes develop new skills quickly and work well with others. Athletes are effective time managers and strive for work-life balance. They also have the drive and motivation to practice tasks over and over again until they succeed.
These are qualities that Airmen and Guardsmen must improve throughout our careers, and they are easily transferable to organizational and individual strength development.
To truly enable this culture change, however, senior officers and enlisted leaders must lead by example. As MIT Research Fellow Michael Schrage wrote, “Serious leaders know that, by design and default, they are always leading by example.” Airmen and security guards are watching. Command teams must set an example and make fitness a part of their organization’s daily life and ensure that soldiers can participate in regular exercise and sports.
Integrating fitness into an organization’s daily routine empowers leaders and creates resilient teams. By being actively involved in a culture of fitness, Airmen and Guardsmen will master selflessness, accountability, resilience and other valuable qualities.
Perhaps most importantly, military leaders must recognize that physical fitness directly contributes to good mental health. Research shows that physical activity increases the level of endorphins, which contribute to feelings of happiness and joy. In addition, by enabling a A culture of fitness leaders will promote group activities and social interactions that are essential to organizing separate time on personal devices and social media.
The changes in fitness standards established by Generals Welsbach and Saltzman and Secretary Hegseth promote a culture of fitness and improve the readiness of all Airmen and Guardsmen.
This is in line with the fundamental objective of creating a force capable of deterring adversaries and ensuring peace through force. It’s not just about testing; It is about building a ready force.
Major General David W. Smith currently serves on active duty as the Air Force Reserve Chief of Staff and has nearly 34 years of active and reserve service. He is a seven-time IRONMAN full-distance athlete, has qualified for and competed in the IRONMAN World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, and was a Division I athlete at the United States Air Force Academy.
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