New resiliency training takes off at Yokota

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Desiree Economides
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  First-term Airmen attend a new resiliency training course June 14, 2013, at the Professional Development Center at Yokota Air Base, Japan.

The eight-hour class, which features interactive discussions and situational examples, teaches students skills based off of the four Comprehensive Airmen Fitness domains: mental, social, physical and spiritual health.

"The resiliency training not only teaches a new way of thinking, but it allows our Airmen to put the skills into action in the classroom," said Ron Draper, 374th Airlift Wing community support coordinator.

Though all First Term Airman Centers are slated to launch similar courses by June 28, Yokota is ahead of schedule, now teaching its third class to Airmen.

"We have a lot of reactive services in the military, but this is a proactive program," said Master Sgt. Adam Wright, a master resiliency trainer at Yokota. "It is designed to give people skills before they need them so when situations happen they are prepared."

Draper has bigger goals for the program beyond Yokota's FTAC.

"My goal is to get this training to everyone in the community," Draper said. "Squadrons, professional development courses, spouses and even the Department of Defense schools on base can benefit from it."

Currently, Yokota has three master resiliency trainers able to teach the course. Each trainer attended a two-week course at the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J.

"I have yet to see someone who hasn't gained something from this course," Wright said. "I myself was a skeptic at first, but after taking the course, I've become a better father, better husband and better Airman."

Those interested in coordinating or attending a course can contact Ron Draper at 225-5172.