Commentary: Airmen – the Air Force’s most valuable weapon system

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Douglas Hayes
  • 71st Communications Squadron commander
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Each and every day, the Air Force utilizes various weapon systems to conduct missions throughout the world. Our weapon systems are expensive. Some cost several hundred million dollars.

Weapon systems require regularly scheduled preventive maintenance to remain in good condition, prevent break downs, make systems more reliable and reduce unplanned downtime.

Preventive maintenance is performed by the Air Force's most valuable weapon system -- the human system -- also known as the Airman.

The cost of an Airman in today's Air Force is priceless. We do not come with a technical manual that describes the care and preventive maintenance required to keep us in good condition and prevent us from breaking down. We must maintain our human system to ensure we are prepared to face the stressors of today's operational environment and perform the mission at our highest capability.

Conducting preventive maintenance on the human system is a combination of a healthy diet, physical and mental exercise and rest. A healthy diet that consists of plenty of water, fruits and vegetables is step one for human system preventive maintenance. Take the time to eat food that is prepared fresh and avoid the fast food options so many of us take advantage of on a regular basis. Drink water instead of soda and adhere to portion control when eating.

Our bodies need exercise. Technology has led to a sedentary lifestyle for many of us. Find the time to exercise three to four times a week for a minimum of 30 minutes and ensure you exercise your heart and your major muscle groups.

We must maintain our mental capacity to perform at a high level. The Air Force gives us plenty of opportunity to exercise our minds through professional military education and career development courses. We also have incredible opportunities for higher education and advanced degrees. Take advantage of these opportunities and exercise your mind.

Finally, like weapon systems, our bodies need downtime for maintenance. While we sleep, the human system will repair the things our bodies have been exposed to during the day. Adequate sleep, seven to eight hours per night, will also make you more productive and less stressed.

The Air Force can often overcome the limitations associated with a weapon system that is not mission capable. Missions can be shifted to weapon systems that are fully capable while another system undergoes repair.

Airmen are the Air Force's most valuable resource and we must ensure we remain in good condition and are mission capable. When we lose an Airman due to illness or injury, we become less mission capable, the downtime is often lengthy and the impact is more difficult to overcome.

Exercise your body and mind regularly and maintain a healthy diet. You will be amazed at how much better you feel. The Air Force has invested a lot in each of us. Take the time to maintain the human system. We owe it to ourselves, our fellow Airmen and the Air Force.