THE TRUE NORTH AIR FORCE IS HELPING AIRMEN IMPROVE THEIR PHYSICAL AND MENTAL READINESS

In the world of war, it is important to have various resources at the disposal of military branches to ensure their Soldiers and other personnel are comfortable performing their jobs. Airmen and other Air Force members are required to exert a lot of mental, physical, and emotional energy on a daily basis. That is why the True North Air Force program and others have been instituted to give its members everything needed to do what is necessary in their roles.

Specifically, the Air Force True North program was implemented to get ahead of challenges that can impede its members from adequately and effectively performing their job duties. One of the highlights of the program is it gives Air Force members access to resources to help navigate mental health, spiritual, or other issues that may arise.

Recently, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin talked about the branch’s prioritization of family and mental health resources for its members. He spoke to the combination of the True North and Air Force Operational Support Team programs in efforts to revamp the resources available to Airmen and their families. Let us explore the importance of programs like True North in the Air Force.

What is True North?

The program Air Force True North can be viewed as the hub for Air Force members to receive many great benefits that will help in their time serving. It is a culmination of resources, including mental health services, spiritual guidance, physical fitness, and emotional well-being. It is an extensive program that looks to meet challenges where they are to ensure they don’t get out of hand or in some case, stop the challenge completely.

This program was initiated in 2019 and aimed to place experienced personnel from the realms of mental health, spirituality, and others at the heart of the Air Force to ensure its members have direct access to them.

As opposed to having to research these professionals on their own time, all of the hard work is done for them. If any issue occurs, they have the resources in their habitat to rely on for help and guidance.

What is True North’s Impact on Airmen?

As mentioned above, the True North Air Force program is meant to help Air Force members in a various areas.

The program promotes the health and well-being of all personnel to ensure they are in the right mind frame to perform their job.

Mental Health

Mental health is one of the areas that the program looks to highlight and address the challenges that arise among service members. Instead providing a phone number or email for those struggling with mental health, mental health providers and chaplains are on site to offer support.

Their presence and accessibility to the Airmen is a game-changer, as Airmen can navigate any issues they are dealing with immediately instead of prolonging any negative feelings, which can impede them in many ways.

The main point in this program is not to be present solely for dire or extreme situations, though those in more serious cases are supported as well. True North was created to be the gateway for Airmen to feel okay with seeking help. In doing so, this will aid in building resilience to handle the various issues that can arise in service.

Spiritual and Emotional Strength

Even though mental health is priority of the True North Air Force program, there are other areas of life that Airmen may need support in.

In efforts to build resilience in its members, spirituality is also recognized as a major part of their lives as well. Because of this, there are chaplains available to provide guidance, act as a listening ear, and offers advice on various subjects.

Additionally, emotional well-being is emphasized through this program. Airmen are given tools and methods to manage and stress incurred and encourages fostering meaningful relationships. These key attributes play a huge part in ensuring they can succeed under any pressure.

Physical Fitness

As you know, a major component of military protocols is remaining in peak physical shape. The True North Air Force program understands this and the correlation between one’s physical health and mental and emotional state.

Various fitness plans are available for Airmen to take advantage of during their time in service. Instead of simply requiring them to pass fitness tests, the emphasis is on building the foundation for lifelong discipline through actions that enhance their resilience.

Examples of these initiatives Include are yoga classes, focusing on stress reduction and flexibility, and nutrition recommendations, focusing on performing at the highest level through what is consumed.

True North is Significant to All Airmen

By design, True North is a necessary program for all Airmen. For top leaders and officials, it shows the care for its members and their overall well-being. For Air Force members, they will always have support in various ways and elements of their lives that allows them to perform at a high level.

By offering mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical assistance to its members, the Air Force sets a precedent for military preparedness. The True North Air Force program should pioneer similar programs and initiatives across all military branches, as it enables Airmen to to display their resilience, which is the goal of the program.

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Sources:

True North, Accessed Aug 2024. https://www.acc.af.mil/About-Us/The-Bridge/TRUE- NORTH/#:~:text=True%20North%20is%20an%20Air,airman)%20in%20highest%20priority%20units.

Air Force Families Must Be Prepared for Catastrophic Events Amid Shift to Potential Pacific Conflict, Service Chief Says, Accessed Aug 2024. https://www.military.com/daily-news/2024/08/20/air-force-chiefs-memo-highlights-need-family-readiness-service-preps-possible-pacific-conflict.html