Fit Fast and Fearless

Published March 25, 2025
By Airmen Hayley Brown
14th Flying Training Wing

COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --

The 14th Medical Group Operational Support Team collaborated with the 14th Civil Engineer Squadron and the Columbus AFB Fire Department to enhance Airmen's physical and mental resilience through data-driven fitness initiatives.

The 14th Medical Group Operational Support Team, train 14th Civil Engineering Squadron Airmen during a readiness exercise at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, March. 13, 2025. OST collected baseline fitness information to improve the 14 CES. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman Hayley Brown).

The Operational Support Team, a rotational embedded medical team under the Intergrated Operational Support umbrella, is working to improve the overall human performance of CAFB Airmen through targeted resilience interventions. Working with select squadrons for up to six months at a time, they focus on psychological and musculoskeletal risk factor improvements through data driven treatments. OST establishes baseline profiles for strengths and areas in need of improvement that will enable the use of targeting and conditioning programs.

“Creating well-rounded, capable Airmen who are ready to handle any challenge is our biggest priority,” said Lillian Burns, Operational Support Team specialist. “Our strength coach has programmed today’s workout specifically based on their mission demands, so this way we can keep it personalized to the squadron.”

During the recent embedment with the 14 CES, OST team members conducted baseline fitness tests, including an obstacle course with buddy drags, farmers carry, and fire hose drags which are movements designed to reflect real-world mission demands. The goal is to boost job performance, reduce injury risks, and help Airmen manage workplace stress more effectively. Upon reaching the end of the embedment, Airmen will retake the test to effectively measure the physical and mental improvements.

Creating well-rounded, capable Airmen who are ready to handle any challenge is our biggest priority.Lillian Burns, Operational Support Team specialist

Physical performance for career fields such as Civil Engineering is critical, and tailored training can improve movement efficiency and mental resilience which assist Airmen in staying sharp under pressure. Beyond physical training the OST also offers education of fitness, nutrition, sleep and stress management. By working with leadership to update fitness and nutrition policies they help foster a culture of health and performance.

"We can establish a community where people can come out here each day excited to improve and make goals they can aspire to,” said Dylan Garbutt, Operational Support Team strength and conditioning specialist. “The tailored workouts and trainings teach people how to take care of themselves and each other, which makes or breaks operational effectiveness”

During its last rotation with the 14th Security Forces Squadron, which ended in December 2024, OST recorded an 8.48% increase in unit fitness, a 10.4% improvement in reported sleep quality, and a 3.6% boost in psychological wellness. The team also partnered with AAFES to provide healthier food options in the squadrons in-unit market and helped leadership implement a new fitness policy.

Through data-driven interventions and leadership collaboration, the OST continues to help Squadrons, and their Airmen enhance strength, resilience, and readiness to ensure they are physically and mentally prepared to accomplish the Air Force mission.

14th Civil Engineering Squadron Airmen, prepare for warm-ups during a readiness exercise at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, March. 13, 2025. The 14th Medical Group Operational Support Team worked with 14CES to improve Airmen fitness. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman Hayley Brown).

Lily Burns, Operational Support Team specialist helps Airmen execute proper stretches during a readiness exercise at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, March. 13, 2025. The outdoor workouts featured an obstacle course with buddy drags and farmers carry. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Hayley Brown)