RAF MILDENHALL, England -- RAF Mildenhall hosted a Master Resiliency Trainer certification course for members across U.S. Air Forces in Europe Air Forces Africa here Jan. 14-18.
The course was held with the purpose of increasing resilience awareness and training, inspired by the Air Force initiative to create a culture where members are comfortable seeking and receiving assistance within their communities.
Participants were primarily Airmen from RAF Alconbury, Lakenheath, Mildenhall and associated units, and joined by members from Lajes Field, Portugal; Moron Air Base, Spain; and Incirlik Air Base, Turkey.
“This week was an opportunity to provide Airmen and spouses resiliency training that will enable them to earn Air Force Master Resilience Trainer certification,” said Jack Sweet, RAF Mildenhall Community Support Coordinator.
Resilience is defined as the ability to withstand, recover and grow in the face of stressors and changing demands.
“It is vital for Airmen and spouses to understand and incorporate this training into their daily lives,” Sweet expressed. “This will allow for enhanced performance, achievement of goals and improve relationships, both personally and professionally.”
Resiliency is one of the core tenets of the Air Force’s Comprehensive Airman Fitness Model, which encompasses creating Airmen with solid mental, physical, social and spiritual well-being.
“The training curriculum was based off of methods developed by the company, TechnologyWerks,” Sweet said, “Who provide training on thinking, communication and decision-making skills to help people be more physically fit, mentally tough and emotionally strong.”
Participants were taught briefing and presentation skills, how resilience can be applied both at work and home, and how it can enhance mission accomplishment.
“Taking part in this training was one of the best things I’ve done at RAF Mildenhall,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Justin Pickens, 100th Air Refueling Wing Command Post NCO-in-charge of command and control training. “Not only can I utilize the skills I learned at home, but I am now able to train younger Airmen to maintain resiliency during tough times.”
U.S. Air Force Col. Cassius Bentley, 100th Air Refueling Wing vice commander, visited the class to discuss the importance for this type of training.
“I’m excited there is this much participation in resiliency training,” Bentley said. “We all know how crucial it is for us to maintain confidence in not only the mission, but in ourselves. This training will allow for you to go back to your respective units and communities to create even more resilient Airmen.”
According to Sweet, this training was of vital importance to fostering healthy lifestyles, building positive relationships, confidence and improving awareness of base programs, services and resources.