JB Charleston Airmen learn the importance of resiliency

Published Dec. 12, 2012
By Staff Sgt. Anthony Hyatt
Joint Base Charleston Public Affairs

JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Overcome. Steer through. Bounce back. Reach out. These are a few words that describe the word "resilient."

More than 650 Airmen have participated in the Air Mobility Command mandated 8-hour Resiliency Training held at Joint Base Charleston - Air Base, S.C.

"This course is designed to focus on Airmen, DOD Civilians, and our families' total well-being and is part of the Air Force's Comprehensive Airman Fitness framework," said Andre Garceau, 628th Air Base Wing Community Support coordinator. "The course addresses the Air Force 'Four Pillars of Fitness: mental, physical, social and spiritual and aims to reduce the stigma of seeking these life skill classes.' It allows us to draw on and build inner strength that enables us to do more than survive, but also thrive - both personally and professionally."

According to AMC's Resilience Strategy 2012, AMC's vision is to have a command of fit, resilient Airmen, families, civilians and the Total Force, coping effectively in a community that thrives in the face of challenges and bounces back from adversity.

Through short video clips, class exercises and sharing their personal experiences, Master Resilience Trainers are able to increase Airmen's resiliency.

Topics discussed during the class include the CAF Model, avoiding thinking traps, detecting icebergs, putting issues in perspective, capitalizing on strengths and active constructive responding.

JB Charleston currently has eight trained MRTs assigned and working as installation resources. Resiliency Training Assistants assist and facilitate with MRTs and provide each unit a resiliency point of contact. Each trainer embodies high attributes in mental, physical, social and spiritual fitness and uses these traits to openly discuss personal deployment and real life experiences in order to attain and sustain credibility with the students.

"I believe this training is very informative and extremely important to develop a complete understanding of the term resiliency and how it plays a significant role in the everyday lives of Airmen," said Tech. Sgt. Kerissa Rivas, 628th Security Forces Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge and Master Resilience Trainer. "Considering the unique jobs and lifestyle that come with being part of the military family, it gives us certain skills to help us cope and better deal with the stressors of everyday life."

AMC's goal is to have 20 percent of active-duty Airmen trained on the 8-hour Resiliency course by Dec. 31, 2012 and 80 percent by December 2014, said Garceau.

"The tools that you receive from the class are valuable for everyday living," said Senior Airman Zachary Kossack, 628th Comptroller Squadron customer service technician.

"The class helped me understand how important optimism is and how being optimistic can help others to be optimistic. I also enjoyed the concepts of stress relief, which I find very important especially in the military. I highly recommend the course to any other military member."

Class dates are listed on the Professional Enhancement CoP. To register for a class, visit https://afkm.wpafb.af.mil/community/views/home.aspx?Filter=OO-ED-AM-39.

Editors note: All participants are required to complete two surveys prior to attending Resiliency Training and are used in class exercises. Both products require registration and proof of completion is required at the start of class. See links below to complete self-assessment surveys.