Savage, not average Published Dec. 12, 2025 By Chad Watkins OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- The “Culture of Fitness” initiative is set to roll out Air Force wide Jan. 1, 2026, with a new Physical Fitness Assessment and a new fitness program applying to Total Force Airmen. The changes represent a marked change from the current model, requiring a lot more from Airmen. The members of the 55th Logistics Readiness Squadron are more than ready for these changes. “The PT program has been a big hit here since Lt Col. O came on board,” said Master Sgt. Jordan Trick, 55th LRS Operations and Compliance superintendent, “She tells us working out also releases these things called ‘hope molecules’ which has been shown to reduce anxiety and increase dopamine, proven to help reduce stress and improve moods naturally. I mean who doesn’t like free happiness?” When Lt. Col. Caitlin Oviatt assumed command of the 55th LRS in 2023, she focused on making physical fitness a core component of 55th LRS culture. “Physical fitness needs to be utilized as a mechanism to fortify the type of warfighter we need, regardless of AFSC, to ensure we maintain the status of being the world’s most lethal and effective fighting force,” said Oviatt. The LRS completely redesigned the squadron physical training program to establish a consistent, structured, and rigorous regimen, integrating PT sessions into duty days and hiring a training coach, Kat Moake, to run bi-monthly squadron sessions. “I have been working with Colonel Oviatt and the LRS for the past year to intentionally instill strength, resilience, and mission-ready fitness in every Airman,” said Moake. “Through targeted physical training that builds mobility, endurance, and operational strength, we’re developing the physical readiness and lethality essential for today’s Air Force. Every session reinforces warfighting effectiveness and ensures our Airmen have the precision, confidence, and capability to meet the mission anytime, anywhere.” The key component of having these group physical training sessions is the camaraderie that it builds. “It has been advantageous to gather as a squadron and see airman that normally wouldn't see each other all the time interact through intense fitness, because sometimes the aspect of "WE" holds more weight than the aspect of "I",” said 2nd Lt. Caleb Cardoso, 55th LRS Unit Fitness Program Manager. “The recent changes that came down from the SecWar have really opened the eyes of some airman. We workout the way we do and it has set us apart from other groups which will benefit the LRS long-term. We have ensured that our airmen are ahead of the new component standards so the transition will be seamless.” Following the integration of the Medical Group’s Operational Support Team (OST) into the unit, an analysis was conducted to assess the impact of the revamped PT program. The data demonstrated the significant influence of the mind-body connection, revealing that regular, high-quality unit PT positively affects various aspects of warfighter performance. “Accomplishing hard workouts help Airmen prove to themselves that they can do hard things,” said Oviatt. “Those workouts help build the mental fortitude to not give up when challenges come their way.” Quantitative outcomes included a 10.2% reduction in composite exemptions, an 11.1% decrease in component exemptions, a 43% decline in musculoskeletal conditions, and notable improvements in the Unit Stress Index, which reflects mental health and behavioral stress factors. “These outcomes have shaped our culture at the individual and unit level and are directly transferable to all aspects of life,” said Oviatt. “Simply put, teaching my Airmen to face each day as it’s presented to them with a good attitude and a will to win will always increase their chances of success in any endeavor.”