CAF builds resiliency

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kaleb Snay
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Throughout the Air Force, Airmen encounter stressors every day from work and home. As time goes on it becomes vital that Airmen know how to balance and overcome stress in order to accomplish the Air Force mission.

At some point an Airman might ask himself, "How can I overcome these issues?" Comprehensive Airman Fitness is the answer.

"It consists of four main pillars; those being Mental, Physical, Social and Spiritual," said William Sherman, 14th Flying Training Wing Community Support Coordinator. "CAF reinforces the actions required to survive when facing life's challenges and enables us to do our mission successfully."

The four pillars of CAF are as follows:

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

Physical - the ability to adopt and sustain healthy behaviors needed to enhance health and wellbeing.

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

Spiritual - the ability to sustain an individual's sense of wellbeing and purpose through a set of spiritual beliefs, principles or values.

"It can be used at home as well as at work," Sherman said. "Each pillar carries equal weight; no matter what you're facing whether it is financial, relationship or job stress, it can be used in any of those situations."

Ensuring Comprehensive Airman Fitness isn't just important to Airmen as individuals, it's also important to the mission.

"Accomplishing the Air Force mission is our goal as Airmen, but don't forget the most essential part of that mission is you," said Col. Howard McArthur, 14th Flying Training Wing Vice Commander. "Take care of yourself, and you will in turn be physically, mentally, spiritually, and socially prepared for the Air Force mission."

If someone is going through a stressful situation such as a break-up, an Article 15, or even the death of a family member, CAF is in place to help. Social events at the Airman and Family readiness Center can help build social resiliency and speaking to a chaplain or chaplain assistant can help mentally cope with the death of a family member.

"This affects everyone in the Air Force family including Airmen, civilians, and family members," Sherman said. "It's not just a program, it's a lifestyle."