Air Force Introduces New Fitness Program

The U.S. Air Force has introduced the Air Force Team Cohesion Challenge pilot program at 18 installations.

The challenge involves a base-wide 5K run and a rucksack challenge. The 5K run is open to everyone on base and is mandatory for all participants who registered, according to an Air Force press release. Airmen can sign up for the rucksack challenge individually or with their friends and co-workers.

"This program was developed to provide airmen the opportunity to participate in a team-based event which incorporates the five Cs of comprehensive airmen fitness—caring, committing, connecting, communicating and celebrating," Benjamin Evers, Air Force Personnel Center outdoor recreation specialist, said in a statement. "It will not only challenge airmen physically but also demand they work as a unit to tackle both physical and mental obstacles."

The day after the 5K, members who registered for the rucksack challenge will participate in a four- to five-hour team event, according to the Air Force. During the event, a special forces veteran, called a cadre, will lead the team in military-inspired challenges and missions, including basic training calisthenics, swimming, lifting and marching. Throughout the event, participants will wear a backpack filled with 30 to 40 pounds of equipment.

The installations participating in the pilot program are: Altus Air Force Base (AFB), OK; Beale AFB, CA; Buckley AFB, CO; Cannon AFB, NM; Eglin AFB, FL; Grand Forks AFB, ND; Holloman AFB, NM; Joint Base San Antonio, TX; Little Rock AFB, AR; March Air Reserve Base, GA; Minot AFB, ND; Mountain Home AFB, ID; Patrick AFB, FL; Robins AFB, GA; Scott AFB, IL; Vance AFB, OK; Westover AFB, MA; and Whiteman AFB, MO.