The foundation of resiliency

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class John Nieves Camacho
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Resilience has been a buzz word for the Air Force for quite some time, but what exactly does it mean?

"Resiliency is having the ability to withstand, recover and grow in the face of stressors and changing demands," said (Ch.) Maj. Richard Crozier, 4th Fighter Wing deputy chaplain. "Resiliency is important because it helps us to persevere through life's challenges and perform at work, home and in the community despite the challenges we face as military members."

In early 2010, Air Combat Command (ACC) developed and implemented a Comprehensive Airmen Fitness (CAF) approach to improve well-being, enhance life balance for the military community, foster a culture of resilience and strengthen personal readiness.

The concept consists of four pillars designed to help Airmen, Air Force civilians and family members become more resilient and better-equipped to deal with the rigors of military life.

"The pillars are like a four-legged chair," said Richard Lambert, 4th FW community support coordinator. "If one of the legs is weak on the chair, then the chair won't be strong, resilient and structurally sound. The whole idea of CAF is based on positive psychology. It's about helping our force maintain a good balance between the four pillars."

The four pillars are:

Mental: approaching life's challenges in a positive way by demonstrating self-control, stamina and good character with choices and actions.

Physical: performing and excelling in physical activities that require aerobic fitness, endurance, strength, flexibility and body composition derived through exercise, nutrition and training.

Social: developing and maintaining trusted, valued friendships that are personally fulfilling and foster good communication, including exchange of ideas, views and experiences.

Spiritual: strengthens a set of beliefs, principles or values that sustain an individual's sense of well-being and purpose. Spiritual fitness is about having a sense of purpose and meaning in your life. It is essential to an individual's resiliency as esprit de corps is vital to a unit's mission accomplishment.

CAF's goal, "Don't just survive. Thrive.," is supported by educating through positive behaviors, caring, committing, connecting, communicating and celebrating.

The Airman and Family Readiness Center assists in achieving the CAF goal by offering classes such as anger management, successful relationships and a couples communication course that support the four pillars.

For more information on CAF, contact Richard Lambert, 4th FW community support coordinator at 919-722-0560.