Special training being offered as part of Airman Fitness initiative

  • Published
  • By Deidre Ortiz
  • AEDC/PA
ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, TENN. --  Building resilience is important to the Air Force.

So much so, resilience training is now being provided to all interested DOD personnel at Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC).

Wind tunnel project manager Allie Falk, who serves as one of the Master Resilience Trainers on base, explained resilience training is part of the Air Force Comprehensive Airman Fitness initiative.

"The purpose of resilience training is to build resilience across the Air Force, including active duty, guard, reserves, civilians and families," she said.

According to the Defense Centers of Excellence, the Air Force's definition for resilience is "the ability to withstand, recover and/or grow in the face of stressors and changing demands."

In light of this objective, Falk stated resilience training is meant to support airmen by enabling them to better handle difficult or unexpected situations.

"There are 11 skills in resilience training that help Airmen to recover from negative events, cultivate leadership skills and learn positive coping mechanisms," Falk said. "These skills include things like interpersonal problem solving, good listening and active constructive responding, and acceptance strategies."

Deanna Croxen, Chief of Workforce Development and MRT trainer at AEDC, noted several other benefits airmen take away from completing the training.

"Airmen can use the skills they are taught to deal with the stressors and hassles of daily life," Croxen said. "This can lead to positive outcomes in performance, health, team work and leadership, [therefore] helping Airmen and enhancing the Air Force mission."

Falk added that MRT may eventually be mandatory.

"While there are currently not requirements for resilience training at AEDC, we still plan to offer the training to organizations on the installation," she said. "We anticipate the requirements changing in the future."

MRT skills can be taught in individual 30-minute sessions and other training opportunities may include Wingman Day, Junior Force Council, Spouses Organization, DOD Mentoring Program and individual branches. For more information about resilience training contact Deanna Croxen at 454-4583 or Allie Falk at 454-6225.